Commercial Director

Kenton Black Limited; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kenton Black Limited, North London, seeks an experienced Commercial Director to lead the commercial function across major UK civil engineering and construction projects. Based at the head office, you will shape strategy, governance and profitability while guiding a senior commercial team.

Key requirements include senior commercial leadership in a main contractor or civil engineering business, a track record of managing high-value projects, NEC contract expertise, and MRICS or equivalent

Qualifications

• Significant senior-level commercial leadership experience in construction.
• Experience delivering major civil engineering projects.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Degree in QS/Commercial Management, with MRICS preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the commercial function across the business.
• Lead, develop and mentor Commercial Managers and wider commercial teams.
• Take overall responsibility for commercial performance, cost management and profitability across multiple projects.
• Oversee administration and management of major contracts, including NEC and other standard forms.
• Ensure robust commercial governance, risk management and reporting procedures.
• Lead high-level contract negotiations and manage significant opportunities and disputes.
• Work with Operational and Pre-Construction teams on tender reviews and procurement strategies.
• Review project commercial performance, forecasts, CVRs and cash flow, and manage risks and opportunities.
• Provide clear commercial reporting to the Board and senior leadership team.
• Drive best practice across commercial processes and maintain client and supply-chain relationships.
• Play a key role in future growth and strategic development of the business.

Skills

Commercial Leadership

Negotiation

Stakeholder Mgmt

Strategic Thinking

Education

Degree in QS/Commercial Mgmt

Tools

NEC Contracts

Job description

CommerciaL Director
North London
Excellent salary + executive package

The Opportunity

A leading and well-established civil engineering and construction contractor is seeking an experienced and commercially driven Commercial Director to join its senior leadership team, based out of its Head Office.

This is a key strategic appointment for a growing business delivering major projects across the UK. The successful candidate will take overall responsibility for the commercial function, providing leadership, governance and strategic direction across a diverse portfolio of projects.

You will work closely with the Board, Operational Directors and Project Leadership teams to drive commercial performance, manage risk, protect profitability and support the continued growth of the business.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership and direction to the commercial function across the business.
• Lead, develop and mentor Commercial Managers, Managing Quantity Surveyors and wider commercial teams.
• Take overall responsibility for commercial performance, cost management and profitability across multiple projects and business units.
• Oversee the administration and management of major construction and civil engineering contracts, including NEC and other standard forms.
• Ensure robust commercial governance, risk management and reporting procedures are in place.
• Lead high-level contract negotiations and manage significant commercial opportunities and disputes.
• Work closely with Operational and Pre-Construction teams to support tender reviews, procurement strategies and project delivery.
• Review project commercial performance, forecasts, CVRs and cash flow, ensuring risks and opportunities are identified and managed effectively.
• Provide clear and accurate commercial reporting to the Board and senior leadership team.
• Drive consistency and best practice across commercial processes and procedures.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, supply chain partners and key stakeholders.
• Play a key role in the future growth and strategic development of the business.

About You

We are looking for a proven Commercial Director, Commercial Lead or senior commercial professional with extensive experience within the construction and civil engineering sector.

You will ideally have:

• Significant senior-level commercial leadership experience within a main contractor or major civil engineering business.
• A strong track record of overseeing the commercial delivery of complex, high-value infrastructure or construction projects.
• Experience managing multiple projects, frameworks or business units.
• Excellent knowledge of NEC contracts and wider commercial and contractual management.
• Strong leadership and people management skills, with experience developing high-performing commercial teams.A strategic mindset combined with the ability to remain hands-on when required.
• Strong financial, commercial and risk management capabilities.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline, ideally with RICS or equivalent professional membership.

Why Join?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a well-established and growing contractor in a pivotal leadership role. You will have the opportunity to shape the commercial strategy of the business, influence major project decisions and lead a high-performing commercial function through its next stage of growth.