Commercial Lead Major Projects

Adecco; Worthing; Hybrid; GBP 55,000 - 82,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Major Projects - Commercial Lead to provide leadership and expertise in managing high-profile projects. This hybrid role is pivotal for successful procurement and delivery of major projects, requiring proven skills in contract negotiation and risk management. The successful candidate will work closely with stakeholders to ensure value for money and compliance. Experience in regulated sectors and multi-million pound contracts is essential for this pivotal position.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in commercial/contract negotiation and successful financial close of multi-£100m contracts.
• Background in regulated sectors such as water, energy, or rail.
• Expertise in DBFOM / PPP / PFI agreements.

Responsibilities

• Develop commercial models, risk allocation, and bespoke contract provisions.
• Provide commercial input into project approvals and financial models.
• Assess financial contracts for cost-effectiveness.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Stakeholder management

Risk management

Business case development

Job description

Major Projects - Commercial Lead

Client: Southern Water
Location: Hybrid – 2-3 days office-based in Durrington (Worthing) or Falmer (Brighton)
Contract: Permanent | Full-time (Mon‑Fri)
Salary: £55,000 - £82,000 per annum (depending on experience)

About the Role

Southern Water is seeking experienced Major Projects Commercial Leads / Managers to provide leadership and expertise across commercial workstreams for high-profile schemes within our major projects portfolio. This role is pivotal in ensuring successful market delivery and procurement of major projects, while safeguarding value for money and efficient risk allocation for customers and shareholders.

You will play a key role in projects selected for competitively delivered / externally financed delivery models, navigating internal governance, regulatory processes, and managing a broad range of stakeholders to promote constructive dialogue.

Key Responsibilities

• Contract Structuring, Negotiation & Management: Develop commercial models, risk allocation, bespoke contract provisions, and payment mechanisms aligned with regulatory guidance.
• Business Case Development: Provide commercial input into project approvals, financial models, and value-for-money assessments.
• Risk Management: Mitigate risks or allocate them to parties best able to manage them.
• Financial Efficiency: Assess financial models and commercial contracts for cost-effectiveness.
• Compliance Monitoring: Ensure adherence to agreed commercial terms.
• Stakeholder Management: Establish clear communication channels and resolve potential conflicts early.
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to a robust commercial strategy for major projects aligned with Southern Water's broader objectives.

Essential Experience & Knowledge

• Proven experience in commercial/contract negotiation and successful financial close of multi-£100m contracts in project finance / PPP environments.
• Background in regulated sectors such as water, energy, rail, or other infrastructure.
• Expertise in DBFOM / PPP / PFI agreements, UK contractual standards (PF2, MIM), and comparable projects.
• Strong understanding of investor, financing, and contracting markets for alternative procurement models.
• In-depth experience in business case development, market engagement, and procurement of large-scale complex projects.
• Familiarity with the Tender Process Cycle for externally financed PPP/PFI projects, including bid strategy and evaluation metrics.

Adecco acts as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. The Adecco Group UK & Ireland is an Equal Opportunities Employer.

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