Vice President, Contracts & Commercial

Role overview

The Vice President of Contracts & Commercial will lead the Commercial, Contracts, and Finance teams, providing end-to-end commercial and contract support across Major Projects Delivery (MPD). The role covers commercial strategy, stakeholder interfaces, progress reporting, contract risk and benefits analysis, cost control, as well as the creation and closure of contracts. It also includes oversight of the appointed Cost Consultants and their performance.

Key responsibilities

• Direct project processes so major projects are delivered within approved budgets, timelines, safety expectations, and procurement frameworks.
• Track the work, output, and performance of PMCMs, Cost Consultants, Design Consultants, Contractors, and Suppliers to ensure commercial and contractual alignment.
• Ensure major projects support the organization’s strategy from initiation through commissioning and handover, working closely with other MPD sections.
• Handle commercial matters for PMCMs, Cost Consultants, Design Consultants, and other parties, ensuring contracts and legal arrangements support strategic goals.
• Oversee procurement, contract administration, commercial administration, and cost control across the full project lifecycle, applying best practice to maximize value and reduce risk.
• Allocate project tasks across the Contract & Commercial team based on team members’ strengths, experience, and capability, while coordinating resources for multiple projects.
• Set up, manage, and update cost control and contract management systems for all MPD projects.
• Prepare, review, and control project budgets and cash flows with Cost Consultants, monitoring costs to meet budget and schedule targets.
• Monitor overall project budgets and align supplier negotiations, expansion work, and business priorities with financial plans.
• Review payment applications and invoices from consultants, contractors, and suppliers to confirm they match contractual terms.
• Check project correspondence, reports, and related documents to ensure consistency with contract requirements and procedures.
• Assess proposal and tender documents, take part in tendering and evaluation activities, and support recommendations for both new and existing project contracts.
• Advise on procurement strategy and oversee procurement processes to ensure compliance with tender rules and procedures.
• Work with internal teams, external parties, regulators, and project stakeholders to support project delivery while reducing operational disruption.
• Manage contracts with PMCMs, consultants, contractors, and suppliers, ensuring tasks and deliverables are clearly defined and communicated.
• Review and assess contract variations and changes, ensuring there is proper justification, basis, and cost validation through a structured change-control process.
• Establish and refine contract, cost control, project, and construction management processes for both existing and new contracts, including negotiation, governance, and closure activities.
• Support resource planning by assigning capable staff to projects according to complexity and scale.
• Help resolve contractual disputes by assessing claims, extensions of time, and procurement buy-outs, while maintaining consistency with company requirements.
• Contribute to dispute resolution by evaluating time and cost impacts and participating in mediation, arbitration, and similar proceedings where needed.
• Provide regular project updates to the Senior Project Director, client, and stakeholders on contract strategy, changes, and progress.
• Prepare reports for senior management on contract and commercial project status, highlighting deviations and ensuring corrective action is taken.
• Maintain strong working relationships with Cost Consultants to support collaboration across the team.
• Lead and facilitate commercial and budget meetings and workshops, using financial analysis to refine objectives and support successful delivery.
• Carry out any other department-related duties assigned by the Head of Department.

Candidate profile

This role suits an experienced commercial and contracts leader with a strong background in quantity surveying, cost management, and large-scale project delivery, especially in airport or multi-phase environments.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent qualification, with at least 10 years of relevant experience.
• A recognized degree in Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Construction Management, or a similar field, supported by at least 25 years of relevant experience.
• At least 25 years of professional experience in quantity surveying and cost management on large, complex projects.
• At least 10 years of experience in pre-contract and post-contract work on large international airport projects (more than 20 MAP) or similarly large multi-phase developments; experience in an operational airport setting is preferred.
• At least 5 years of experience in contract administration for PMCM, Consultancy, Design Consultancy, and Cost Consultancy contracts.
• At least 10 years of site-based experience.
• Professional registration as a Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS) or an equivalent credential.
• Proven experience leading commercial, contract, legal, and finance teams.
• Working knowledge of basic aviation rules and regulations applicable to construction activity.
• Familiarity with quantity surveying and cost management software or systems.

Additional information

The role also includes working with internal and external stakeholders, preparing management reporting, advising on procurement and contract matters, handling variations and disputes, and supporting budget governance across multiple projects. No specific salary, perks, vacancy count, application deadline, or start date was provided.