Project Director/Commercial Leader

Shape a future with purpose at Arup in Istanbul.

Arup’s purpose, shared values and collaborative approach has set us apart for over 75 years, guiding how we shape a better world. 

Our Advisory Services (AS) Team plays a key role in delivering strategic and impactful solutions across diverse disciplines, including engineering, architecture, transport, and energy. By working closely with experts across Arup, we help clients navigate complex challenges, drive sustainable outcomes, and create lasting value.

The Project Director/Commercial Leader will oversee the strategic and commercial management of the projects within the organization. This role combines the responsibilities of project management and commercial leadership to ensure successful project delivery and commercial performance. The Project Director/Commercial Leader will work closely with multidisciplinary teams, clients, and senior leadership to drive sustainable outcomes and enhance the company's market position.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a high-calibre and experienced The Project Director/Commercial Leader with a technical background in engineering or architecture.

As a Project Director/Commercial Leader at Arup, you will:

• Strategy/Leadership:

-          Support the Group in setting the commercial framework for strategic development.

-          Strengthen commercial resilience in Group by organising appropriate commercial structure and increasing commercial       awareness.

-          Liaison with Group Legal champion and Arup’s legal teams.

• Commercial Performance:

-          Organise monthly Group Commercial meetings, prepare reporting and inform leadership about performance.

-          Oversee commercial performance of business units against KPIs and agree appropriate improvement plans.

-          Focus on historical performance as well as forward looking pipeline and anticipate workload and resourcing issues.

• Projects:

Act as Project Director (PD) and/or Commercial Leader (CL) in projects.

Project Director responsibilities:

-          Lead the delivery of multidisciplinary design and advisory projects and carry the ultimate responsibility for the success of projects and client satisfaction.

-          Ensure that the project team is appropriate and positively engaged.

-          Approve the appointment of sub-consultants.

-          Ensure that the project is reviewed both technically and commercially at all appropriate stages.

-          Ensure that appropriate records of the project are generated and disseminated.

-          Advise the Group Leader of potential problems that could affect the outcome of the project, and for requesting assistance in a timely manner.

-          Oversee all material financial and commercial issues.

-          Regularly review project quality and progress with the Project Manager.

-          Communicate and work regularly with the client to see that our performance meets their expectations.

-          Oversee change management and lead additional services negotiation.

-          Arrange for feedback from the client on completion including a client satisfaction review.

-          Ensure that the project is delivered in compliance with all Arup Policies and processes.

Commercial Leader responsibilities:

-          Act as Commercial Leader to provide appropriate support to PDs and PMs in project delivery, assessing risks and opportunities.

-          Ensure projects reviews are carried out in accordance with their risk level as per the company’s procedures.

-          Support PDs and PMs in Project Controls, Earned Value, contractual arrangements, terms and conditions, disputes and claims resolution.

-          Ensure adoption/usage of company’s project and commercial management tools.

• Bidding and Business Development:
  

-          Provide advice on commercial aspects of bidding (including profit, contingency, risks and opportunities).

-          Develop and maintain Group Bid Review procedures.

-          Ensure adherence to company’s bid review procedures and ensure usage and update of Client Relationship Management tool.

-          Support the Group’s Business Leaders in business development in reviewing targeted clients and targeted businesses/markets.

• Financial Planning and cost control:

-          Support the preparation and updates of the Annual Financial plan and targets.

-          Support finance team as necessary.

-          Review non-billable costs and ensure budget holders are accountable for their costs.

• Training:

-          Plan and monitor delivery of commercial trainings.

-          Support the application of ‘On the job commercial learning’ within the Group.

-          Together with Group Learning representative, ensure sufficient enrolment of staff in the Commercial Learning path and progression of enrollees.

-          Ensure sufficient accreditation of PMs and PDs for the delivery of projects and proficiency of necessary training and skills.

Does this role inspire you?

We're looking for someone who is passionate about Project Director/Commercial Leader. We also value:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, or a related field.
• Project management qualifications, such as a master's degree, PMP, etc.
• Strong understanding of the local market and industry.
• Excellent commercial and contractual awareness, experience in drafting, negotiating and administering design, advisory and construction contracts.
• Proven experience in commercial and project management roles in the built environment across the typical project lifecycle.
• Strong communication, negotiation, and influencing skills, experienced in client facing roles and managing different clients/organisations.
• Proven experience working closely with multidisciplinary and international teams to develop and deliver solutions that meet the client’s brief.
• Leadership and team management skills, including coaching, conflict resolution, setting clear goals, and driving successful delivery.
• No travel restriction.
• Fluency in English is essential. Potential candidates will be required to undertake an English language test from the company’s test provider.

Why Arup?

At Arup, we believe in rewarding our members for their contributions to our shared success. As a trust-owned company, we have the freedom to pursue meaningful work that aligns with our purpose and values. We also offer a unique profit share program, allowing our members to share in the results of our collective efforts.

Benefits that work for you:

• Professional Growth & Development: Benefit from continuous learning opportunities, training programs, and mentorship to enhance your skills and advance your career at Arup.
• Global Opportunities: Collaborate with colleagues worldwide and explore potential short-term or long-term assignments at other Arup offices and project locations.
• Financial Well-being & Ownership: Receive a competitive salary and benefits package and share in Arup's success through our global profit-sharing programme.

At Arup, you belong to an extraordinary collective where individuality is encouraged. Our strength comes from how we respect, share, and connect our diverse experiences, perspectives, and ideas. You'll have the opportunity to do socially useful work that has meaning – to Arup, to your career, and to the clients and communities we serve.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer and are committed to building a workplace that reflects the rich diversity of the world around us. We actively promote a culture of inclusion where everyone feels welcome, respected, and valued.

We welcome applications from talented individuals of all backgrounds, regardless of age (within legal limits), gender identity or expression, disability, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, or any other protected characteristic. We are committed to making our recruitment process and workplaces accessible. If you need any assistance or adjustments, please visit our Candidate Support page for contact information and assistance. We're happy to help.

Do you want to join us in shaping a better world?

Apply using the "Apply for Job" button above