Head of Commercial - #2170823

Procter Street are recruiting on behalf of an established and highly regarded civil engineering and infrastructure business for an experienced Head of Commercial to lead its commercial function and play a pivotal role in the continued success of the organisation.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially astute leader to take ownership of commercial performance across a varied portfolio of civil engineering projects, leading a dedicated team while protecting profitability, managing contractual risk and driving continuous improvement.

Working closely with the Contracts Director, operational teams and key stakeholders, you will have the opportunity to influence business performance, strengthen commercial processes and contribute to the successful delivery of projects that support essential infrastructure across the North West.

About the Organisation

With extensive experience across highways maintenance, road surfacing, drainage, and wider civil engineering works, the business works with local authorities, public sector organisations and private clients throughout the North West. Its portfolio includes projects delivered through long-term framework agreements as well as competitively tendered contracts.

The Role and Key Responsibilities

Reporting to the Contracts Director, you will lead the Commercial Team, providing direction, support and development to Quantity Surveyors and commercial support staff. You will ensure robust commercial management across allocated projects, maximising value, controlling costs and identifying risks and opportunities at every stage.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Commercial leadership: Lead, mentor and develop the commercial team, promoting accountability, collaboration and consistently high standards.
• Contract management: Oversee the administration of NEC3 and NEC4 contracts, including early warnings, compensation events, variations, change control and contractual notices.
• Cost control and forecasting: Produce and review monthly Cost Value Reconciliations (CVRs), forecasts and project reports, identifying financial variances and opportunities for improved performance.
• Valuations and final accounts: Ensure timely and accurate interim valuations, payment applications and subcontractor payments, while negotiating final accounts and maximising commercial recovery.
• Procurement and subcontractor management: Manage the commercial aspects of subcontractor and supplier procurement, ensuring competitive pricing, appropriate risk allocation and effective contract administration.
• Risk and compliance: Identify and mitigate commercial and contractual risks, maintain accurate records and ensure compliance with internal procedures and delegated authorities.
• Client and stakeholder relationships: Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors and internal delivery teams, resolving commercial challenges constructively.
• Continuous improvement: Work alongside Pre-Construction and Operations to improve commercial systems, processes and reporting, supporting greater efficiency and profitability.

You will be a key member of the wider management team, balancing strategic commercial oversight with hands-on involvement in project performance and the development of your people.

About You

We are seeking an experienced commercial professional with a strong track record in civil engineering or infrastructure, the confidence to lead a team and the commercial judgement to influence successful project delivery.

You will ideally bring:

• A degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Significant commercial management experience within the civil engineering, highways or infrastructure sectors.
• Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts, particularly NEC3 and NEC4, alongside sound contract law and risk management knowledge.
• Proven experience leading commercial teams and managing multiple projects or frameworks.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including CVRs, forecasting, cost control and final account negotiations.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills, with the ability to build lasting client relationships.
• A proactive, solutions-focused approach, with the confidence to challenge existing processes and drive continuous improvement.
• Strong organisational skills, attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A commitment to health and safety, professional standards and collaborative working.
• A full UK driving licence and flexibility to balance office-based responsibilities with site engagements.

Why consider this opportunity?

This is an opportunity to take a leading commercial position within an established regional business that combines a strong reputation and long-standing client relationships with a hands-on, people-focused culture. You will have the scope to influence commercial strategy, develop a capable team and make a meaningful contribution to the profitable delivery of essential civil engineering projects.

If you are an ambitious Commercial Manager or Head of Commercial looking for a role where you can make a genuine impact, Procter Street would welcome a confidential conversation.

To find out more or to discuss the opportunity, please contact Procter Street directly