Director Portfolio Controls & Change Management

About the Role

This senior leadership position is tasked with the development, execution, and oversight of Commercial Controls, Change Management, Reporting & Consolidation, Cost Systems, Governance, Procedures, and dedicated Document Control activities within the SEVEN portfolio.

The role supervises a team responsible for portfolio reporting, project controls governance, cost management, change management (baseline and non-baseline), commercial assurance, process development, document control, as well as training and capability building. It ensures delivery of precise, prompt, and transparent performance metrics to facilitate well-informed decision-making at project, programme, portfolio, and executive levels.

As the custodian of portfolio cost data, reporting mechanisms, change governance, and related management systems, the Director guarantees consistency, adherence to policies, and continuous advancements across projects. This position collaborates closely with project teams, finance, procurement, PMCs, CMCs, and contractors to establish an efficient control environment conducive to successful project completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Foster a unified team culture that seamlessly integrates across business functions.
• Lead Commercial Controls, Reporting, Change Management, and Document Control operations across the portfolio.
• Assist the Executive Director in shaping and executing strategic direction for the function.
• Design and implement strategic roadmaps, yearly objectives, and improvement programs.
• Contribute to operational plans and annual budgets for the function.
• Develop and track functional KPIs and performance metrics.
• Encourage a "no-surprise" culture through active reporting, forecasting, and issue escalation.
• Champion continuous enhancements in governance, reporting, automation, and operational efficiency.
• Represent SEVEN in all matters of commercial controls, reporting, and governance with internal and external stakeholders.
• Establish and uphold portfolio-wide control frameworks, governance protocols, and assurance mechanisms ensuring compliance with all policies, procedures, and delegated authorities.
• Lead assurance audits to verify adherence to controls and reporting standards.
• Serve as custodian of commercial controls standards throughout the portfolio.
• Support executive leadership decision-making through data analysis and recommendations.
• Oversee portfolio reporting activities, standardizing reporting frameworks and producing monthly, executive, dashboard, and portfolio performance reports.
• Integrate project cost, commercial, and performance data into consolidated portfolio outputs.
• Analyze performance trends, forecasts, variances, risks, and opportunities; develop executive dashboards and MIS tools.
• Maintain strategic reporting schedules ensuring timely delivery of reports and early warning indicators.
• Act as business owner for Aconex Connected Cost and related project control systems; lead system implementations, enhancements, and automation initiatives.
• Manage portfolio coding structures like CBS and WBS; guarantee data integrity, quality, and accurate period-end closures.
• Oversee portfolio master data governance and support digital transformation efforts.
• Lead baseline and non-baseline change management activities; chair change committees; ensure project changes are reviewed and approved per procedures and authority guidelines.
• Maintain change registers and provide assurance on cost impacts and related business cases.
• Develop, maintain, and periodically review commercial controls, reporting, change management, and governance procedures and documentation.
• Conduct compliance audits and maturity evaluations; create training materials and deliver capability development sessions.
• Lead the portfolio-specific Document Control operations, ensuring standards, protocols, workflows, and record completeness.
• Build and nurture relationships across projects, finance, procurement, PMCs, CMCs, contractors, and consultants for smooth controls and reporting interactions.
• Drive implementation of the Commercial & Project Controls strategy with standardization and operational improvements.
• Analyze complex portfolio challenges, offer solutions, provide independent assurance, and escalate significant risks.
• Promote robust health, safety, and environmental practices and ensure compliance.
• Lead and develop multiple teams including Reporting & Consolidation, Change Management, Cost Systems, and Document Control with a focus on performance management, coaching, succession planning, and fostering an inclusive, high-achieving culture.
• Adhere strictly to SEVEN's Code of Conduct and perform additional duties as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, Project Management, or a related discipline.
• Preferred: Master's degree in Business Administration.
• Professional certifications such as APM (Association for Project Management), PPM (Professional in Project Management), and PgMP (Program Management Professional).