Commercial Manager / Senior Commercial Manager

Lever, Inc.; Netherlands; Hybrid; EUR 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

33 days leave (25 + bank holidays)

Hybrid/Remote working

Travel ~25%

Career progression

Autonomy & accountability

Exposure to AI infrastructure projects

International project environment

Job summary

Lever, Inc. on behalf of a partner is recruiting for a Commercial Manager based in the Netherlands to oversee commercial and contractual management for hyperscale data centre projects across the UK and Europe.

You will manage budgets, forecasting, cost control, procurement, and risk, collaborating with Development, Design, Construction, Finance and Operations to protect project value and deliver results in a fast-growing, entrepreneurial environment.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of forecasting, cash flow, cost control and profitability across complex construction projects, incl. data centres.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial management of major data centre projects within budgets and standards.
• Manage budgets, CAPEX models, cash flow, forecasts, and financial reporting.
• Drive cost efficiency, cost validation, benchmarking, and value engineering.
• Prepare cost reports, forecasts and scenario modelling for senior management.
• Manage commercial change in line with contracts and governance.
• Lead risk management with live risk registers and mitigation.
• Oversee procurement, contracts, and commercial close-out.
• Collaborate with Development, Design, Construction, Finance and Operations teams.
• Monitor market conditions and regulatory developments to inform strategies.
• Provide hands-on commercial leadership and improve processes.

Skills

Forecasting

Cash flow management

Cost control

Profitability

Data centre experience

Stakeholder management

English communication

Education

Quantity Surveying

Commercial Management

Construction Management

MRICS (advantageous)

Tools

CAPEX modelling

Cost management tools

Job description

This position is listed on behalf of a partner company, who manages all applications and next steps. Our partner is looking for a Commercial Manager / Senior Commercial Manager based inNetherlands.

As a Commercial Manager / Senior Commercial Manager, you will oversee the commercial and contractual management of major hyperscale data centre construction projects across the UK and Europe. You’ll bring strong Quantity Surveying and construction cost management expertise to projects from pre-contract through final account. The role combines cost control, procurement, forecasting, contract administration, risk management, and financial reporting. You’ll work closely with Development, Design, Construction, Finance, and Operations teams to protect project value and maintain commercial discipline. Your analysis and recommendations will directly support senior-level decision‑making and project performance. This is an opportunity to join a high‑growth, entrepreneurial environment focused on delivering next‑generation AI infrastructure.

Accountabilities

• Lead the commercial management of major hyperscale data centre construction projects, ensuring delivery within approved budgets, timelines, and commercial standards.
• Manage project budgets, CAPEX models, cost forecasts, cash flow, and financial reporting, providing accurate and timely insight into project performance.
• Drive cost efficiency, value engineering, cost validation, benchmarking, and cost‑saving initiatives while maintaining project quality and objectives.
• Prepare detailed cost reports, forecasts, trend analyses, and scenario modelling, presenting findings and recommendations to senior management.
• Manage commercial change throughout the project lifecycle, including change evaluation, negotiation, approval, and documentation in line with contractual and governance requirements.
• Lead commercial risk management by identifying potential exposures, maintaining live risk registers, and implementing mitigation strategies.
• Oversee procurement and contract administration, ensuring commercial activities remain aligned with project requirements and contractual obligations.
• Manage financial close‑out activities, including budget reconciliation, vendor account settlement, and completion of final commercial documentation.
• Collaborate with Development, Construction, Design, Finance, and Operations teams to align commercial priorities with design, schedule, delivery, and operational objectives.
• Monitor regional market conditions, construction cost indices, and regulatory developments to inform commercial strategies and improve project delivery.
• Provide hands‑on commercial leadership across projects while contributing to continuous improvement of commercial processes, controls, and reporting.

Requirements

• 7+ years of experience in forecasting, cash flow management, cost control, and profitability across complex construction projects or portfolios, with specific experience in data centres.
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, or a related discipline; MRICS or equivalent professional accreditation is advantageous.
• Proven experience managing the commercial performance of major construction projects and identifying opportunities to improve profitability and value.
• Strong knowledge of construction cost management, budgeting, CAPEX modelling, contract administration, procurement, forecasting, and change management.
• Strong analytical and financial skills, with the ability to interpret complex cost information and translate it into clear recommendations for senior stakeholders.
• Excellent attention to detail, commercial judgement, negotiation skills, and a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risk.
• Strong communication and stakeholder‑management skills, with the ability to collaborate across regions, time zones, functions, and disciplines.
• Adaptable, self‑motivated, and comfortable working in a fast‑paced, entrepreneurial, high‑growth environment.
• Fluent English is required; additional European language skills are an advantage.
• Willingness to travel approximately 25% to project sites across the UK and Europe.

Benefits

• Competitive compensation package, including an employee stock option plan (ESOP).
• 25 days of annual holiday plus bank holidays, providing 33 days of total leave.
• Hybrid and remote working options.
• Approximately 25% travel to project sites across the UK and Europe.
• Opportunities for career progression within a rapidly growing organization.
• High‑autonomy environment focused on accountability, execution, and professional development.
• Opportunity to contribute to large‑scale, next‑generation AI infrastructure projects.
• Exposure to an international project environment spanning the UK and Europe.