Head of Commercial

Our client is an innovative leading Civil Engineering contractor within Rail and Civils. They are currently seeking a Head of Commercial to join their team in Hampshire.  

Duties & Responsibilities:  

• Lead the development and delivery of commercial and procurement strategies, frameworks and the associated internal and external relationship management  

• Lead, develop and manage the client's s Commercial function and its activity across Arboriculture, Plant & Environmental departments, pre and post contract. This includes, but is not limited to, cost management, budget management, change control, risk analysis, forecasting, CVRs, etc.  

• Negotiate and agree contracts before the commencement of projects/work orders.  

• Identify key commercial and contractual risks to business and manage contracts and relationships to mitigate risk  

• Identify cost reduction and efficiency opportunities, including contributing to continuous improvement initiatives and the establishment of tools to benchmark programme efficiencies.  

• Develop and implement best practice systems and processes for the effective, efficient and consistent management of procurement and supply chain activities  

• Identify and develop strategic relationships and strong networks with clients, partners and colleagues to achieve mutually beneficial relationships that enable effective and efficient delivery.  

• Manage the commercial aspects of PQQ’s, bids, tenders, etc. for new opportunities.  

• Responsible for the financial management of projects including periodic/monthly reviews and cost reporting to assess the financial performance  

• Lead the development of contractual documents including Supplier Contracts, Confidentiality Agreements and Consultancy Agreements.  

• Lead internal commercial review meetings with key stakeholders, preparing and reporting on KPIs, risks and opportunities.  

• Manage the sourcing of services and resources required for projects and negotiate costs with suppliers  

• Report and present project-specific commercial issues at client progress meetings  

• Lead the development of procurement activities including strategies, tender process and governance  

• Manage the procurement of sub-contractors and ensure effective supplier engagement  

• Build and nurture client relationships in order to continue winning new contracts  

• Attend networking events and build industry connections in order to facilitate business growth and opportunities  

• Build excellent professional relationships with internal and external key stakeholders, including clients and suppliers.  

• Support quality and compliance in the running of systems and processes to deliver KPIs and contribute to continuous improvement.  

• Observe and follow all applicable safe methods of working, and health, safety and environmental rules/procedures. Report any incidents or Close Calls immediately to the appropriate person.  

• Undertake training as required by your manager or the Company.  

• Adhere to Company Policies and Procedures.  

• Be the client's ambassador, upholding and reflecting the ethos and values of the Company.  

• Work in accordance with the client’s Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy.  

• Undertake any other duties as may be reasonably required by the Company.  

• Work flexibly and be receptive and adaptable to a changing environment within a growing Company.

• Chartered membership of a relevant professional body (i.e. RICS, CIPS).  

• Degree in Commercial Management, Quantity Surveying (or similar) or experience equivalent.  

• Substantial experience within Rail sector with excellent industry knowledge.  

• Proven commercial leadership.  

• Strong leadership skills with the vision and ability to establish collaborative relationships.  

• Experience of different contract types, including JCT and NEC3/4.  

• Significant commercial experience in a similar role within a contracting business or SME.  

• Experience and knowledge of construction law.  

• Proven influencing and negotiating skills.  

• A strong and proactive communicator.  

• Works collaboratively and builds effective working relationships.  

• Extensive experience in report writing and numerical data manipulation.  

• Highly competent in MS Office and various contract administration software (i.e. CEMAR)  

• Presents a professional image with the qualities to act as a the client's ambassador.  

• A good understanding and application of health, safety & environment practices.  

• Flexibility in your approach to work.