Head of Commercial

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 wil 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.
• Car Allowance (£5,000) / Company Car
• Generous Pension Scheme
• Private Healthcare
• 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 01342 330 539 quoting reference for a confidential discussion.

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