About WhiteCrow

We are global talent research, insight, and sourcing specialists with offices in the UK, USA, Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Dubai, and India. Our international reach has helped us to understand and penetrate specialist markets at a global level. In addition to this, our service is also extended to complement our client’s in-house talent acquisition teams.

About our client

Since its inception in 2000, our client has emerged as a prominent and fast-growing retail group serving markets across the Middle East. The organization partners with world-class fashion and lifestyle brands, delivering globally inspired products and experiences to discerning consumers throughout the GCC. Guided by a vision to become a leading regional gateway for international retailers, the company has successfully built a broad portfolio across diverse consumer categories. Its collaborative approach with global brand partners, combined with extensive market expertise and a customer-first mindset, has enabled sustained growth and ongoing expansion across the region. Today, our client remains well-positioned to capitalize on emerging opportunities within the dynamic Middle Eastern retail market.

As a Director - Legal (Construction Law), you will be responsible for...

• Providing senior legal advice and specialist expertise on complex construction, infrastructure, development and project delivery matters, supporting the delivery of legal strategy across the construction portfolio.
• Leading the review, drafting, negotiation, and execution of high-value construction-related agreements, including contractor, consultant, EPC, infrastructure, procurement, and development contracts.
• Advising business and project stakeholders on contractual risks, liabilities, procurement strategies, dispute avoidance, and commercial risk mitigation throughout the project lifecycle.
• Supporting major development and construction projects by providing legal guidance on live project issues, including delays, variations, defects, contractor performance, insolvency, and termination matters.
• Reviewing and providing input into construction disputes, claims, and settlement negotiations while protecting the organization’s legal and commercial interests.
• Acting as a key legal interface with external counsel, claims consultants, technical experts, and other external stakeholders on construction-related matters.
• Leading the development and enhancement of construction legal templates, contracting frameworks, governance processes, and legal risk management practices, supporting consistency and best practice across the construction portfolio.
• Advising on performance bonds, guarantees, and parent company guarantees.
• Leading the provision of advice on joint ventures having a development/construction component.
• Ensuring compliance with applicable laws, regulatory requirements, governance frameworks, delegated authority limits, and internal legal policies and procedures.
• Providing legal updates, risk assessments, and recommendations to the Executive Director – Legal and senior stakeholders on key construction legal matters and emerging risks.
• Collaborating closely with Contracts and Procurement, Development, Project Delivery, Finance, Risk, and Operations teams to support business objectives and project execution.
• Monitoring changes in construction laws, regulations, and industry practices within the UAE and advising the business on legal implications and required actions.
• Driving legal process improvements, operational efficiencies, and best practices across assigned areas of the Legal Construction function.
• Managing and coordinating significant construction legal matters and project workstreams, ensuring effective allocation of resources, timely delivery of legal support, and achievement of business objectives.
• Managing, mentoring, and developing Construction Legal team members to strengthen technical capability, commercial awareness, and stakeholder management effectiveness.

What you already have...

• Qualified lawyer in a recognized common law jurisdiction with specialist expertise in construction law.
• Thorough knowledge of all applicable Federal and local laws, and common industry practices and FIDIC expertise.
• 10+ years post qualification experience, of which at least 6 years should be in construction law with significant exposure to construction and development matters.
• Strong experience in construction pre-disputes, claims management and contract negotiations.