Executive Director – Commercial, Planning, and Project Controls

Role Overview

The Executive Director will head the Commercial, Planning, and Project Controls (CP&P) function within the Projects Department, overseeing a large team of over 50 professionals. The position is pivotal in ensuring the successful execution of a global project portfolio throughout its life cycle, from master planning to asset handover. This executive is responsible for strategic leadership, ensuring operational excellence, and aligning CP&P activities with the broader organizational goals.

Key Duties

• Strategic Development & Implementation: Craft and execute CP&P strategies and business plans that closely align with organizational objectives.
• Stakeholder Management: Build and sustain strong partnerships with both local and international stakeholders, as well as internal teams, to drive project success.
• Budget Oversight: Lead all budgeting activities for Projects, monitor budget usage, and guarantee adherence to company policies.
• Governance & Compliance: Develop, maintain, and ensure strict compliance with CP&P procedures and controls to elevate operational standards and meet governance requirements.
• People Leadership: Direct performance evaluation and talent development among senior managers, fostering a collaborative, high-performing team environment.

Functional Responsibilities

• Cost Management: Oversee all pre-contract cost estimates, cost planning, and benchmarking; lead commercial reviews for tenders and manage portfolio-wide cost control.
• Reporting & Analysis: Supervise regular project reporting, cash flow management, and comprehensive analysis to support strategic decision-making.
• Change & Claims Management: Guide Change Management processes, lead Claims Management in collaboration with internal directors, and serve as the main escalation point for commercial disputes.
• Audit & Governance: Ensure compliance with all commercial processes; lead both internal and external audit processes; and enforce solid contractual protections for the business.
• Commercial Validation: Supervise validations of contractor and supplier documentation, participate in executive leadership forums, and represent the commercial function at the highest levels.
• Planning & Cost Controls: Direct the project planning function, monitor key project milestones, variations, and expenditure tracking against budget.
• Business Planning: Lead and continuously refine business plans from initial design through project delivery.

Requirements

• Bachelor's in Quantity Surveying; a Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or related fields is highly desirable.
• Minimum 20 years of experience, with at least 10 years in senior management within CP&P functions.
• Extensive expertise in commercial, project planning, and cost control roles within diverse sectors such as government, semi-government, and private industry.

Leadership Scope

This position acts as the chief executive for all Commercial, Planning, and Project Controls activity, driving strong governance, robust financial management, strategic project planning, and consistent stakeholder engagement across the organization’s project portfolio.