Head of Commercial (Contract Director Portfolio) in Ruthin, Wales
Head of Commercial (Contract Director Portfolio)

Head of Commercial (Contract Director Portfolio) in Ruthin, Wales

Ruthin +1 Full-Time 72000 - 84000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead commercial management for exciting civil engineering projects across the UK.
  • Company: Join a top civil engineering contractor with a strong reputation and 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 developing your leadership skills.
  • Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and significant experience in commercial management required.
  • Other info: Opportunity for professional growth and to work on innovative projects.

The predicted salary is between 72000 - 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 bank holidays
  • Professional membership subscription support for up to two professional bodies.
  • Discretionary private medical insurance

Locations

Ruthin Wales

Head of Commercial (Contract Director Portfolio) in Ruthin, Wales employer: Jones Bros Civil Engineering

At Jones Bros Ruthin (Civil Engineering) Co Ltd, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and high-performing work culture. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through our support for professional development and training, alongside competitive benefits such as a company-contributed pension scheme and generous annual leave. Located in the heart of the UK, we offer a dynamic environment where strategic commercial leadership meets hands-on project management, ensuring that our team members are integral to our mission of sustainable growth and excellence in civil engineering.
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Contact Detail:

Jones Bros Civil Engineering Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

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

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that dream job.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company inside out. Understand their projects, values, and challenges. When we show genuine interest and knowledge about Jones Bros, it’ll definitely set us apart from the competition.

✨Tip Number 3

Practice makes perfect! Do mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. The more we rehearse, the more natural we’ll feel when it’s time to shine in front of the hiring team.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping us top of mind. Plus, it shows our enthusiasm for the role and appreciation for the opportunity.

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

Commercial Management
Contract Negotiation
Financial Management
Risk Management
Tendering and Pre-Construction Support
Client Relationship Management
Supply Chain Management
Team Leadership
Legal Compliance
Knowledge of NEC, JCT, and FIDIC Contracts
Health and Safety Regulations
Sustainability Initiatives
Microsoft Office Proficiency
Project Budgeting and Cost Control

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 team leadership. We want to see how your skills align with our needs at Jones Bros!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your past successes in managing projects and driving profitability. Let us know what makes you tick!

Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a senior role, we’re looking for strong leadership qualities. In your application, mention any experience you have in mentoring teams or leading projects. We want to see how you can inspire and develop others at Jones Bros.

Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply 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 keen on joining our team at Jones Bros!

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

✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out

Before the interview, brush up on your knowledge of civil engineering contracts, especially the NEC and JCT forms. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed contract negotiations and compliance in past roles. This will show that you understand the complexities of the position and can hit the ground running.

✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills

As a Head of Commercial, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Prepare examples of how you've led teams, mentored staff, and fostered a high-performing culture. Highlight specific instances where your leadership directly contributed to project success or improved team dynamics.

✨Prepare for Financial Discussions

Since financial management is key in this role, be ready to discuss your experience with budget control, cost optimisation, and financial reporting. Bring along examples of how you've identified risks and opportunities in past projects, and be prepared to explain your approach to maintaining profitability.

✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders

Strong client and stakeholder relationships are crucial. Think of examples where you've successfully managed client expectations or resolved disputes. During the interview, focus on your communication skills and how you build trust with clients and partners, as this will be vital for long-term success in the role.

Head of Commercial (Contract Director Portfolio) in Ruthin, Wales
Jones Bros Civil Engineering
Location: Ruthin

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