MEP Commercial Lead

ESD Recruitment; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

ESD Recruitment is seeking an experienced MEP Commercial Lead to oversee the commercial delivery of major projects and programmes. This senior role requires leadership of commercial teams and responsibility for performance, forecasting and procurement strategy.

The opportunity offers senior career progression within a leading M&E contractor, with changes in scope across high-value projects and a pathway to director-level responsibilities.

Qualifications

• Extensive senior-level commercial experience in M&E/building services.
• Proven track record delivering major construction projects or multi-project portfolios.
• Experience leading commercial teams (Senior QS, Commercial Managers).
• Strong knowledge of contracts, procurement, CVRs and final accounts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial function across major MEP projects, programmes or a portfolio of projects.
• Manage and oversee Commercial Managers, Senior Commercial Managers and Quantity Surveyors.
• Own commercial performance, financial forecasting, CVRs, cash flow and risk management.
• Provide strategic oversight of contracts, variations, claims, disputes and final accounts.
• Develop procurement strategies, negotiations and major contract awards.
• Collaborate with Project Directors and senior management.
• Ensure governance, controls and procedures are maintained.
• Identify risks/opportunities to protect profitability and lead resolution of complex issues.
• Support development and progression of commercial team members.

Skills

Senior-level leadership

Commercial management

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Financial forecasting

CVR reporting

Contract management

Procurement strategy

Mentoring/supervising teams

Education

Quantity Surveying degree

RICS accreditation (advantage)

Tools

Financial reporting tools

Job description

Location: Project / Office Based

Job Type: Full-Time, Permanent

Working Hours: Monday – Friday, 8:00am – 5:00pm

Salary: £120k-£150k + package and bonus

About the Opportunity:

ESD Recruitment is working with a leading M&E contractor seeking an experienced MEP Commercial Lead to oversee the commercial delivery of major projects and programmes.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an established commercial professional with extensive experience in the mechanical and electrical sector.

The successful candidate will take responsibility for commercial performance, financial management, contractual risk, procurement and the leadership of commercial teams across major projects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial function across major MEP projects, programmes or a portfolio of projects.
• Manage and oversee Commercial Managers, Senior Commercial Managers and Quantity Surveyors.
• Take ownership of commercial performance, financial forecasting, CVRs, cash flow and risk management.
• Provide strategic oversight of contracts, variations, claims, disputes and final accounts.
• Develop and manage procurement strategies, subcontractor negotiations and major contract awards.
• Work closely with Project Directors, Operations Directors and senior management.
• Ensure commercial governance, financial controls and contractual procedures are consistently maintained.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities to protect project profitability.
• Lead the resolution of complex contractual and supply chain issues.
• Support the development, mentoring and progression of commercial team members.

Requirements:

• Extensive senior-level commercial experience within the M&E / building services sector.
• Proven track record of commercially managing major construction projects or multiple project portfolios.
• Previous experience leading commercial teams, including Senior Quantity Surveyors and Commercial Managers.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, procurement, financial reporting, CVRs and final accounts.
• Excellent negotiation, leadership and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to identify and manage commercial risks across complex projects.
• Experience reporting directly to senior directors and executive stakeholders.
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline is desirable.
• RICS membership or equivalent professional accreditation would be advantageous.

The Opportunity:

This position offers the opportunity to join an established M&E contractor delivering major projects, taking a key role in commercial strategy, financial performance and the development of a high-performing commercial team.

The role would suit an experienced Commercial Lead, Commercial Director, Senior Commercial Manager or MEP Commercial Manager looking for a senior leadership position.

All applications will be treated in the strictest confidence.