Commercial Lead

Sphere Solutions Ltd; Greater London; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Sphere Solutions Ltd is seeking an experienced Commercial Lead to take ownership of a landmark data centre scheme in West London. You will lead the commercial function from pre-construction through final accounts, delivering procurement strategies, governance, and commercial leadership across the project.

Previous data centre delivery is essential, with a track record of successful hyperscale or mission-critical developments.

Qualifications

• Experience leading major data centre projects (hyperscale, colocation or mission-critical).
• Proven delivery of projects >£50m with strong commercial governance.
• Degree in Quantity Surveying or related discipline; professional accreditation preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead all commercial activities on a £130m+ data centre development.
• Manage profitability, cost controls and financial reporting.
• Develop and implement the commercial strategy across the project lifecycle.

Skills

Commercial Management

Data Centre Experience

Contract Administration

Procurement Strategy

NEC/JCT Knowledge

Team Leadership

Risk Management

Education

Quantity Surveying / Commercial Management degree

Job description

A leading engineering and construction business is expanding its presence within the mission-critical sector and is seeking an experienced Commercial Lead to take ownership of a landmark £100m+ data centre scheme in West London.

This is a high-profile opportunity to join at the forefront of a growing data centre division, leading the commercial function on a major project while helping shape the commercial strategy, governance and future growth of the business across upcoming hyperscale and colocation developments.

The Opportunity

Reporting directly to the Divisional Director, you will hold full commercial responsibility for the project, leading all contractual, financial and procurement activities from pre-construction through to final account.

Given the technical complexity of the development, previous data centre experience is an absolute requirement. Applications are welcome from Commercial Managers, Senior Commercial Managers or Commercial Leads who have successfully delivered hyperscale, colocation, mission-critical, or major MEP-focused data centre projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all commercial activities on a £130m+ data centre development.
• Manage project profitability, cost control and financial performance.
• Develop and implement commercial strategy across the project lifecycle.
• Lead procurement and subcontractor package negotiations.
• Oversee contract administration, variations, change control and claims.
• Manage forecasting, CVRs and monthly commercial reporting.
• Drive risk and opportunity management processes.
• Lead and mentor project Quantity Surveyors and commercial teams.
• Work closely with operational, design and project leadership teams.
• Ensure robust governance and compliance with company procedures.
• Support business growth and future data centre opportunities.
• Demonstrable experience delivering major data centre projects is essential.
• Proven track record operating as a Commercial Manager, Senior Commercial Manager or Commercial Lead on projects exceeding £50m in value.
• Strong understanding of mission-critical construction and complex MEP packages.
• Experience managing large-scale procurement and subcontract strategy.
• Excellent contractual knowledge, including NEC and JCT forms of contract.
• Strong commercial acumen with the ability to identify and mitigate project risk.
• Experience leading and developing commercial teams.
• Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline.

What's on Offer?

• Opportunity to lead the commercial delivery of a flagship £100m+ data centre.
• Key role within a rapidly growing specialist division.
• Long-term pipeline of major mission-critical projects.
• Genuine opportunity to influence business strategy and future growth.
• Competitive executive-level salary and benefits package.
• Clear pathway towards senior commercial and divisional leadership positions.

This role would suit an established Commercial Lead or an ambitious Senior Commercial Manager with significant data centre delivery experience looking to play a pivotal role within one of the UK's fastest-growing construction sectors.