Head Of Commercial - Southern Region

Matchtech; City Of London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering contractor seeks a Head of Commercial to take responsibility for P&L in London and the South-East. The role involves building a high-performing team, managing commercial risks, and ensuring contract compliance. Ideal candidates will have experience with Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors and knowledge of NEC contracts. Competitive salary between £120,000 and £130,000, alongside additional benefits including car allowance and private medical insurance.

Benefits

Car allowance

Group life assurance

Private medical insurance

Pension

25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Qualifications

• Degree qualified or equivalent in construction commercial management.
• Professional membership with RICS, CIOB, or equivalent.
• Knowledge of NEC contracts.
• Strong understanding of financial management.
• Experience in a Senior Commercial Manager position.

Responsibilities

• Build and develop a high-performing commercial team.
• Manage all commercial risk on contracts.
• Negotiate contract agreements and manage issues.
• Collaborate with finance for accurate forecasts.
• Ensure compliance and performance in contracts.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Leadership skills

Communication skills

Financial management knowledge

Construction law knowledge

Client management experience

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Ability to motivate others

Excellent presentation skills

Education

Degree in construction commercial management or equivalent

Professional membership with RICS or CIOB

Tools

MS Office suite

Job description

Leading engineering contractor seeks a proven quantity surveying professional with experience working for Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractors. The role of Head of Commercial is based in London and reports directly to the Group Commercial Director. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for the P&L of the London and South‑East region, covering projects in the rail, highways, energy and water sectors. This is a key growth position; as the contractor plans to double in size over the next three years, the role will evolve into a Director‑level position.

Role Responsibilities

• Build, lead and develop a high‑performing commercial team
• Support the work‑winning team to review and identify risks and accountabilities within tender packs and contractual terms
• Prepare, develop and implement commercial solutions to support work winning
• Identify and manage all commercial risk on new and existing contracts
• Fully accountable for contract compliance and performance
• Design and implement all contract management processes
• Negotiate contract agreements and manage all non‑standard contractual issues
• Work with Sector Managers to ensure projects exceed commercial targets
• Oversee the development and presentation of accurate Management Information
• Collaborate with the finance team to produce accurate forecasts

Line Management Duties

• Review competencies of all personnel within the department to ensure suitable training, qualifications and behaviours
• Accountable for creating and managing a high‑performing workforce within the discipline
• Ensure timely delivery of key HR activities for the Commercial team, including annual salary and bonus reviews, appraisals, talent and succession planning
• Support the design of development programmes and employee upskilling activities
• Ensure mandatory e‑learning modules and policy updates are completed by own and direct reports as required

Candidate Specification

• Degree qualified or equivalent in construction commercial management
• Professional membership with RICS, CIOB, or equivalent
• Comprehensive knowledge of NEC contracts (all options)
• Demonstrable knowledge of construction law and standard forms of contract
• Previous experience in a Senior Commercial Manager position
• Proven client management experience
• Proven negotiation skills
• Knowledge of engineering and client standards
• Ideally experience working for a Tier 1 or Tier 2 contractor
• Understanding of financial management
• Adept knowledge of MS Office suite (Excel, Project, Word)
• Excellent organisational and leadership skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Excellent communication and negotiation skills
• Collaborative approach to internal and external stakeholders
• Flexible, "can do" attitude in a fast‑paced, hands‑on environment
• Excellent verbal and written technical communication skills
• Claims and dispute resolution experience
• Strong knowledge of UK law
• Good presentation and Excel skills
• Ability to motivate others and provide training where necessary

Benefits

• Salary between £120,000 and £130,000
• Car allowance
• Group life assurance
• Private medical insurance and pension
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays

If you are a commercial professional looking for a career move and enjoy working for a growing engineering contractor, please get in touch.