At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic commercial decisions on a high-profile national infrastructure programme.
- Company: Join a key player in the UK's critical national infrastructure transformation.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, potential for long-term contract, and impactful work.
- Other info: Opportunity to work on complex projects with significant career growth potential.
- Why this job: Shape the future of national infrastructure while influencing executive-level decisions.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in commercial strategy and SC clearance required.
Strategic Commercial Lead - Critical National Infrastructure Programme (Construction, Design & Build)
£1000 per day | Inside IR35 | SC Clearance Required
Initial 6-Month Contract | Long-Term Programme with Extension
Candidates can be based anywhere in the UK, with occasional travel required to programme locations.
This is not a traditional commercial role. We are seeking an exceptional Strategic Commercial Lead to join a nationally significant Critical National Infrastructure (CNI) programme delivering one of the UK's most complex and high-profile infrastructure transformations. You will operate as a trusted commercial advisor to executive leadership, shaping commercial strategy across a multi-billion-pound programme environment involving complex construction, infrastructure and systems integration.
Ideally you will have a strong background in Public Sector procurement & commercial regulations therefore have the ability to advise the senior leadership team on best practice, risk and governance to ensure successful delivery of this significant programme. This is a rare opportunity to influence and lead commercial strategy on a programme of genuine national importance, working at the highest levels of governance, procurement, risk management, and supplier engagement.
You will play a pivotal role in shaping and influencing critical commercial decisions presented to:
- Executive Leadership Teams/Board-Level Stakeholders
- Governance and Steering Committees, Programme Directors and Senior Sponsors
The successful candidate will provide strategic commercial leadership across major investment decisions, procurement strategies, supplier negotiations, contract risk positions, and programme-wide commercial governance. You will be responsible for translating highly complex commercial and contractual issues into concise, commercially sound recommendations that support executive-level decision making throughout the programme lifecycle.
This role requires the credibility, gravitas, and strategic capability to challenge assumptions, influence senior stakeholders, and provide independent commercial assurance on decisions involving significant financial exposure, operational risk, and long-term programme outcomes.
You will lead discussions around:
- Major contract and procurement strategies
- Enterprise-level commercial risk and mitigation
- Investment approvals and business cases
- Supplier performance and market positioning
- Change control, claims strategy, and dispute avoidance
- Cost assurance, value optimisation, and commercial governance
- Long-term commercial sustainability and delivery confidence
This programme is expected to run for several years, with strong extension potential beyond the initial contract term. We are specifically looking for individuals who have previously operated within:
- Major infrastructure programmes - ideally within Public Sector or Critical National Infrastructure environments
- Highly regulated or mission-critical environments
- Large-scale, high-value construction programmes
- Complex stakeholder and supplier ecosystems
You must be able to demonstrate experience acting as a senior commercial lead or trusted advisor on programmes of comparable complexity, scale, and strategic importance.
Essential Experience
- Extensive experience leading commercial strategy across major infrastructure or construction programmes
- Strong NEC4 expertise including procurement, tender evaluation, pricing structures, and risk allocation
- Experience within Critical National Infrastructure, utilities, defence, transport, energy
- Proven capability advising executive leadership, boards, and steering committees
- Demonstrable experience influencing high-value commercial and investment decisions at executive level
- Deep understanding of commercial governance, enterprise risk, supplier strategy, and value optimisation
- Experience managing complex commercial environments involving multiple delivery partners/large supply chains
- Strong understanding of construction cost modelling and commercial assurance
Due to the nature of the programme, candidates must hold active SC Clearance.
SC Cleared Strategic Commercial Advisor (interim inside IR35) employer: Cedar Careers
As a leading PE-backed services group based in Leeds, we pride ourselves on fostering a dynamic work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and opportunities to lead transformative finance initiatives, making us an excellent employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers in finance.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SC Cleared Strategic Commercial Advisor (interim inside IR35)
✨Get Your Foot in the Door
Temporary roles in construction often rely on quick recruitment, so make sure to visit local recruitment agencies that specialise in the construction sector. They usually have a go-to list of companies that need staff urgently, helping us connect with potential employers faster.
✨Leverage Community Connections
Construction is all about connections! Check out local trade events, networking gatherings, or even social media groups focused on your area. Engaging with the community can lead to insider knowledge about temporary job openings that might not be advertised anywhere else.
✨Showcase Your Skills with a Solid Portfolio
Even for temporary gigs, a visual portfolio can really set you apart. Take photos of previous projects you’ve worked on, or if you're fresh in the industry, show examples of your work during training. This can help us demonstrate our hands-on experience to potential employers, like Cedar Careers.
✨Apply Directly at Construction Sites
Don’t overlook the power of walking directly into construction sites. Many temporary positions are filled on the spot, so it’s worth popping by local sites and having a face-to-face chat. Bring your CV and be ready to impress, as companies like Cedar Careers appreciate proactive candidates ready to jump in when needed.
We think you need these skills to ace SC Cleared Strategic Commercial Advisor (interim inside IR35)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the construction game, having hands-on experience matters! Be sure to showcase any previous temporary roles or projects you've worked on in your CV. Mention specific skills like safety protocols, tools you're familiar with, or types of construction work you've done – this will help you stand out!
Showcase Certifications and Training:If you've got any relevant certifications or training like a CSCS card or health and safety courses, flaunt them! Include them in your CV and mention them in your cover letter. It shows that you're not just ready to get to work but that you've got the essential safety knowledge, which is super important in the construction industry.
Emphasise Flexibility and Availability:For a temporary role, flexibility is key! In your cover letter, make sure to clearly state your availability – are you ready to start immediately? Can you work various shifts? Letting Cedar Careers know how adaptable you are might just get you the edge over other candidates.
Keep it Concise and Clear:When applying for temporary roles in construction, employers often appreciate brevity. Keep your CV and cover letter clear and to the point. Focus on the skills and experiences that align most with what Cedar Careers is looking for. Avoid unnecessary fluff to make it easier for them to see why you’re the perfect fit!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar Careers
✨Show Off Your Safety Knowledge
In construction, health and safety is non-negotiable. Get comfortable with specific safety regulations like COSHH or Working at Height – you might get asked how you’d handle risk assessments or unsafe conditions. We need to show that we prioritise safety above all else.
✨Be Ready for Hands-On Scenarios
Expect practical questions or even a mini test where you’ll need to demonstrate basic skills. They might set up a scenario and ask how you would approach a specific task. Let’s prepare by brushing up on our trade skills and thinking through past projects we’ve worked on.
✨Flexibility is Key
Since this is a temporary role, they’ll want to know if you can adapt quickly to different teams and situations. Let's think about past experiences where we've had to adjust on the fly. This will show we’re ready to hit the ground running!
✨Highlight Your Previous Experience
Temporary roles often require hitting the ground running, so make sure to have a few stories lined up that showcase your relevant experience in construction. We want to emphasise skills that might not be on our CV—like teamwork and problem-solving when things don't go to plan.
