About Dalkia UK
At Dalkia, we're driven by a shared purpose: tackling climate change and building a better, more sustainable future. We bring together talented people who share knowledge, challenge each other and grow together.
Backed by EDF, Britain's biggest generator of low carbon electricity, we're a people-first culture. With 5,000+ employees and £600m+ turnover, we combine the strength of a major group with a great culture, innovative mindset and inclusive values making Dalkia a great place to work and grow your career.
Commercial Lead
We are looking for an experienced Commercial Lead to provide commercial and contracts leadership across our project portfolio, working closely with our Commercial Director and Senior Management team. This is a senior, high-impact role for a commercially astute leader who can balance strong financial governance with the ability to lead, mentor, and develop a team of Quantity Surveyors.
What you'll be doing:
Acting as key commercial advisor to the Commercial Director on all project commercial and contractual matters
Leading, managing, and mentoring a team of Senior, Project, and Assistant Quantity Surveyors, plus Commercial Administration staff, setting clear standards and objectives
Advising Project Management teams on commercial risks and issues arising throughout the project lifecycle
Negotiating new contracts and contract amendments to form balanced, equitable business relationships without undue risk to the company
Maximising company entitlement to profitability and revenue while mitigating and minimising expenditure
Maintaining strong cash flow through robust tracking of applications, certifications, and invoices
Preparing monthly budgets, forecasts, cash flow, and cost value reconciliation reports detailing P&L against forecast
Reviewing Invitation to Bid (ITB) documents and conducting commercial viability and risk analysis, including indemnification and liability considerations
Leading individual tender and project reviews, escalating to Tender Board Committee where value or risk exposure requires it
Overseeing strategic and operational risk reporting and controls across all projects
Leading contract negotiations and preparing documentation for legal review
Ensuring subcontractors and suppliers are procured and pre-qualified in line with company procedure
Drafting and issuing Letters of Intent and contractual correspondence
Negotiating performance bonds, parent company guarantees, and insurance terms
Proactively managing claims from notification through to closure
Validating and negotiating final account applications and recommendations
Chairing commercial review meetings with project teams, ensuring costs are fully reconcilable and audit-ready
Managing resourcing and identifying recruitment needs across the commercial team
Representing the company at internal and external progress and commercial meetings
What we're looking for:
Strong, up-to-date commercial awareness and a hands-on approach to high-pressure environments
Excellent negotiation, influencing, and persuasion skills
Strong analytical and evaluation ability, with sound decision-making and time management
Proven leadership experience — able to coach, develop, and motivate a team while acting as a role model
Accurate, highly organised, and detail-focused
A proactive, positive approach with a genuine commitment to team and company success
Qualifications:
Degree qualified, or qualified through extensive relevant experience
Proven experience setting up commercial management and reporting systems
Strong track record in commercial leadership within M&E
Our Values
People First – It starts with health, safety and wellbeing
Better Together – A collaborative team
Trusted Partners – Dedicated to our clients' success
Taking Responsibility – Making a positive difference
Equity, Diversity & Inclusion
We're committed to an inclusive and fair recruitment process. If you need any adjustments please let us know, in confidence, our team is here to support you
Salary description
£87000.00 - £109000.00 per year