Head of Commercial (Contract Director Portfolio) in London
Head of Commercial (Contract Director Portfolio)

Head of Commercial (Contract Director Portfolio) in London

London Full-Time 48000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
J

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead commercial management for exciting civil engineering projects across the UK.
  • Company: Join a top civil engineering contractor with a diverse project portfolio.
  • Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, vehicle allowance, and generous annual leave.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact in the civil engineering sector while driving sustainable growth.
  • Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and significant experience in commercial management required.
  • Other info: Opportunity for career development in a dynamic and supportive environment.

The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 £ per year.

Jones Bros Ruthin (Civil Engineering) Co Ltd is a leading civil engineering contractor operating across the United Kingdom. Our project portfolio spans Energy and Renewables, Highways, Rail and Infrastructure, Waste Management Facilities and Landfill Engineering, Reservoir Construction, and Coastal Defence and Marine Infrastructure.

This senior commercial leadership role works directly with a Contracts Director and has responsibility for the full commercial management of a portfolio of tenders and live projects. The role combines strategic commercial leadership with hands-on contract, financial, and team management to ensure strong commercial governance, profitability, compliance, and sustainable growth. The role is accountable for protecting the company’s commercial position, supporting successful project delivery, and contributing to the long-term sustainability and growth of Jones Bros Ruthin (Civil Engineering) Co Ltd.

Key Responsibilities
  • Strategic Commercial Leadership
    • Provide commercial leadership and direction across a portfolio of tenders and projects managed by a Contracts Director.
    • Support the development and delivery of the company’s commercial strategy, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
    • Contribute to wider business planning, market insight, and continuous improvement of commercial practices across Jones Bros.
  • Contract and Commercial Management
    • Lead and oversee contract negotiations, ensuring terms are commercially robust, compliant, and aligned with project and business objectives.
    • Manage contract execution throughout the project lifecycle, including variations, change control, claims management, dispute avoidance, and agreement of final accounts.
    • Ensure effective administration and performance management of subcontract and supplier agreements.
    • Maintain strong commercial governance and accurate commercial records across all projects.
  • Financial Management and Performance Control
    • Develop, manage, and control project and portfolio budgets in line with agreed financial targets.
    • Monitor cost, value, cash flow, and profit performance, identifying risks and opportunities at an early stage.
    • Drive cost control, value engineering, and cost optimisation initiatives while maintaining quality and compliance.
    • Prepare and present clear and accurate commercial reports to the Contracts Director and senior management.
  • Risk Management
    • Identify, assess, and manage commercial and contractual risks across tenders and live projects.
    • Implement appropriate mitigation measures and contingency planning.
    • Ensure appropriate insurance arrangements and contractual protections are in place.
    • Promote a proactive and consistent approach to risk management throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Tendering and Pre Construction Support
    • Work closely with preconstruction, estimating, and bid teams to develop competitive, accurate, and deliverable tenders.
    • Undertake commercial reviews at tender stage, including risk, opportunity, and margin assessment.
    • Support tender clarifications, commercial submissions, and tender stage contract negotiations with clients.
  • Client and Stakeholder Management
    • Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with clients, consultants, and key stakeholders.
    • Act as the senior commercial point of contact for allocated projects, supporting client confidence and satisfaction.
    • Identify and support opportunities for repeat business, frameworks, and long-term partnerships.
  • Supply Chain and Vendor Management
    • Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and commercial partners.
    • Lead or support negotiations with key supply chain partners to achieve best value, reliability, and performance.
    • Monitor supply chain compliance with contractual, financial, health, safety, and environmental requirements.
  • Team Leadership and Development
    • Lead, manage, mentor, and develop commercial managers and commercial staff within the project portfolio.
    • Promote a high performing, collaborative, and professional commercial team culture.
    • Support training, professional development, and succession planning within the commercial function.
    • Allocate commercial resources effectively to meet project and business needs.
    • Share best practice, lessons learned, and commercial insight across the wider business.
  • Legal, Compliance, and Governance
    • Ensure compliance with contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements across all projects.
    • Work with legal advisers to manage disputes, claims, and contractual issues where required.
    • Ensure consistent application and understanding of the main forms of civil engineering and construction contracts used within the United Kingdom.
    • Provide commercial leadership on contract interpretation, early warning procedures, compensation events, change management, and dispute avoidance in accordance with the relevant contract form.
    • Ensure adherence to relevant industry standards, including health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements.
  • Health, Safety, Environmental, and Sustainability
    • Ensure health, safety, and environmental considerations are embedded within all commercial activities.
    • Support and promote sustainability initiatives within procurement, materials selection, and project delivery.
    • Promote a culture of responsible, ethical, and compliant commercial behaviour.
  • Continuous Improvement and Innovation
    • Identify opportunities to improve commercial processes, systems, and controls.
    • Drive efficiency, innovation, and best practice within the commercial function.
    • Benchmark commercial performance and practices against industry standards to maintain competitiveness.
Desirable Qualifications and Experience
  • Degree qualified in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Business, Finance, or a related discipline.
  • A postgraduate qualification is desirable but not essential.
  • Significant proven experience in a senior commercial or commercial management role within the civil engineering or construction industry.
  • Strong knowledge of civil engineering contracts, commercial management principles, and industry regulations.
  • Demonstrable experience of managing complex projects, commercial risk, and project finances.
  • Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
  • Competent in the use of Microsoft Office programmes including Excel and Word.
  • Full United Kingdom driving licence and flexibility to travel and stay away overnight when required.
Benefits
  • Competitive salary
  • Vehicle Allowance
  • Company-contributed pension scheme (eligibility applies)
  • 25 days annual leave plus

