At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic commercial decisions for a major national infrastructure programme.
- Company: Join a pivotal team transforming the UK's critical infrastructure.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, flexible location, and potential for long-term engagement.
- Other info: Opportunity to influence at executive levels with significant career growth potential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects that shape the nation's future.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in commercial strategy and public sector procurement 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 Recruitment
Join a forward-thinking organisation that is at the forefront of delivering critical national infrastructure projects across the UK. As a Strategic Commercial Advisor, you will benefit from a dynamic work culture that values innovation and collaboration, with ample opportunities for professional growth and development in a high-stakes environment. With competitive remuneration and the chance to influence significant national programmes, this role offers a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact while working alongside industry leaders.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land SC Cleared Strategic Commercial Advisor (interim inside IR35)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, especially those who have experience with critical national infrastructure. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by diving deep into the specifics of the role. Brush up on NEC4 expertise and be ready to discuss how you've tackled complex commercial strategies in the past. Show them you’re not just a fit, but the perfect fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t underestimate the power of follow-ups! After an interview or networking event, drop a quick thank-you note. It keeps you fresh in their minds and shows your enthusiasm for the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of resources to help you stand out. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s land that job together!
We think you need these skills to ace SC Cleared Strategic Commercial Advisor (interim inside IR35)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in strategic commercial roles, especially within critical national infrastructure. We want to see how your background aligns with the specific requirements of the role.
Showcase Your Expertise:Don’t hold back on detailing your NEC4 expertise and experience in managing complex commercial environments. We’re looking for candidates who can demonstrate their ability to influence high-value decisions, so make it clear how you've done this in the past.
Be Concise and Clear:When writing your application, keep it concise and to the point. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex commercial issues. Use straightforward language to explain your achievements and how they relate to the role.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates regarding the position.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cedar Recruitment
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of public sector procurement and commercial regulations. This role is all about strategic commercial leadership, so be prepared to discuss how you've navigated complex environments in the past.
✨Showcase Your Experience
Be ready to share specific examples from your previous roles that demonstrate your ability to influence high-value decisions and manage large-scale programmes. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Understand the Programme's Importance
Familiarise yourself with the Critical National Infrastructure programme and its significance. Show that you understand the complexities involved and how your expertise can contribute to its success.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Prepare to discuss how you've effectively engaged with executive leadership and steering committees in the past. Highlight your ability to challenge assumptions and provide independent commercial assurance, as this will be crucial for the role.
