Head of Commercial
Location: Northern Ireland (with regular travel across Ireland & the UK)
Salary: £150,000 base salary + executive package
About the Opportunity
An established and rapidly growing engineering and infrastructure business is seeking an experienced Head of Commercial to lead and develop its commercial function across major projects throughout Ireland and the UK.
This is a senior leadership appointment suited to a commercially astute professional with a strong background in construction, steel, engineering, infrastructure, or large-scale industrial projects. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in driving commercial performance, managing risk, supporting strategic growth, and leading high-performing commercial teams across multiple live projects.
The role is based in Northern Ireland with regular travel to project sites and client meetings across Ireland and the UK.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the overall commercial strategy across the business and project portfolio
- Oversee contract negotiation, administration, and commercial delivery from pre-construction through to final account
- Manage and develop commercial teams, including Quantity Surveyors and Commercial Managers
- Ensure robust cost control, forecasting, margin protection, and financial reporting
- Drive commercial governance, risk management, and contractual compliance
- Support tendering and bid processes alongside operational and estimating teams
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and key stakeholders
- Identify opportunities for operational efficiencies and commercial improvement
- Work closely with senior leadership to support business growth and long-term strategy
- Provide commercial input into project planning, procurement, and supply chain management
- Lead dispute avoidance and resolution where required
Candidate Profile
- Proven experience in a senior commercial leadership role within construction, engineering, infrastructure, manufacturing, or related sectors
- Strong knowledge of contract forms including NEC, JCT, or bespoke contracts
- Demonstrated experience managing large-scale projects across multiple jurisdictions
- Commercially driven with strong financial and contractual acumen
- Experience leading and mentoring commercial teams
- Excellent stakeholder management and negotiation skills
- Ability to operate strategically while remaining hands-on where required
- Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, or similar
- Chartered status (RICS/CICES or equivalent) desirable but not essential
What's on Offer
- £150,000 base salary
- Executive-level benefits package
- Opportunity to join a growing and highly regarded business with a strong project pipeline
- High-profile projects across Ireland and the UK
- Senior leadership influence with genuine scope to shape the commercial function
- Dynamic, entrepreneurial, and ambitious working environment
Confidential Search
This appointment is being managed on a confidential basis. Further details regarding the organisation and project portfolio will be shared with shortlisted candidates during the process.
