Head of Commercial

Sector: Commercial, Construction Type: Permanent

Contact: Matthew Clegg Job Published: 2 days ago

Job Title: Head of Commercial - Water Infrastructure
Location: Peterborough
Salary: Up to £125,000 + Comprehensive Package

Are you a senior commercial leader with a strong background in major infrastructure projects?

We are representing a leading main contractor renowned for delivering complex and large-scale infrastructure projects across the UK. They have a significant, long-term presence in the water sector and are seeking an experienced Head of Commercial to join their senior management team, based out of their offices in Peterborough.

This is a critical leadership role where you will be responsible for the overall commercial strategy, performance, and risk management across a portfolio of major water infrastructure projects across the East Midlands. You will lead and mentor a dedicated commercial team, ensuring robust contract administration, effective cost control, and maximised profitability, all while maintaining strong client relationships.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic commercial leadership across the water business unit.
• Lead, manage, and develop a team of Quantity Surveyors and Commercial Managers.
• Oversee all commercial aspects of projects from tender stage through to final account settlement.
• Ensure rigorous application and administration of NEC contracts (various options).
• Develop and implement commercial strategies to manage risk and maximise opportunities.
• Manage subcontractor procurement and performance.
• Oversee cost reporting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting.
• Lead on the negotiation and resolution of claims and variations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, delivery partners, and the supply chain.
• Drive continuous improvement within the commercial function.

About You:

• Proven experience operating at a senior level (e.g., Commercial Manager, Senior Commercial Manager, Head of Commercial) within a main contracting environment.
• Essential: Demonstrable experience working on large-scale infrastructure, civil engineering, or utilities projects.
• Essential: In-depth, expert-level understanding and practical application of the NEC suite of contracts is crucial.
• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related discipline (or equivalent experience). Professional membership (RICS/CICES) is advantageous.
• Strong leadership and team management skills with the ability to motivate and develop staff.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and influencing skills.
• Commercially astute with a strategic mindset and strong analytical abilities.
• Desirable: Prior experience within the UK regulated water sector (AMP cycles, specific client knowledge) would be highly beneficial but not essential if strong major project/NEC experience is evident.

What's On Offer:
The Head of Commercial will be given an opportunity to hold a key leadership position within a market-leading contractor and they will have significant influence over the commercial success of critical projects on a high profile, major framework. My client can also offer excellent long-term career development prospects and a generous salary & package that includes:

• A highly competitive starting salary of up to £125,000 per annum.
• Bonus Scheme
• Life Assurance

Interested?
If you are a driven and experienced commercial leader looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity with a major player in the infrastructure sector, we want to hear from you.

Please apply via the portal or contact Matt Clegg at Gold Group on quoting reference for a confidential discussion.