Commercial Operations Director

ZipRecruiter; London; Hybrid; GBP 200,000 +; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is on the lookout for a Director of Commercial Operations to lead post-contract activities across capital and operational expenditure programmes. This pivotal role requires extensive experience in managing high-value contracts and a strong background in contract and procurement management, particularly within the construction or rail sectors. The successful candidate will ensure that commercial activities align with government policies while effectively managing risks and delivering programmes on time and within budget. If you have a proven leadership track record and exceptional negotiation skills, this is an exciting opportunity to make a significant impact in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in managing high-value, complex contracts.
• Proven track record in negotiating and resolving intricate claims.

Responsibilities

• Direct the implementation of robust commercial strategies.
• Lead the management of post-contract activities and adherence to frameworks.

Skills

Leadership

Contract Management

Negotiation

Interpersonal Skills

Commercial Acumen

Financial Analysis

Education

Membership in RICS or CIPS

Extensive Experience in Contract Management

Job description

Job Description

The Director, Commercial Operations is responsible for leading and managing all post-contract commercial activities across GBRX's capital (Capex) and operational (Opex) expenditure programmes. The postholder will play a critical role in contract management, financial control, supplier performance, and risk management, ensuring that all commercial activities align with government policies and public sector governance requirements.

Through strong stakeholder engagement, they will drive informed decision-making, ensuring commercial risks are managed effectively while delivering programmes on time, within budget, and in line with regulatory and sustainability commitments.

We are seeking candidates with extensive experience in managing various standard forms of contract, including their application and adaptation to specific contractual circumstances. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in the commercial management of high-value, complex contracts and a proven track record in negotiating and resolving intricate claims. Candidates should possess relevant expertise in contract and procurement management within major construction or rail industry programs.

This role can be worked on a hybrid basis from London or York.

Key accountabilities:

1. Direct the implementation of suitable and robust commercial strategies, working closely with programme and procurement teams to identify optimal routes to market.
2. Lead the management of post-contract activities maintaining adherence to agreed commercial frameworks and risk management practices.
3. Lead the development and negotiation of bespoke commercial agreements.
4. Maintain oversight of contract performance, monitoring supplier adherence to agreed KPIs and contractual obligations.
5. Establish and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including government bodies, regulatory authorities, and oversight committees.

Key requirements:

1. Membership in a relevant professional body (eg, RICS, CIPS) or equivalent extensive experience.
2. Proven track record of strong leadership.
3. Exceptional interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage credibly at all levels.
4. Extensive experience with standard contract forms, including their application and modification for specific contractual needs.
5. Significant expertise in the commercial management of high-value, complex contracts.
6. Demonstrated ability to negotiate effectively, with a history of successfully resolving complex claims.
7. Extensive experience in contract and procurement management for major construction and/or rail industry programs.
8. In-depth knowledge of contract law, contractual litigation, and dispute resolution.
9. Strong commercial acumen, highly articulate, financially astute, and skilled in numeracy and analysis.