JOB OBJECTIVES
The Commercial Director holds a pivotal leadership role responsible for the development and execution of the company’s commercial strategy, ensuring long-term profitability, contractual compliance, and sustainable growth. This role involves overseeing all commercial activities, including pre- and post-contract functions, across multiple projects or business units. The Commercial Director works closely with senior leadership to ensure commercial decisions align with broader business objectives.
RESPONSIBILITIES
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Strategic Commercial Leadership:
Develop and lead the implementation of commercial strategies to support company growth and financial targets. Ensure commercial practices are robust, efficient, and aligned with strategic priorities.
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Pre-Contract Management:
Oversee all pre-contract activities including procurement strategy, preparation of tender documentation, contract negotiation, bid evaluation, and risk assessment. Ensure the commercial viability and competitiveness of proposed projects.
Key areas of focus include:
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In-depth knowledge of measurement standards (POMI, NRM, CESMM, etc.)
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Expertise in costing, cost prediction, and benchmarking techniques
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Strong understanding of design economics, price analysis, and project financing models
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Proven ability to manage commercial risk during the design and procurement stages
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Expert-level knowledge in commercial management, with a focus on adding value and cost certainty from project inception
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Post-Contract Management:
Lead post-contract operations such as contract administration, change control, cost reporting, payment certifications, claims management, and final account agreements. Monitor performance to ensure delivery within budget and contractual terms.
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Risk and Opportunity Management:
Identify, assess, and manage commercial risks and opportunities across the business. Establish frameworks for risk mitigation and capitalise on emerging opportunities to enhance commercial outcomes.
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Client and Stakeholder Relations:
Manage high-level relationships with clients, partners, contractors, and consultants. Act as the senior representative for commercial negotiations and dispute resolution, ensuring strong commercial alignment and client satisfaction.
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Leadership and Team Development:
Lead and mentor a multidisciplinary team including Commercial Managers, Quantity Surveyors, and commercial support staff. Promote a high-performance culture focused on accountability, excellence, and professional development.
Include responsibility for:
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Resource planning and effective allocation across projects and regions,
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Succession planning and team structure optimization.
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Financial and Contractual Oversight:
Ensure robust financial control across all commercial activities. Review and approve key contracts, procurement frameworks, and commercial decisions to safeguard the company’s financial interests.
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Business Development Support:
Collaborate with senior leadership and bid teams to support business development activities, including the commercial review of proposals, pricing strategies, and market positioning.
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Governance and Compliance:
Ensure that all commercial practices comply with legal, regulatory, and ethical standards. Establish reporting structures and ensure transparency in commercial operations and decision-making.
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
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Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Finance, or a related field; a Master’s degree or MBA is desirable.
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Chartered Member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (MRICS) is mandatory.
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Minimum 15 years of post-degree experience, with significant pre-contract commercial management exposure
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Strong understanding of both pre- and post-contract functions and their application across a range of project types.
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Demonstrated ability to lead large commercial teams and influence decision-making at executive and board level.
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Excellent negotiation, communication, and interpersonal skills.
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Proven experience managing high-value contracts and driving commercial performance across complex portfolios.
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Experience in international or multi-disciplinary environments is advantageous.
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Strong commitment to professional integrity and ethical conduct.