Commercial Director

Listed: 2026-09-11Sector: Civil Engineering & InfrastructureLocation: LondonEmail: liam@ssaltd.comPhone: 02031375550Commercial Director – Civils & InfrastructureRole Purpose The Commercial Director will lead the commercial function across major UK civils & infrastructure projects, ensuring robust financial performance, contractual compliance, and strategic commercial governance. The role oversees commercial teams, drives margin protection, manages NEC contracts at scale, and shapes commercial strategy across highways, utilities, rail, water, and public‑sector frameworks. ️ Key ResponsibilitiesCommercial Strategy — Set and execute commercial strategy across regional or national civils portfolios.Leadership & Team Management — Lead QS, commercial managers, and project commercial teams; drive capability, performance, and succession planning.NEC Contract Governance — Oversee NEC3/NEC4 contract administration, compensation events, early warnings, and dispute avoidance.Financial Performance — Own P&L performance, margin protection, cost forecasting, CVRs, and commercial reporting.Risk & Opportunity — Lead commercial risk reviews, mitigation strategies, and value‑engineering initiatives.Bid & Tender Oversight — Provide commercial governance for major bids, frameworks, and strategic tenders.Stakeholder & Client Engagement — Build strong relationships with clients, JV partners, subcontractors, and public‑sector bodies.Claims & Dispute Management — Direct claims strategy, negotiation, and resolution, ensuring contractual compliance.Commercial Systems & Reporting — Ensure consistent use of commercial systems, dashboards, KPIs, and governance processes.Compliance & Standards — Ensure adherence to UK procurement rules, statutory requirements, and internal commercial policies.Required Qualifications & ExperienceDegree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or Construction Economics (RICS chartered preferred).10+ years’ commercial experience in UK civils & infrastructure (highways, utilities, rail, water, energy).Proven leadership of commercial teams on major projects (50m–500m+).Strong expertise in NEC3/NEC4 contract management and dispute resolution.Demonstrable track record of margin protection, cost control, and commercial governance.Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and client‑facing skills.Strong financial acumen with deep understanding of CVRs, forecasting, and P&L ownership.Desirable ExperienceExperience within Tier 1 or Tier 2 UK contractors.Background in major frameworks (e.g., National Highways, Network Rail, Water Alliances).JV or alliance commercial leadership experience.Experience with digital commercial systems, cost databases, and enterprise reporting tools.What We OfferExecutive‑level role with strategic influence across major UK infrastructure programmes.Competitive executive package (salary, bonus, car/allowance, pension, LTIP options depending on employer).Clear progression into Regional Commercial Director / Commercial VP roles.Opportunity to shape commercial culture, systems, and performance across a major civils business.