Head of Commercial - Water

IES Utilities Group LTD; Manchester; On-site; GBP 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading utilities company is seeking a Head of Commercial Power Division in Manchester. This role involves providing strategic leadership and managing all commercial activities while ensuring contract compliance and risk management. Key responsibilities include developing commercial strategies, overseeing client relationships, and driving financial performance. The ideal candidate will possess extensive experience in commercial management within utilities, strong negotiation skills, and a proven track record in managing high-value contracts. This position offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in commercial management within utilities, power, or infrastructure sectors.
• Strong knowledge of contracting principles, frameworks, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-value contracts and projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the commercial function for the Power Division.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies that maximize profitability.
• Oversee negotiation, execution, and administration of contracts.
• Monitor and report on commercial KPIs, including revenue and profitability.
• Act as the senior commercial contact for key clients and partners.

Skills

Commercial management

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder management

Contracting principles

Leadership experience

Job description

Reports to: Commercial Director
Location: Manchester (or as per business needs)
Salary: Competitive with benefits package

Purpose of the Role

The Head of Commercial Power Division will provide strategic leadership and full accountability for all commercial activities within the Power Division. This role will ensure robust commercial governance, dispute resolution, contract compliance, and profitability across all projects and frameworks, supporting the division's growth and operational excellence. The position is critical to driving sustainable financial performance and mitigating risk while maintaining strong client and stakeholder relationships.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Leadership

• Lead and manage the commercial function for the Power Division, ensuring alignment with corporate strategy and financial objectives.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies that maximize profitability and minimize risk across all contracts and projects.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, legal requirements, and industry standards.

Contract & Risk Management

• Oversee negotiation, execution, and administration of all contracts within the division.
• Implement robust risk management frameworks to identify, assess, and mitigate commercial risks.
• Ensure accurate forecasting, cost control, and reporting to support decision making.

Financial Performance

• Drive margin improvement and cost efficiency across all projects.
• Monitor and report on commercial KPIs, including revenue, profitability, and cash flow.
• Support the Commercial Director in preparing budgets, forecasts, and strategic plans.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as the senior commercial point of contact for key clients and partners within the Power Division.
• Build and maintain strong relationships to enhance client satisfaction and secure repeat business.
• Represent the division in commercial negotiations and at executive forums.
• Oversee dispute resolution actions in a timely and professional manner.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and develop a high-performing commercial team, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Provide mentorship and training to enhance commercial capability across the division.

Continuous Improvement

• Introduce best practices, tools, and processes to improve efficiency and governance.
• Drive innovation in commercial approaches to support competitive advantage and long-term growth.

Key Skills & Experience

• Extensive experience in commercial management within utilities, power, or infrastructure sectors.
• Strong knowledge of contracting principles, frameworks, and regulatory requirements.
• Proven ability to manage complex, high-value contracts and projects.
• Exceptional negotiation, influencing, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strategic thinker with hands‑on delivery capability.
• Leadership experience in building and developing commercial teams.

Key Measures of Success

• Achievement of divisional financial targets and margin improvement.
• Robust contract compliance and risk management.
• Positive client feedback and strengthened relationships.
• Increased efficiency and effectiveness of commercial processes.
• Contribution to the division's growth and reputation as a leading provider in the power sector