Commercial Director

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GEDON Executive is seeking a highly accomplished and strategic Commercial Director to take a leadership role with a Global Tier 1 Contractor based in Lisbon, Portugal. This executive position is critical to the firm's operations in Europe, focusing on the delivery of highly complex Pharma, Data Centre, and Advanced Industrial Facilities.

We are looking for a seasoned leader with 15+ years of experience in senior commercial roles who can drive strategic profitability, ensure contractual integrity, and lead a high‑performing commercial division across a demanding technical project portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Strategy & Leadership: Define and execute the overall commercial strategy for the region, ensuring maximum profitability and effective risk management across all projects (Pharma, Data Centres, Advanced Industrial).
• Contractual Governance: Lead all high‑level contractual negotiations, reviews, and administration, focusing on complex contract forms (FIDIC, NEC, JCT) used in international technical construction.
• Financial Oversight: Take ultimate financial accountability for the project portfolio, directing commercial teams on budgeting, forecasting, cash flow, and detailed Cost Value Reconciliations (CVRs).
• Claims & Dispute Resolution: Strategically manage all major claims, disputes, and variation negotiations with clients, subcontractors, and key stakeholders to protect the company's commercial position.
• Team Development: Lead, mentor, and develop the regional commercial team (Commercial Managers, SQSs), instilling a culture of commercial excellence, best practice, and ethical governance.
• Client & Stakeholder Relations: Act as the senior commercial point of contact for clients, maintaining strong, long‑term relationships to secure repeat business and manage commercial expectations.
• Pre‑Construction Input: Work closely with the Bids and Estimating teams to ensure commercial viability and risk assessment are integrated into all pre‑contract activities.

What You’ll Bring

• Executive Experience: Minimum 15+ years of experience in senior commercial leadership roles (e. g. , Commercial Director, Head of Commercial) within a Tier 1 Contractor, Developer, or Major Consultancy.
• Sector Specialisation: Essential experience managing the full commercial lifecycle of highly complex technical building projects, specifically Pharmaceutical, Data Centre, and/or Advanced Manufacturing facilities.
• Global Acumen: Proven ability to manage and administer complex contracts and commercial operations across different jurisdictions (Europe/Global).
• Leadership & Influence: Exceptional strategic thinking, negotiation, and communication skills, capable of operating at executive level both internally and externally.
• Qualifications: A relevant degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Economics, or a related field. Professional chartership (MRICS, SCSI, etc. ) is highly desirable.
• Location: Willingness to be based in Lisbon, Portugal, to lead the regional commercial division.

What Our Client Offers

• Executive Compensation: A highly competitive salary ranging from €150, 000 to €200, 000, commensurate with
  - level experience and responsibility.
• Strategic Role: A key leadership position driving the European success of a globally renowned Tier 1 contractor in high‑growth technical sectors.
• Location: The opportunity to be based in the vibrant and attractive city of Lisbon.

The GEDON Advantage

GEDON Executive specializes in executive search within the global pre‑construction and commercial leadership sectors. We are dedicated to connecting visionary leaders with roles that define industry standards.

Seniority level: Director | Employment type: Full‑time | Job function: Management, Administrative, and Accounting/Auditing | Industries: Construction