Commercial Director

A leading construction company is seeking a high-performing Commercial Director to lead all commercial activities across its engineering and construction operations. The role will provide end-to-end commercial oversight, from pre-contract planning through contract execution to post-contract optimization; ensuring value for money, operational efficiency, and profitability on every project. The Commercial Director will lead efforts in contract management, pricing, revenue growth, and risk mitigation.

The role will also provide strategic commercial support to associated businesses and subsidiaries within the broader group, including those in building construction, quarry operations, mining support services, real estate and agribusiness, where appropriate.

In this pivotal role, you will be responsible for:

1. Commercial Strategy & Group Oversight

• Develop and execute the overall commercial strategy of the company in alignment with corporate goals.
• Support the Group MD and Board with data-driven insights, strategic recommendations, and deal evaluations.

2. Pre-Contract Planning & Strategy

• Lead commercial assessments of project opportunities including cost estimates, pricing strategies, and profitability modelling.
• Direct preparation of bids and tender submissions in collaboration with estimating, legal, and technical teams.
• Shape commercial terms during contract negotiations to protect KYS’ interests and ensure clarity on deliverables and risks.

3. Contract Execution & Commercial Management

• Oversee the commercial administration of all ongoing projects — ensuring costs, scope changes, and timelines are properly tracked and controlled.
• Manage the preparation and negotiation of variations, interim valuations, and claims in accordance with contract terms.
• Collaborate with project managers and finance to ensure timely invoicing, payments, and healthy cash flow management.

4. Post-Contract Analysis & Value Assurance

• Conduct commercial close-out reviews on completed projects to assess margin performance and cost recovery.
• Identify and document lessons learned to inform future bidding and delivery strategies.
• Strengthen systems for project profitability tracking and value engineering.

5. Commercial Governance & Process Leadership

• Establish and institutionalize commercial processes, templates, KPIs, and reporting mechanisms across KYS projects.
• Ensure commercial policies and practices are aligned with contract types (FIDIC, PPA, EPC, etc.) and Ghanaian legal frameworks.
• Advise management on risk exposure, contractual obligations, and dispute resolution.

6. Strategic Support to Subsidiaries & Affiliates:

• Provide guidance and commercial oversight on major projects undertaken by associated businesses, where needed.
• Support the structuring of commercial frameworks for group-affiliated ventures in building construction, quarry operations, mining support services, etc.
• Coordinate with leadership of related companies to promote cross-entity alignment and margin protection.

7. Team Leadership:

• Lead a high-performing team of commercial professionals including quantity surveyors, estimators,and contract administrators.
• Build capabilities across project teams in commercial literacy, contract compliance, and cost discipline.
• Promote a culture of performance, accountability, and ethical contract management.
• Maintain robust financial oversight including budgeting, cash flow, and cost optimization.

8. Team Development & Operational Systems

• Recruit and lead a capable multidisciplinary team including engineers, quantity surveyors, supervisors, planners, HSE personnel, and administrative staff.
• Establish internal systems for project management, reporting, human resources, and performance tracking.
• Foster a high-performance culture focused on delivery, accountability, and ethical conduct.

9. Governance & Risk Management

• Ensure full legal and regulatory compliance in all operational areas.
• Implement risk management frameworks across contracts, operations, and finance.
• Champion quality, HSE, and ESG best practices across the organization.

Qualifications, Skills and Related Experience 

Qualification 

• Bachelor’s degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, Construction Economics, or related field 

• MBA, MSc in Construction Law/Commercial Management, or equivalent is strongly preferred 

• Professional membership (e.g., RICS, CIArb, GhIS, or CIOB) is highly desirable . 

Work Experience

 • Minimum of 12–15 years’ experience in a commercial leadership role within a top-tier construction, infrastructure, or engineering company 

• Proven experience managing multi-million-dollar contracts and projects, including PPPs and donor funded works 

• Experience across various sectors including road infrastructure, building construction, mining support, and quarrying 

• Exposure to multi-company group structures, subsidiaries, and JV arrangements 

Competencies 

• Strong negotiation and deal-structuring skills 

• Deep understanding of Ghana’s construction laws, PPA, and FIDIC standards 

• Financial and analytical acumen 

• Commercial risk management and cost control proficiency 

• Leadership and strategic planning capability 

• Excellent interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills 

Interested and qualified, please submit your CV, application letter and copies of your certificates with the subject of the email indicating “Commercial Director”, not later than 12 August 2024.NB: Only short-listed applicants will be contacted.