Head of Commercial

Bowden Jones Recruitment; England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A dynamic construction company in the United Kingdom is seeking an experienced Head of Commercial. This senior leadership role involves overseeing the commercial team, managing project risk, and ensuring robust processes from tendering through to final accounts. The ideal candidate has a proven track record in a senior commercial role within construction, excellent NEC and JCT contract knowledge, and strong leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Proven track record in a senior commercial role, ideally as Head of Commercial or Commercial Manager, within construction.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and developing a commercial team.
• Excellent understanding of NEC and JCT contracts.
• Experience in tendering, estimating, and bid management.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Financially astute, with experience managing cash flow, payments, and forecasting.
• Ability to work strategically and operationally to deliver business objectives.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Quantity Surveying team of three, providing guidance, mentoring, and performance management.
• Oversee the tender process, including cost estimating, tender submissions, and bid reviews.
• Lead contract negotiation, administration, and compliance.
• Oversee project cash flow, including supplier and contractor payments.
• Lead onboarding and approval of suppliers and subcontractors.
• Identify, monitor, and mitigate commercial and contractual risks.

Skills

Team Leadership

Tendering & Estimating

Contract Management

Financial Management

Supply Chain Management

Risk & Compliance

Job description

Overview

We are seeking an experienced Head of Commercial to lead and develop a commercial function within a dynamic construction business. This is a senior leadership role, reporting directly to directors, and involves overseeing the commercial team, managing project risk, and ensuring robust processes from tendering through to final account.

Responsibilities

• Team Leadership: Lead a Quantity Surveying team of three, providing guidance, mentoring, and performance management. Ensure consistent and professional commercial management across all projects.
• Tendering & Estimating: Oversee the tender process, including cost estimating, tender submissions, and bid reviews. Identify and mitigate commercial risks during the tender stage. Support business growth through accurate and competitive pricing.
• Contract Management: Strong knowledge of NEC and JCT contracts. Lead contract negotiation, administration, and compliance. Manage contract variations, claims, and dispute resolution.
• Financial Management: Oversee project cash flow, including supplier and contractor payments. Approve and manage subcontractor applications for payment. Monitor project budgets, cost reporting, and forecasting. Drive commercial performance to meet business targets.
• Supply Chain Management: Lead onboarding and approval of suppliers and subcontractors. Negotiate terms and agreements to ensure value and compliance. Build and maintain strong supply chain relationships.
• Risk & Compliance: Identify, monitor, and mitigate commercial and contractual risks. Ensure compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and industry standards.

Skills & Experience

• Proven track record in a senior commercial role, ideally as Head of Commercial or Commercial Manager, within construction.
• Strong leadership skills, with experience managing and developing a commercial team.
• Excellent understanding of NEC and JCT contracts.
• Experience in tendering, estimating, and bid management.
• Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Financially astute, with experience managing cash flow, payments, and forecasting.
• Ability to work strategically and operationally to deliver business objectives.

To Apply

Please submit your CV and a cover letter outlining your experience and suitability for the role.