Commercial Director

Company: Cipher Search
Apply for the Commercial Director
Location: London
Job Description:

To be considered for this role, you must have Tier 1 Civil Engineering experience.


Senior Commercial Director – Landmark Civils Project – London


Cipher Search is retained on an exclusive search to appoint a Senior Commercial Director to lead all commercial activity on a nationally significant UK rail infrastructure programme.


This is a strategist’s appointment. You will own commercial performance across the full project lifecycle, from strategy through to final account, and take direct accountability for the delivery of a large scale NEC Option F contract. You will lead and develop a commercial team of 45, setting the standard for how commercial, contractual and financial management is executed across the programme. Beyond the numbers, you will operate in a high profile, politically sensitive environment, managing complex client and stakeholder agendas at the most senior level and holding your own in the room when it matters.


The role in detail:



  • Provide commercial leadership through the development and implementation of commercial strategy aligned to the wider business plan.

  • Own the financial management of the programme, including budgets, cash flow, forecasting and overall financial performance.

  • Lead contract negotiations with clients, driving satisfactory commercial outcomes while protecting the relationship and the customer experience.

  • Take full accountability for a team of 45, including selection, recruitment strategy, coaching, mentoring and the rectification of underperformance.

  • Ensure commercial processes, procurement policy and supply chain compliance are embedded and consistently applied across all relevant projects.

  • Manage, reduce and drive out unnecessary cost and inefficiency, verifying monthly financial reporting and ensuring the prompt resolution of final accounts.

  • Provide commercial, contractual, insurance and legal guidance to the project, the sector and the wider business.

  • What you will bring:

  • A proven track record as a Commercial Lead for a Tier 1 main contractor or delivery consultancy on a major infrastructure project.

  • Strong commercial and financial acumen, with the ability to develop and implement commercial strategy at programme level.

  • Detailed knowledge of construction contracts, including NEC (Option F), FIDIC and IChemE.

  • A genuine record of building, leading and developing high performing commercial teams.

  • The credibility, political awareness and stakeholder skill to manage senior client relationships and sensitive agendas with confidence.

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Posted: October 6th, 2026