At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial management for major infrastructure projects and mentor a dynamic team.
- Company: Established consultancy in civil engineering and infrastructure with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonus, private healthcare, and hybrid working.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on diverse UK infrastructure projects and drive business growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of infrastructure while developing your leadership skills in a thriving environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field; chartered status preferred.
Location: Birmingham (Hybrid - 3 days in the office)
Salary: £90,000 to £95,000 + Package
Benefits: Bonus, Private Healthcare, Company Car / Car Allowance
Sectors: Civil Engineering & Infrastructure
Employment: Permanent
The Opportunity
Appoint is recruiting a Head of Commercial on behalf of an established Commercial and Project Management Consultancy operating across the UK infrastructure sector. This senior leadership appointment offers the opportunity to take responsibility for the consultancy's commercial management function, lead and develop a team of commercial professionals, and provide strategic commercial and procurement advice to clients delivering complex infrastructure projects.
Operating across Nuclear, Rail, Aviation, Utilities and Highways, the consultancy provides specialist commercial and project management services throughout the project lifecycle. The successful candidate will combine extensive technical commercial expertise with strong leadership capabilities, excellent client-facing skills and the commercial awareness to support the continued growth of the business.
Key Responsibilities
- Commercial Leadership & Management
- Lead and oversee the consultancy's commercial management function, ensuring high standards of technical delivery, commercial performance and client service.
- Provide strategic commercial advice and leadership across a portfolio of civil engineering and infrastructure projects.
- Oversee the delivery of quantity surveying, cost management and commercial management services throughout the project lifecycle.
- Provide guidance on contractual matters, commercial risk, cost control, change management and dispute avoidance.
- Develop and implement commercial processes, procedures and best practices.
- Procurement & Contract Strategy
- Advise clients on procurement approaches, commercial strategies and appropriate contracting arrangements.
- Lead the development and implementation of procurement strategies aligned with client objectives, project requirements and risk profiles.
- Provide guidance on tendering, contractor selection, contract administration and commercial negotiations.
- Advise on contractual frameworks, including NEC and JCT forms of contract.
- Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, manage and mentor a team of Quantity Surveyors and Commercial Managers.
- Take responsibility for recruiting and developing commercial professionals to support business growth.
- Promote technical excellence, professional development and a collaborative working environment.
- Oversee team resources and support effective allocation of personnel across client commissions.
- Client Relationships & Business Development
- Establish and maintain strong relationships with existing and prospective clients.
- Act as a senior commercial point of contact, providing trusted advice and supporting successful project delivery.
- Identify and develop new business opportunities across existing and emerging infrastructure markets.
- Contribute to work-winning activities, including client engagement, tender submissions, proposals and presentations.
- Support the wider leadership team in developing and implementing business growth strategies.
Candidate Requirements
Essential
- Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a closely related discipline.
- Chartered professional status, ideally MRICS or an equivalent relevant professional qualification.
- Extensive Quantity Surveying and Commercial Management experience within the construction or civil engineering sectors.
- Proven experience in a senior commercial leadership or management position.
- Strong people management skills, including experience leading, mentoring and developing commercial teams.
- Excellent client-facing capabilities, with the confidence to advise and influence senior stakeholders.
- Strong understanding of procurement processes, commercial strategy and contractual risk management.
- Commercial awareness and the ability to contribute to business development and work-winning activities.
Highly Desirable
- Experience working within a client-side consultancy or providing commercial advisory services directly to clients.
- Experience developing procurement strategies and advising clients on procurement and contracting approaches.
- Experience across major civil engineering or infrastructure projects.
Beneficial
- Previous experience working for a civil engineering or construction contractor.
- Strong working knowledge of NEC and JCT forms of contract.
- Experience across Nuclear, Rail, Aviation, Utilities or Highways infrastructure.
- An established professional network within the infrastructure sector.
Salary & Benefits
- £90,000 to £95,000 per annum
- Company Performance-related bonus
- Private healthcare
- Salary sacrifice car or car allowance
- Hybrid working, with three days per week in the Birmingham office
- Senior leadership responsibility with the opportunity to shape and develop the commercial function
- Exposure to a diverse portfolio of major UK infrastructure projects
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced commercial professional seeking a senior leadership position within a specialist consultancy, combining technical expertise, strategic client advisory services, people management and business development.
Apply now with an updated CV and/or for more information contact Dan Bowen on (phone number removed).
Head of Commercial in Birmingham employer: Appoint Limited
As a leading Tier 2 main contractor based in Orpington, we pride ourselves on our dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through ongoing training and development opportunities, ensuring that our Project Managers can thrive in their roles while contributing to exciting new build projects across the UK. With competitive freelance rates and a focus on delivering high-value projects, we offer a rewarding environment for professionals looking to make a significant impact in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial in Birmingham
✨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 Appoint Limited, 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 Head of Commercial at Appoint Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial in Birmingham
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 Appoint Limited
✨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!
