Head Of Commercial

Abatec Recruitment; Newport; Hybrid; GBP 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in Newport is seeking a Head of Commercial to provide strategic leadership and strengthen commercial controls. The successful candidate will oversee project valuations, manage tender strategies, and develop high-performing teams. Ideal applicants will have a degree in Civil Engineering and extensive experience in commercial roles within a Civil Engineering contractor. The role offers a competitive salary and hybrid working options, alongside a robust benefits package including private healthcare and a company vehicle.

Benefits

Company vehicle or car allowance

Discretionary bonus scheme

Private healthcare

Life assurance

Matched employer pension scheme

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Commercially astute with a history of working for a Civil Engineering contractor.
• Ability to negotiate a position to a desired outcome.
• Ability to travel to regional offices and sites across the South West and Wales.

Responsibilities

• Provide strong leadership to the Contracts commercial team.
• Develop and implement robust commercial strategies across tenders.
• Oversee monthly cost/value reconciliations and performance reporting.
• Collaborate with Contract, Legal, and Insurance teams to mitigate risk.
• Ensure compliance with year-end audit requirements.

Skills

Commercially astute

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Strong leadership skills

In depth knowledge of Standard Forms of Contract

Understanding of programming techniques

Education

Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline

Job description

A great opportunity to join a highly reputable contractor on a 12-year framework with National Grid. My client, a national company providing an end-to-end service, is responsible for the design, construction and commissioning of substations (up to 400kv) across the South West and Wales.

This is a rare opportunity for a Head of Commercial to join a market-leading company at a defining moment in its journey, playing a pivotal role in shaping the next chapter through strategic relationships and commercial leadership. Bringing a sharp focus on governance, you'll take the lead in strengthening commercial controls, overseeing project valuations, validating progress data, and ensuring reporting is consistently accurate and timely.

Leadership, Team Development & Governance

1. As Head of Commercial, you will provide strong leadership to the Contracts commercial team, ensuring full compliance with Group procedures and governance requirements. Define and implement a clear team structure, with well-aligned roles, responsibilities, and competencies to deliver efficient and effective commercial management services.
2. Build and sustain a high-performing team by setting clear objectives, supporting individual development plans, and regularly reviewing performance. Lead structured training and professional development for Commercial Practitioners, acting as supervisor, mentor, or counsellor for those undertaking APC or equivalent qualifications. Foster a strong culture of contractual and commercial awareness across the Contracts function.

Commercial Strategy & Service Delivery

1. Work closely with the Business Unit Director to shape the annual business plan and commercial strategy. Lead work-winning activity, including resource planning and close coordination with pre-contract commercial teams. Develop and implement robust commercial strategies across tenders, cash flow management, and margin enhancement.
2. Review contractual obligations and commercial risks prior to tender submission, negotiating contract terms in line with Group governance before execution. Ensure disciplined contract administration through regular review of change control processes and payment mechanisms.
3. Oversee monthly cost/value reconciliations, forecasting, and performance reporting, providing constructive challenge and support to Contract teams. Drive strong cash flow performance and actively manage work-in-progress across all projects.
4. Collaborate with Contract, Legal, and Insurance teams to mitigate risk, resolve or prevent disputes, and identify insurance recovery opportunities. Participate in monthly project and performance reviews, taking decisive corrective action where required, and contribute to reporting on current and forward-looking contract performance.
5. Ensure compliance with year-end audit requirements and drive the successful delivery of annual objectives and targets across the Contracts portfolio.

Our client requires a Head of Commercial with:

• Degree in Civil Engineering or related discipline (preferable)
• Commercially astute with a history of working for a Civil Engineering contractor
• In depth knowledge of Standard Forms of Contract, relevant Contract Law and Standard Methods of Measurement
• Understanding of programming techniques and project controls
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills with an ability to negotiate a position to a desired outcome
• Excellent leadership skills with a desire to develop and nurture a high performing team!
• Ability to travel to regional offices and sites across the South West and Wales

Salary and benefits include:

• £90,000 - £1000,000 per annum
• Company vehicle or car allowance
• Discretionary bonus scheme
• Hybrid working
• Attractive benefits package including private healthcare, life assurance, matched employer pension scheme, 25 days annual leave (plus bank holidays), plus more

We are looking for qualified candidates to apply for this vacancy. Please contact Kelly Evans for more information.