At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and procurement for cutting-edge data centre projects.
- Company: AJ Group, a leader in the UK data centre sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonuses, hybrid work, and travel opportunities.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and drive impactful change in the industry.
- Why this job: Shape the future of data centres with innovative solutions and strategic partnerships.
- Qualifications: 15+ years in commercial/procurement, with expertise in data centre projects.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid/Remote, with regular travel to UK data centre sites)
About Us: We are a leading provider in the UK data centre sector, delivering high-quality, mission-critical infrastructure at scale. As we expand our portfolio of state-of-the-art data centres, we are seeking a strategic and commercially astute Commercial Director to lead all procurement, contractual, and commercial activities across our UK programme.
The Role: Reporting to the VP of Design & Delivery, you will drive commercial strategy and governance across multiple projects, ensuring financial performance, risk management, and value creation from inception to commissioning. You will lead procurement for modular MEP systems, long-lead equipment, and specialist services, negotiate complex contracts, and build lasting partnerships with key vendors and contractors.
Key Responsibilities:
- Lead commercial and procurement functions for the UK data centre portfolio.
- Develop and implement procurement strategies for modular and high-technology systems.
- Ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with quality standards.
- Oversee multi-site budgets, cost control, and financial forecasting.
- Manage commercial risks, contract administration, and compliance with UK legislation.
- Collaborate with senior stakeholders, clients, and suppliers to drive transparency and alignment.
What We’re Looking For:
- 15+ years’ commercial/procurement experience, including 5+ years in a senior or director-level role.
- Proven track record on large-scale data centre, mission-critical, or high-tech industrial projects.
- Expertise in UK construction law, NEC/JCT contracts, and commercial management best practices.
- Strong negotiation, analytical, and stakeholder management skills.
- Experience with modular/prefabricated vendor ecosystems and multi-project financial governance.
- Chartered RICS membership or equivalent (preferred).
Why Join Us:
- Lead commercial strategy at the forefront of the UK data centre market.
- Work on cutting-edge projects with innovative modular solutions.
- Competitive salary with bonus and benefits.
- Hybrid working with travel across major UK data centre sites.
- Opportunity to shape procurement frameworks and vendor relationships for repeatable, scalable delivery.
Commercial Director in Cardiff employer: AJ Group
Join a leading civil engineering and infrastructure contractor that prioritises employee well-being and professional growth. With a competitive salary, generous benefits including private medical insurance and flexible working opportunities, you will thrive in a collaborative work culture that values your contributions to high-profile projects. This role not only offers the chance to develop your skills alongside experienced teams but also provides ongoing training and career development to help you reach your full potential.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Director in Cardiff
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like AJ Group, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Commercial Director at AJ Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Director in Cardiff
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at AJ Group
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
