Bennett and Game are currently representing an award-winning civil engineering contractor based in Fleet, who are looking to appoint an experienced Commercial Director to take ownership of the commercial function and play a key role in the continued growth of the business.
Established for over 20 years, our client has built a strong reputation within the civil engineering sector and currently has a team of approximately 25 staff, with an annual turnover of around £40 million.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for an experienced commercial professional who is looking to take greater responsibility for the overall commercial performance of a business. The successful candidate will work closely with the Managing Director, senior leadership team and operational departments, providing strategic commercial direction while ensuring projects are delivered profitably and in line with company objectives.
The business delivers a range of civil engineering and infrastructure projects across the UK, working closely with major supermarket chains on EV charging installations, store extensions, restaurants and petrol station developments.
Commercial Director - Role Overview
Take overall responsibility for the commercial function and commercial strategy of the business
Provide senior commercial leadership across a portfolio of civil engineering projects
Work closely with the Managing Director and senior leadership team on business strategy, growth and financial performance
Lead, manage and develop the commercial team, including Quantity Surveyors, costing staff and project planners
Establish and maintain robust commercial procedures, systems and governance across the business
Oversee project profitability, forecasting, CVRs, cashflow, WIP and overall commercial performance
Drive margin improvement, cost control and effective risk management across all projects
Act as the senior point of escalation for contractual, commercial and financial matters
Oversee contract strategy, subcontract procurement, cost recovery and commercial negotiations
Ensure valuations, applications, compensation events, variations and final accounts are effectively managed
Provide commercial oversight of project performance, identifying risks and opportunities at an early stage
Lead regular commercial reviews and provide clear performance reporting to senior leadership and the Operating Board
Support the operational team in resolving contractual and commercial issues throughout the project lifecycle
Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, subcontractors, suppliers and other stakeholders
Play a key role in work-winning, tender strategy and the commercial review of new opportunities
Support the development of long-term client relationships and repeat business
Identify opportunities to improve commercial processes, systems and ways of working across the business
Provide commercial insight and recommendations to support future business planning and sustainable growthCommercial Director - Position Requirements
Extensive commercial management experience within the civil engineering or construction sector
Proven experience operating at Commercial Director, Commercial Manager or senior commercial leadership level
Strong track record of managing and developing commercial teams
Experience overseeing the commercial performance of multiple projects and/or a wider business function
Strong understanding of project profitability, forecasting, cashflow, WIP and commercial reporting
Extensive knowledge of contract conditions, with experience across NEC, JCT and bespoke forms of contract
Strong contractual knowledge and experience managing commercial risk, entitlement and dispute avoidance
Experience developing and implementing commercial procedures, systems and governance
Commercially astute with a strong understanding of margin improvement and business performance
Civil engineering project experience is essential
Degree qualified or equivalent professional experience
Excellent IT skills and confidence working with commercial and project management software
Strong leadership and people management skills, with the ability to influence and develop teams
Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management skills
Comfortable working at both strategic and operational level
Ability to prioritise effectively and make commercially sound decisions in a fast-paced environment
Evidence of introducing new ideas, systems or processes that have delivered measurable business benefits
Strong relationship-building and networking skills, particularly with clients and senior stakeholders
Member of RICS, CICES or another relevant professional body, or working towards professional membership, would be advantageous
Full UK driving licenceWhat's on Offer
Senior leadership position within an established and growing civil engineering contractor
Opportunity to take ownership of the overall commercial function
Significant influence over the future commercial strategy and growth of the business
Opportunity to work closely with the senior leadership and Operating Board
Supportive and established working environment
Competitive salary and package, dependent on experienceBennett and Game Recruitment are a multi-disciplined technical recruitment agency based in Chichester, West Sussex operating across the UK with specialist teams covering a range of industries.
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Salary description
£90000.00 - £120000.00 per year