Senior Manager - Strategic Commercial Contracts

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Dubai Airports is seeking an experienced Senior Manager - Strategic Commercial Contracts to oversee high-value strategic agreements critical to airport operations. This role goes beyond traditional contract management, requiring you to build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders, translate business priorities into commercially viable contracts, and balance operational needs with risk and long-term partnership value while leading negotiations and performance oversight. What matters most is a proven track record managing large-scale strategic contracts, exceptional negotiation and stakeholder engagement, and a commercial, analytical mindset that can influence senior leaders and align diverse interests. Preferred experience includes Fuel Concession and Ground Handling agreements and other aviation partnerships; logistics, ports, free zones, or infrastructure backgrounds are also valued. To apply, tailor your CV to highlight high-value deals and measurable outcomes, provide concise examples of cross-functional collaboration, and confirm willingness to be onsite in Dubai.

Senior Manager – Strategic Commercial Contracts

About the Role

Dubai Airports is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Senior Manager – Strategic Commercial Contracts to oversee a portfolio of high-value, strategic commercial agreements that are critical to the success of airport operations. The role is focused on managing complex commercial partnerships, driving contract strategy, leading negotiations, and ensuring contracts continue to deliver long-term value to the business. 

This is not a traditional contract management role. We are looking for an individual who can build trusted relationships with internal and external stakeholders, understand diverse business priorities, and work collaboratively to develop commercially viable solutions. The successful candidate will play a key role in translating these solutions into contractual arrangements that balance operational requirements, commercial objectives, risk management, and long-term partnership success. 

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the management, negotiation, renewal, amendment, and performance oversight of strategic commercial contracts.
• Partner with business stakeholders, operators, and commercial partners to identify opportunities, resolve challenges, and develop mutually beneficial outcomes.
• Drive contract strategies that support business growth, operational efficiency, and risk mitigation.
• Support and lead complex commercial tenders and procurement initiatives.
• Provide expert advice on contractual, commercial, and governance matters to senior stakeholders.
• Manage contract-related risks and ensure compliance with applicable policies, regulations, and governance requirements.
• Monitor contractual performance and lead the resolution of complex commercial issues and disputes.
• Build strong, collaborative relationships with both internal stakeholders and external business partners to support long-term partnerships. 
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About You

You are a strategic thinker with strong commercial acumen and extensive experience managing complex, high-value contracts within a dynamic business environment. You are equally comfortable negotiating commercial agreements, influencing senior stakeholders, and working collaboratively with partners to find practical solutions that create value for all parties.

You possess exceptional relationship management skills and understand that successful contract management extends beyond legal terms and conditions—it requires strong partnerships, commercial insight, and the ability to align diverse stakeholder interests.

Preferred Experience

We strongly prefer candidates with experience in:

• Fuel Concession Agreements
• Ground Handling Agreements
• Aviation commercial partnerships and strategic service agreements

These sectors are highly relevant to our operational environment and will enable the successful candidate to add immediate value.

Alternatively, professionals with relevant commercial contract management experience gained within:

• Logistics and supply chain organisations
• Ports and maritime operations
• Free zones and economic zones
• Other large-scale infrastructure, transportation, or asset-intensive industries

.What You'll Bring

• Proven experience managing large-scale strategic commercial contracts.
• Strong negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to build productive relationships with senior internal and external stakeholders.
• Commercial and analytical mindset with strong problem-solving capabilities.
• Experience balancing commercial objectives, operational needs, governance requirements, and risk considerations.
• Ability to identify opportunities, develop innovative commercial solutions, and successfully embed them within contractual frameworks.

This is an exciting opportunity to shape strategic partnerships and commercial outcomes within one of the world's leading airport environments while working at the centre of critical business decisions and long-term growth initiatives.