Commercial Director

Commercial Director – Branded Residences Development

Location: Dubai, UAE

Project Overview

Our client is a leading real estate developer delivering a high-profile luxury branded waterfront residences project in Ras Al Khaimah, UAE. The development combines world-class hospitality standards with premium residential living and represents a flagship project within the region.

Role Overview

The Commercial Director will lead all commercial, contractual, and cost management activities across the full project lifecycle, from pre-construction through to handover. The role requires extensive experience in luxury residential and hospitality developments, with a strong understanding of branded residences and hospitality operator requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and implement the overall commercial strategy for the project
• Manage procurement of consultants, main contractors, specialist subcontractors, and suppliers
• Prepare, negotiate, and administer all project contracts and commercial agreements
• Oversee project budgets, cost plans, cash flow forecasts, and financial reporting
• Manage valuations, payment certifications, variations, claims, and final accounts
• Implement effective cost control and value engineering initiatives
• Lead tender processes including bid evaluation and commercial recommendations
• Manage commercial risk, contractual compliance, and dispute resolution
• Interface closely with design, project management, construction teams, and hospitality operators
• Oversee FF&E and OS&E commercial and procurement matters
• Lead, mentor, and develop commercial and quantity surveying teams
• Provide regular commercial reports and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders

Required Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or related discipline
• Minimum 15 years’ commercial management experience in UAE or GCC real estate developments
• Proven track record on luxury residential, hospitality, or branded residences projects
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts (FIDIC, JCT, or similar)
• Experience managing large-scale project budgets in excess of AED 500 million
• In-depth understanding of UAE construction market, procurement practices, and contractual frameworks
• Excellent financial, commercial, and negotiation skills
• Fluency in English (written and verbal)

Highly Preferred

• MRICS / RICS Chartered Quantity Surveyor or Master’s degree
• Experience with Fairmont or comparable luxury hospitality brands
• Waterfront or island development experience
• Strong understanding of hospitality FF&E and OS&E procurement
• Arabic language skills

What We Offer

• Senior leadership role on a landmark luxury branded residences project
• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package
• Strategic position with significant influence on project delivery
• Professional development and long-term career growth opportunities
• Collaborative and high-performance working environment