Head of Commercial

IES Utilities Group LTD; Manchester; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utility services provider based in Manchester is seeking a Head of Commercial for Major Projects. This senior role involves providing commercial leadership on high-value growth initiatives, managing contracts and risks, and collaborating with top executives. The ideal candidate has extensive experience in utilities or construction and a strong background in commercial strategy. This position offers a salary of up to £70k plus benefits.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in senior commercial roles.
• Strong understanding of risk management and contract governance.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide commercial leadership across major projects.
• Lead the commercial review and negotiation of contracts.
• Contribute to developing business cases and financial models.
• Support the transition of major projects from acquisition to operational delivery.

Skills

Senior commercial experience in utilities, infrastructure, or construction

Strong understanding of commercial strategy

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management skills

Job description

Reports to: Group Commercial Director

Location: Manchester

Salary: Up to £70k with benefits package

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Commercial for Major Projects will be responsible for providing commercial leadership, governance, and support across all high-value growth initiatives within the business. Operating within a company with turnover up to £500m+ per annum, this role will ensure commercial strategies, risk management, and contract governance are aligned with the companys ambitious growth trajectory. The role will work closely with the Director of Mergers & Acquisitions, supporting acquisition evaluation, integration, and major project delivery, ensuring commercial outcomes are optimised and long-term value is realised.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Commercial Leadership

• Provide commercial leadership across major project opportunities through bid and into execution.
• Develop commercial strategies that ensure sustainable growth and profitability.

Contract & Risk Management

• Lead the commercial review and negotiation of contracts, ensuring alignment with company objectives and governance.
• Identify and manage commercial risks associated with major projects.
• Ensure compliance with regulatory, legal, and contractual obligations across all transactions.

Financial & Business Case Support

• Contribute to the development of business cases, valuations, and financial models for major projects.
• Work with the Major Projects Teams to validate costs, pricing, and margins.
• Provide commercial insight to support decision-making at Executive and Board level.

Collaboration & Integration

• Collaborate with divisional leadership, operations, and commercial teams to ensure new projects are commercially integrated effectively.
• Engage with external advisors, investors, and stakeholders during negotiations.
• Support the transition of major projects from acquisition to operational delivery.

Governance & Reporting

• Maintain commercial governance frameworks to ensure robust reporting and oversight.
• Provide regular updates to the Group Commercial Director and Group Business Development Director on commercial risks, opportunities, and performance.
• Ensure accurate commercial reporting for Executive and Board review.

Key Skills & Experience

• Proven experience in a senior commercial role within utilities, infrastructure, or construction.
• Strong understanding of commercial strategy, risk management, and contract governance.
• Experience delivering Major Project / Framework wins and execution.
• Commercial acumen with experience in valuations, business case development, and financial modelling.
• Excellent negotiation skills with a track record of delivering strong commercial outcomes.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience engaging at Executive and Board level.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-growth environment with turnover of £500m+.

Key Measures of Success

• Delivery of commercially robust acquisitions and major project agreements that support company growth to £500m+ turnover.
• Successful negotiation of contracts and risk management frameworks to protect margin and value.
• Positive feedback from the Group Commercial Director, Group Business Development Director and the rest of the Executive Team on commercial leadership.
• Improved commercial governance, reporting, and risk management processes.
• Contribution to the successful delivery of major projects.
• Development of strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to support growth objectives.