Program Controls Director -Aviation

The Commercial Director will oversee contract management, cost control, claims, procurement, and commercial reporting activities across terminal, airfield, and infrastructure works. Working closely with program directors, PMCM teams, and key stakeholders, the successful candidate will ensure commercial excellence, compliance, and effective risk management across this multi-billion-dollar infrastructure program. 

What You’ll Be Doing: 

1. Commercial Strategy & Leadership 

• Develop and lead the overall commercial strategy for the program, ensuring alignment with corporate and program objectives. 

• Establish policies, procedures, and performance metrics for cost control, contract management, and procurement activities. 

• Provide senior-level guidance and commercial leadership across all project phases — from procurement and contract award through to closeout. 

• Drive a culture of commercial discipline, accountability, and continuous improvement across all teams. 

2. Contract Management & Administration 

• Oversee the management of all program contracts, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and obligations. 

• Direct the evaluation and administration of contractor claims, variations, and extensions of time. 

• Ensure that contractual documentation is accurate, current, and reflects project realities. 

• Support resolution of contractual disputes, coordinating with legal and project teams as necessary. 

3. Procurement & Supply Chain Management 

• Lead procurement planning, tendering, and bid evaluation processes to secure the best value for the program. 

• Develop sourcing strategies that promote transparency, competition, and quality assurance. 

• Collaborate with technical teams to ensure procurement aligns with design, schedule, and construction requirements. 

• Maintain oversight of supplier performance, ensuring adherence to delivery commitments and contract terms. 

4. Financial & Cost Management 

• Monitor and control the program’s cost performance, ensuring adherence to approved budgets and financial objectives. 

• Oversee the preparation of accurate cost forecasts, cash flow analyses, and earned value reports. 

• Review and validate contractor invoices, payment applications, and change requests. 

• Ensure timely and accurate financial reporting to support strategic decision-making. 

5. Claims, Dispute Resolution & Negotiation 

• Lead commercial evaluations and negotiations for claims, variations, and contract amendments. 

• Provide strategic advice and recommendations on dispute avoidance and resolution. 

• Coordinate with legal advisors and technical experts to prepare and defend contractual positions. 

• Ensure fair, timely, and well-documented settlements in line with program interests. 

6. Risk Management & Mitigation 

• Identify and evaluate commercial and financial risks across all program contracts and packages. 

• Work with project directors and risk managers to develop and implement effective mitigation strategies. 

• Participate in risk review workshops, maintaining a live commercial risk register. 

• Ensure risk allocation and management are clearly defined and embedded in all contract documents. 

7. Value Engineering & Cost Optimization 

• Collaborate with design and construction teams to identify opportunities for value engineering and lifecycle cost improvements. 

• Support constructability reviews and cost-benefit analyses to ensure design efficiency and cost-effectiveness. 

• Drive initiatives that maximize project value while maintaining safety, quality, and performance standards. 

8. Stakeholder Management & Interface Coordination 

• Coordinate closely with program directors, PMCM teams, and external stakeholders to ensure commercial objectives are fully integrated across all disciplines. 

• Facilitate interfaces between commercial, design, and construction functions to maintain consistency and transparency. 

• Provide senior management with regular updates on financial performance, risks, and key commercial issues. 

• Represent the commercial function in executive meetings and governance reviews. 

9. Reporting & Governance 

• Prepare and present monthly, quarterly, and milestone-based commercial performance reports. 

• Ensure alignment with program-wide financial policies, accounting standards, and audit requirements. 

• Provide executive briefings on financial forecasts, cost-to-complete, and variance analyses. 

• Maintain robust governance, ensuring that all commercial activities comply with client and regulatory frameworks. 

10. Contract Closeout & Handover 

• Oversee contract closeout activities, ensuring all financial, legal, and administrative obligations are fulfilled. 

• Review and validate final accounts and claims settlements prior to contract closure. 

• Support financial reconciliation and final reporting to ensure a complete commercial handover. 

• Capture lessons learned to enhance commercial practices in future program phases. 

11. Leadership, Mentorship & Team Development 

• Lead, mentor, and develop commercial managers, quantity surveyors, and cost engineers across the program. 

• Build a high-performing team culture focused on collaboration, technical excellence, and ethical conduct. 

• Provide training and professional development support to strengthen commercial capabilities within the organization. 

• Promote continuous improvement through feedback, benchmarking, and knowledge-sharing initiatives. 

What Required Skills You’ll Bring: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or Business Administration (Master’s degree preferred). 

• Professional certification such as MRICS, MCIOB, AACE, or PMP is highly desirable. 

• Minimum of 15  years’ experience in commercial management, with significant exposure to large-scale airport or infrastructure programs. 

• Proven track record in managing contracts, claims, procurement, and financial reporting within complex, multi-package projects. 

• Demonstrated leadership experience in a PMCM, EPC, or EPCM environment. 

• In-depth understanding of international contract forms such as FIDIC, NEC, and bespoke EPC/EPCM frameworks. 

• Strong commercial acumen, negotiation, and dispute resolution skills. 

• Proficiency with cost and project management software (e.g., SAP, Oracle, Aconex, or similar). 

• Strong analytical and financial modeling skills with attention to accuracy and detail. 

• Excellent leadership and communication skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders at all levels. 

What Desired Skills You’ll Bring: 

• Chartered status with RICS, CIOB, or AACE. 

• Advanced training in contract law, dispute resolution, or project finance. 

• Experience within airport infrastructure programs or other complex, multi-stakeholder megaprojects. 

• Familiarity with PMCM (Project Management and Construction Management) environments and ORAT (Operational Readiness and Airport Transfer) processes. 

• Knowledge of digital commercial management systems, cost control databases, and ERP integration. 

• Experience leveraging data analytics and automated reporting to enhance commercial visibility and decision-making.