Strategic Commercial Lead – Civil Infrastructure in Bury St Edmunds

Talented people are the key to our success. Would you like to join an inclusive and collaborative organisation that is recognised as one of the UK’s most successful infrastructure businesses? We are seeking an ambitious Commercial Manager to join our team on the National Grid Great Grid Partnership (GGP) framework, supporting the delivery of the Norwich to Tilbury (ATNC) project. This is a high‑profile, nationally significant energy infrastructure programme that plays a critical role in strengthening and future‑proofing the UK’s electricity network. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a major strategic programme, working within a supportive and high‑performing environment that encourages professional growth and progression. You will contribute to one of the UK’s most important energy upgrades, helping to shape a more resilient, future‑ready network.

Role Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all commercial aspects of high‑value contracts exceeding £50 million, including cost management, pricing strategy, and contract development.
• Provide commercial input and support to bid teams throughout tender and proposal stages, ensuring robust and competitive submissions.
• Collaborate closely with design and delivery teams to drive effective cost control and achieve targeted cost efficiencies across projects.
• Manage and resolve complex, high‑value contractual disputes effectively, ensuring outcomes are aligned with commercial and business objectives.
• Ensure strong commercial governance across projects, maintaining compliance with internal policies, contractual obligations, and industry standards.
• Function as a trusted commercial advisor to technical and operational teams, supporting the successful progression of large‑scale, complex projects.
• Oversee national supplier relationships, ensuring the timely, cost‑effective, and high‑quality delivery of materials and services.
• Develop, implement, and maintain commercial frameworks to optimise contract execution, performance, and financial outcomes.
• Lead risk management activities, proactively identifying, assessing, and mitigating commercial and contractual risks throughout the project lifecycle.
• Produce accurate cost, value, and financial reporting, ensuring projects remain commercially viable and aligned with agreed financial targets.

Skills, Experience and Qualifications

• Considerable experience within the civil engineering sector, ideally gained in a main contractor environment.
• Experience within the energy or utilities sector is highly desirable; demonstrable civil infrastructure experience is essential.
• Proven experience managing large‑scale, high‑value contracts (in excess of £50 million), with a strong record of effective commercial management.
• In‑depth knowledge of civil engineering contracts, with expertise in NEC forms of contract.
• Strong project management capability, including procurement strategy, contract administration, and financial control.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and develop supplier relationships, with proven success in negotiating commercially advantageous agreements.
• Practical experience in risk management, cost control, and cost/value reporting across complex projects.
• Sound understanding of commercial governance frameworks and their application within large‑scale construction or infrastructure programmes.

What is in it for you?

• Generous holiday entitlement with the option to buy five days.
• Flexible and adaptable working.
• Family friendly policies and work/life approach.
• Mentoring programmes and continuous learning support.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• Recognition scheme and long service awards.
• Car scheme and Private Medical Insurance (if applicable to role).
• We also provide the option to participate in our share-save scheme; discounts including cycle to work and gym membership; a support and advice service for colleagues and their families, and more.

About the Energy Business Unit: We have extensive experience in upgrading and replacing energy networks, delivering asset management for major UK energy companies and network operators. Our transmission and distribution services involve the upgrading and replacement of electricity assets both above and below ground. Within the electricity sector we install and maintain assets, including excavation, laying, and jointing of cables, (fluid filled and XLPe), substations and overhead line, new build, repair, and refurbishment services. We have an exciting opportunity for you to join our team where you will have the opportunity to progress in your career. We are looking for people who share our passion on delivering great customer service whilst also being able to work within an enjoyable and hardworking team environment. Talented people are the key to our success, so if this sounds like you, apply now.

Morgan Sindall is an equal opportunities employer and has been accredited with the Positive About Disabled People ‘Two Ticks’ accreditation. We are also an Investors in People company. Morgan Sindall is unable to employ anyone who does not have the legal right to live and work in the UK.