Executive Director - Commercial, Planning and Project Controls

The role holder is responsible for excellence in leading the Commercial, Planning and Project Controls function (CP&P), within the overall Projects Department. The individual will lead a team of 50+ professionals planning, reporting, contract administration, Change & Claims management, budget estimation & benchmarking, cost controlling and financial reporting. The individual shall ensure a successful global portfolio execution over the entire Projects Lifecycle (Master planning through to handing over the asset) in line with the internal business targets. This role will be collaborating with Projects delivery teams (including Development stakeholders) to provide the necessary support and direction to the projects team and stakeholders.

Key Responsibilities

Strategy & Planning

• Develop and implement the CP&P strategy and business plans aligned with the organization's strategic objectives.
• Establish and execute CP&P objectives and scorecards in line with business goals to support overall organizational performance.

Stakeholder Management

• Represent SEVEN with local and international partners, ventures, and enterprises to build and maintain strong stakeholder relationships.
• Manage and engage internal stakeholders to support the achievement of business objectives.

Budget Management

• Lead the corporate budgeting process for Projects and ensure timely submission in compliance with budgeting policies.
• Oversee budget utilization across CP&P functions to ensure spending remains within approved allocations.

Governance & Resilience

• Develop and maintain CP&P policies, procedures, and controls to drive operational excellence.
• Ensure adherence to governance requirements while enabling business needs and project delivery.
• Direct day-to-day CP&P operations and ensure compliance with approved policies and procedures.

People Management

• Lead performance management and evaluation processes in alignment with HR policies.
• Manage and develop Directors and senior leaders within the function.
• Coach, mentor, and develop talent to achieve departmental and organizational goals.
• Foster employee engagement, capability development, and continuous improvement.
• Conduct regular team meetings to communicate strategic priorities, align objectives, and monitor progress.

Functional Accountabilities

Cost Planning, Estimating & Benchmarking

• Lead all pre-contract cost estimating, cost planning, and benchmarking activities.
• Participate in and lead commercial review processes for tenders.

Cost Control & Reporting

• Oversee project cost control across the portfolio and report risks, challenges, and opportunities to the CPO and SVP.
• Lead monthly project reporting, project reviews, and results consolidation for executive management.
• Manage cash flow forecasting, review, and reporting.
• Conduct scenario analysis and provide strategic recommendations to support decision-making.

Change & Claims Management

• Lead Change Management and serve as a member of the Change Committee.
• Lead the Claims Management function in coordination with the Director, Claims.
• Act as the escalation point for major commercial issues related to PMCs and CMCs.

Governance & Audit

• Ensure implementation and compliance of commercial processes and procedures.
• Lead internal and external commercial audits.
• Ensure commercial protection of the business through effective correspondence and contractual strategies.

Commercial Validation

• Oversee review and validation of contractor quantities, supplier invoices, subcontractor claims, and project expenditures.
• Represent the commercial function on management committees and executive leadership forums.

Planning & Cost Control

• Direct planning and cost-control support across projects.
• Monitor project milestones, variations, and payment validations.
• Ensure project costs are consistently tracked against approved budgets.

Business Planning

• Lead the development and ongoing update of business plans throughout the project lifecycle, from design stages through delivery.

Reporting & Analysis

• Prepare and oversee schedule-related reporting for Delivery Managers, PMO, SVP, and CPO.
• Lead the Planning function, including:
• Periodic reporting
• Extension of Time (EOT) analysis
• Business plan monitoring
• Progress reviews and updates

Leadership Scope

This role serves as the executive lead for all Commercial, Planning, and Project Controls activities, ensuring strong governance, financial control, strategic planning, stakeholder alignment, and organizational performance across the project portfolio.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying
• Master’s degree in Finance, Accounting, or equivalent is preferred
• Experience in Commercial, Project Planning and Cost Control in multiple sectors (government, private, semi-government) is preferred