Commercial Director – Civils

Overview

In this role you will lead the commercial function for a specialist arm of a growing contractor, shaping strategy to drive profitability and protect contractual positions. You will report to senior leadership and influence business direction through robust commercial governance and stakeholder engagement. The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on management of bid, procurement and contract activities across multi-site projects. This is a board-facing, high-impact position with hybrid working and clear opportunities to influence long-term growth.

Pay / Benefits

• Salary up to 120k per annum
• Company car or car allowance
• Hybrid working
• Pension
• Private healthcare
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Responsibilities

• Own the commercial strategy for the specialist division, aligning projects with profitability targets and risk appetite
• Lead estimating and bid functions including tender adjudication, pricing strategy and approvals
• Oversee contract administration on live projects per NEC, JCT and bespoke forms
• Manage contractual matters (early warnings, compensation events, variations, claims, final accounts)
• Review and approve CVRs, forecasts and board-level commercial reporting
• Manage commercial risk through subcontracting, insurance, bonds, and guarantees
• Lead procurement and negotiation of major subcontract and supply chain packages
• Drive cash flow via payment applications, valuations, and debt recovery
• Mentor and develop a team of Commercial Managers and Quantity Surveyors
• Build senior relationships with clients, consultants, and supply chain partners
• Support business development, frameworks, and client presentations
• Act as trusted commercial advisor to the Board and deputise on commercial matters

Key requirements

• Degree/HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying (or equivalent)
• Senior commercial leadership experience in civil engineering, earthworks, groundworks or construction
• Proven track record managing multi-million-pound project portfolios and leading commercial teams
• Strong knowledge of NEC and JCT contracts
• Excellent commercial acumen with negotiation, forecasting and risk management skills
• Credibility to influence Board, client and senior leadership
• Full UK driving license and willingness to travel across sites

• Strong negotiation
• Stakeholder influencing and communication
• Leadership and people development
• NEC and JCT forms knowledge
• Forecasting and budgeting
• Risk management across projects

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