Commercial Lead

Southern Water; Brighton; Sur place; GBP 90 000 - 130 000; Plein temps

Résumé du poste

Southern Water seeks two experienced Commercial Leads to provide commercial leadership across major infrastructure projects, including DPC and SIPR. You will own the contract strategy, negotiate complex agreements, and shape funding models to deliver value and governance throughout delivery.

Based in Falmer, this permanent, full-time role offers a prominent platform to influence regulatory outcomes, engage investors, and drive commercial success within a nationally important water infrastructure

Qualifications

• Significant commercial and contract negotiation experience on large, complex infrastructure projects.
• Experience in regulated infrastructure sectors such as water, energy or transport.
• Strong understanding of commercial risk allocation and value-for-money principles.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and influencing skills.

Responsabilités

• Leading the project level commercial and contracting strategy for DPC, DBFOM and/or SIPR projects.
• Developing, negotiating and managing long-term commercial agreements and procurement arrangements.
• Shaping commercial models, payment mechanisms and risk allocation strategies.
• Providing commercial input into business cases, investment approvals and assurance activities.
• Managing commercial risks and ensuring robust governance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assessing financial models, funding structures and value-for-money outcomes.
• Monitoring contractual compliance and resolving complex commercial issues.
• Building relationships with regulators, investors, delivery partners and internal stakeholders.
• Supporting the development of commercial strategy across the wider Major Projects portfolio.

Connaissances

Commercial leadership

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Analytical thinking

Strategic planning

Formation

Degree or professional equivalent in commercial/finance/engineering

Description du poste

About The Role

We're looking for two experienced Commercial Leads to provide commercial leadership across major infrastructure projects delivered through alternative financing and delivery models, including Ofwat's Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) and the Specified Infrastructure Projects Regulations (SIPR).

Closing Date

27/10/2026

Job Title

Commercial Lead

Location

Falmer

Contract Type

Permanent

Hours

Full time – 37hrs per week

Salary

Competitive

What You Will Be Responsible For

• Leading the project level commercial and contracting strategy for either DPC, DBFOM and/or SIPR projects.
• Developing, negotiating and managing complex long-term commercial agreements and procurement arrangements.
• Shaping commercial models, payment mechanisms and risk allocation strategies.
• Providing commercial input into business cases, investment approvals and assurance activities.
• Managing commercial risks and ensuring robust governance throughout the project lifecycle.
• Assessing financial models, funding structures and value-for-money outcomes.
• Monitoring contractual compliance and resolving complex commercial issues.
• Building strong relationships with regulators, investors, delivery partners and internal stakeholders.
• Supporting the development of commercial strategy across the wider Major Projects portfolio.

Essential

• Significant commercial and contract negotiation experience on large, complex infrastructure projects.
• Experience working within regulated infrastructure sectors such as water, energy or transport.
• Experience developing commercial strategies and supporting competitive procurement activities.
• Strong understanding of commercial risk allocation, project finance and value-for-money principles.
• Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
• Degree qualified, or equivalent professional experience, in a commercial, legal, financial, engineering or project management discipline.

Desirable

• Experience within the UK water sector and knowledge of Ofwat regulatory frameworks.
• Experience of DPC, SIPR, PPP, PFI, PF2, MIM and/or RAB delivery models.
• NEC3 and NEC4 contract experience.
• Relevant professional qualification (RICS, CICES, CIPS, ICES, APM, legal or finance).
• Formal training or qualifications in negotiation, procurement or project finance.

About Southern Water

Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.

You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long‑term value creation

"At Southern Water, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need."

Our Commitment to Diversity

We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic. If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Additional Information

In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.

Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‑employment checks, including security vetting.

Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment. Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.