Commercial Lead - UK

CTS Group; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Flexible working arrangements

Job summary

CTS Group seeks a commercially astute leader to oversee the UK commercial function. The role focuses on strategy, governance, bid leadership, and contract negotiations across major projects in the UK, including data centres and infrastructure.

You will drive growth, manage key client relationships, and build high-performing teams for profitable, sustainable expansion. The ideal candidate will have senior commercial leadership experience in large-scale construction or mission-critical

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or related discipline.
• Extensive experience in a senior commercial leadership role within construction, infrastructure, data centres, engineering, or mission-critical environments.
• Proven track record of driving business growth, securing new opportunities, and delivering strong commercial performance.
• Significant experience leading commercial teams and managing complex contractual arrangements.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the UK commercial strategy, aligning with wider business objectives and growth plans.
• Lead the development and execution of commercial initiatives to drive revenue, profitability, and market expansion.
• Oversee bidding, pricing, contract negotiation, and procurement strategies across the business.
• Prepare and present commercial reports, pipeline updates, and business performance metrics to executive leadership.

Skills

Commercial leadership

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Business development

Financial acumen

Leadership

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or related

Job description

Commercial Lead (UK)

Location: London - with Frequent trips to Projects
Department: Commercial
Employment Type: Full-Time
Employment Level: Management

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced and commercially driven Commercial Lead to oversee and lead our commercial operations across the UK. This strategic leadership role will be responsible for driving business growth, developing key client relationships, overseeing major bids and contract negotiations, and ensuring the successful commercial delivery of projects.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong background in construction, data centres, infrastructure, mission-critical environments, or other large-scale projects. You will play a pivotal role in shaping the company's commercial strategy, building high-performing teams, and delivering profitable, sustainable growth across the UK market.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Strategy & Leadership

• Define and implement the UK commercial strategy, aligning with wider business objectives and growth plans.

• Lead the development and execution of commercial initiatives to drive revenue, profitability, and market expansion.

• Establish and maintain commercial governance frameworks, processes, and best practices.

• Provide strategic commercial advice and guidance to senior leadership and project teams.

Business Development & Client Engagement

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, consultants, contractors, and industry stakeholders.

• Identify new business opportunities and support the development of strategic partnerships.

• Lead commercial involvement in business development activities, client negotiations, and contract discussions.

• Support the successful acquisition of major projects through effective bid and proposal strategies.

Commercial Management & Contract Governance

• Oversee bidding, pricing, contract negotiation, and procurement strategies across the business.

• Ensure effective contract management, risk assessment, and change control processes are implemented.

• Review and negotiate commercial terms and conditions to protect business interests while maintaining strong client relationships.

• Manage commercial risk and ensure compliance with contractual and regulatory requirements.

Financial Performance & Reporting

• Take ownership of commercial performance targets, including revenue, margin, and profitability objectives.

• Monitor project commercial performance, ensuring robust forecasting, cost control, and margin protection.

• Prepare and present commercial reports, pipeline updates, and business performance metrics to executive leadership.

• Support strategic planning and business decision-making through commercial insight and analysis.

Team Leadership & Development

• Build, lead, mentor, and develop the commercial team across the UK.

• Foster a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Support succession planning, talent development, and capability growth within the commercial function.

• Promote effective collaboration between commercial, operational, project delivery, and support teams.

About You

Essential Qualifications & Experience

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, Engineering, Business, or a related discipline.

• Extensive experience in a senior commercial leadership role within construction, infrastructure, data centres, engineering, or mission-critical environments.

• Proven track record of driving business growth, securing new opportunities, and delivering strong commercial performance.

• Significant experience leading commercial teams and managing complex contractual arrangements.

• Strong understanding of UK construction contracts, procurement routes, and commercial best practices.

• Demonstrable experience in contract negotiation, risk management, and stakeholder engagement.

Skills & Competencies

• Excellent commercial, contractual, and negotiation expertise.

• Strong leadership and people management capabilities.

• Exceptional business development and relationship management skills.

• Strong financial and commercial acumen with a strategic mindset.

• Excellent communication, presentation, and stakeholder management skills.

• Ability to influence and engage effectively at executive and board level.

Desirable Experience

• Experience within the data centre, mission-critical, industrial, or large-scale infrastructure sectors.

• Familiarity with NEC, JCT, FIDIC, and other standard forms of contract.

• Chartered status or membership of a relevant professional body (e.g. RICS, CIOB) would be advantageous.

• Established network of clients and industry contacts within the UK construction and infrastructure market.

What We Offer

This is an outstanding opportunity to lead and shape the commercial function of a growing business operating within some of the UK's most exciting construction and mission-critical projects. You will play a key role in driving strategic growth, developing long-term client partnerships, and influencing the future success of the organisation.

In return, we offer:

• Competitive salary and benefits package

• Performance-related bonus opportunity

• Career progression and leadership development opportunities

• Exposure to major UK construction and data centre projects

• Collaborative and innovative working environment

• Flexible working arrangements where appropriate

Eligibility to Work in the UK

Applicants must have the legal right to work in the United Kingdom at the time of application and for the duration of their employment. Please note that visa sponsorship is not available for this position, and we are unable to support Skilled Worker visa applications now or in the future.

If you are a commercially astute leader with a proven track record of delivering growth, building client relationships, and leading high-performing teams, we would welcome your application.