Head of Commercial (Contract Director Portfolio) in London employer: Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK Ltd

Jones Bros Ruthin (Civil Engineering) Co Ltd is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive salaries, and a comprehensive benefits package, including a company-contributed pension scheme and generous annual leave, we prioritise the well-being of our team. Our culture encourages innovation and sustainability, making it a rewarding place for those looking to make a meaningful impact in the civil engineering sector.
J

Contact Detail:

Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK Ltd Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial (Contract Director Portfolio) in London

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your knowledge about their work in civil engineering and how you can contribute to their success.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Head of Commercial. Highlight your leadership skills and how you’ve successfully managed contracts and teams in the past.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial (Contract Director Portfolio) in London

Commercial Leadership
Contract Management
Financial Management
Risk Management
Tendering and Bid Management
Client Relationship Management
Supply Chain Management
Team Leadership
Legal Compliance
Health and Safety Management
Continuous Improvement
Negotiation Skills
Project Budgeting
Communication Skills
Microsoft Office Proficiency

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Head of Commercial role. Highlight your experience in commercial management, contract negotiations, and financial oversight. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for this position. Share specific examples of your past successes in leading commercial teams and managing complex projects. Let your personality shine through!

Showcase Relevant Experience: When detailing your work history, focus on roles that demonstrate your strategic leadership and risk management skills. We’re keen to see how you’ve contributed to profitability and compliance in previous positions.

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’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re proactive and keen to join our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK Ltd

✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out

Make sure you’re well-versed in the various civil engineering contracts mentioned in the job description, like NEC and JCT. Being able to discuss these confidently will show that you understand the complexities of contract management and can lead negotiations effectively.

✨Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Prepare examples of how you've contributed to commercial strategies in previous roles. Highlight your ability to align project goals with broader business objectives, as this is crucial for the Head of Commercial role.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

Be ready to discuss your experience in leading teams and mentoring staff. Share specific instances where you’ve developed a high-performing team culture, as this will resonate well with the expectations of the role.

✨Prepare for Risk Management Questions

Think about past projects where you identified and mitigated risks. Be prepared to explain your approach to risk management and how it contributed to successful project delivery, as this is a key responsibility in the role.

Head of Commercial (Contract Director Portfolio) in London
Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK Ltd
Location: London

Land your dream job quicker with Premium

You’re marked as a top applicant with our partner companies
Individual CV and cover letter feedback including tailoring to specific job roles
Be among the first applications for new jobs with our AI application
1:1 support and career advice from our career coaches
Go Premium

Money-back if you don't land a job in 6-months

J
Similar positions in other companies
UK’s top job board for Gen Z
discover-jobs-cta
Discover now
>