Commercial Director

Bilfinger Berger SE; Bristol; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in Bristol is seeking a Commercial Director to oversee all commercial aspects of contracts, including strategy development and financial management. The ideal candidate will have extensive commercial management experience within engineering or construction sectors and will lead a team to enhance project performance and mitigate risks. This is a permanent position offering a professional level role in the Finance & Controlling department.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in commercial management within engineering or construction sectors.
• Strong understanding of financial reporting and project controls.
• Ability to lead and coach commercial teams effectively.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the commercial strategy aligned with business goals.
• Provide NEC contract guidance and support project teams.
• Analyse project performance and develop intervention plans.

Skills

Commercial strategy development

NEC contract guidance

Financial management

Stakeholder management

Project performance analysis

Job description

Bilfinger UK is a leading engineering and maintenance provider, supporting customers across various markets including chemical & petrochemical, nuclear, oil & gas, pharmaceuticals & biopharma, power & energy, utilities, renewables, and food & beverage. We enhance asset efficiency, ensuring high availability and reduced maintenance costs.

We have extensive experience in offshore and onshore facilities, specialising in asset management services throughout all lifecycle phases—from consulting, engineering, manufacturing, and assembly to operations, maintenance, and decommissioning.

This commitment is delivered by an experienced workforce of over 4,500 employees across 14 offices in strategic industrial hubs, upholding high standards of safety, compliance, and quality.

The Commercial Director (HPC) reports directly to the Operations Director and is responsible for all commercial and contractual aspects of the HPC contract, including portfolio management, reporting, project controls, payments, and finance.

1. Develop and implement the commercial strategy, aligning with internal legal entities (BUK, BET, BPE, BPT) with clear goals, targets, and objectives.
2. Provide NEC contract guidance and support to Bilfinger entities and project teams, leading senior client meetings to mitigate exposure.
3. Review and challenge monthly project performance reports, validating receivables, WIP, and working capital, ensuring standardisation and best practices.
4. Analyze underperformance across contracts, developing intervention plans to mitigate risks and improve performance.
5. Establish a commercial operating culture through standardised reporting, controls, and performance data to ensure compliance and transparency.
6. Manage and resolve disputes internally and externally across the portfolio efficiently.
7. Ensure timely clearance of EWNs and CEs, and review risks in the registers.
8. Define organisational requirements, responsibilities, and oversee recruitment, coaching, and development of the commercial team, ensuring clear communication across entities.
9. Participate in performance reviews, working to minimise withheld amounts monthly.
10. Review tender rates, margin models, cash-flow forecasts, and commercial terms, ensuring alignment with acceptable limits and aiding recovery plans.
11. Ensure correct application of the AFP process and timely submissions to clients.
12. Provide commercial leadership in tender reviews and contract handovers, supporting smooth transitions from tender to delivery.
13. Lead stakeholder management to mitigate losses and develop claim strategies for financial recovery.
14. Work with the Operations Director on annual budgets and monthly forecasts.
15. Identify and implement efficiencies and savings, discussing opportunities with clients.
16. Ensure all plans meet contractual obligations, working with entities to close gaps.
17. Manage BTOP initiatives to deliver measurable commercial benefits.
18. Conduct monthly site visits to drive performance, innovation, and lessons learned.
19. Support regional commercial teams during client audits.
20. Travel approximately 2-3 days per month to Bilfinger locations in Hull, Warrington, Germany, and France.

For inquiries, contact the recruitment team at 01224 246246.

Position: General Management | Company: Bilfinger UK Limited | Type: Permanent | Sector: White-collar | Level: Professional | Department: Finance & Controlling