Head of Commercial Project Development

Head of Commercial Project Development

Full-Time 94000 - 117000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
National Grid

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead commercial strategy for innovative energy projects and navigate complex challenges.
  • Company: Join National Grid, a leader in the clean energy transition.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, flexible benefits, and a strong pension scheme.
  • Other info: Hybrid role with opportunities for career growth in a diverse and inclusive environment.
  • Why this job: Shape the future of energy infrastructure and make a real impact on sustainability.
  • Qualifications: Experience in large-scale programmes, strong commercial acumen, and excellent stakeholder management skills.

The predicted salary is between 94000 - 117000 £ per year.

About the role

At National Grid, we don't just keep the lights on - we're enabling the clean energy transition and building the networks that will power a net zero future. National Grid Interconnectors is at the forefront of this transformation. By connecting Great Britain's electricity network with neighbouring countries, we're helping deliver cleaner, more secure and more affordable energy for millions of customers. As we expand our portfolio of pioneering offshore projects, we're looking for two exceptional commercial leaders to join us and help shape the next generation of energy infrastructure.

We're currently recruiting 2 x Head of Commercial Project Development positions within our European Business Development team, supporting either the LionLink or Nautilus projects. Reporting directly to the Business Development Director, these roles will play a critical part in developing innovative cross-border energy solutions across the North Sea and Europe.

As Head of Commercial Project Development, you'll lead the commercial development strategy for a major infrastructure project from concept through to delivery readiness. Working closely with international partners, regulators and internal stakeholders, you'll navigate complex commercial challenges whilst ensuring projects remain strategically aligned, financially viable and positioned for long-term success. The role is hybrid and can be based from our Warwick / London office with travel to different sites required.

What you'll do

  • Develop and deliver the commercial strategy for your assigned project, ensuring alignment with National Grid's strategic objectives and partner requirements.
  • Lead all commercial aspects of project development, identifying, assessing and managing commercial risks and opportunities within a constantly evolving market and regulatory landscape.
  • Negotiate and progress commercial frameworks and agreements with European project partners and key stakeholders.
  • Provide clear insight into project economics, financial performance and value drivers, ensuring robust decision-making and long-term financial viability.
  • Work collaboratively with colleagues across Business Development, Construction, Regulation, Finance and Legal functions to drive successful project outcomes.
  • Ensuring compliance with relevant legal, regulatory and governance requirements.
  • Provide clear reporting and recommendations to senior leadership on project performance, commercial risks and strategic opportunities.
  • Drive innovation and continuous improvement across project development processes.
  • Leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams while creating an inclusive, collaborative and engaging working environment.

What you'll need

  • Proven experience leading the successful delivery of complex, large-scale programmes within a commercial or corporate environment, with the confidence and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving landscape.
  • Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to identify, assess and manage risks and opportunities, develop pragmatic solutions, and make sound decisions in situations where ambiguity exists.
  • Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, with a track record of building trusted relationships and driving alignment across diverse internal and external stakeholders.
  • Strong financial understanding, including the ability to evaluate project value drivers, interpret financial performance indicators, and support commercially sound decision-making.
  • Experience developing and communicating high-quality performance insights for a range of audiences, ideally supported by portfolio management experience within major infrastructure or capital development programmes.
  • A good understanding of the energy sector, including the role of interconnectors, and awareness of the economic, regulatory and political factors shaping the transition to a net zero future.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear and compelling messages for a range of audiences.

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £94,000 - £117,000 per annum dependent on capability. As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance of up to 40% and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

More Information

This role closes on 31st July at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates - we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process. Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.

Head of Commercial Project Development employer: National Grid

Join a forward-thinking company that values innovation and collaboration in the telecoms sector. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance while providing opportunities for professional growth within the dynamic environment of the South West and South Wales. Our supportive culture encourages teamwork and ensures that you play a vital role in delivering secure and resilient communication solutions for the high-voltage electricity network.

National Grid

Contact Details:

National Grid Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Project Development

Get Involved with Industry Events

The energy and utilities sector is always buzzing with events, trade shows, and networking opportunities. We should hit up conferences and exhibitions like Energy UK or Utility Week Live—these are prime spots to mingle with industry professionals and even snag some insider info on job openings!

Join Energy-focused Online Communities

Let's tap into online platforms and forums like LinkedIn groups or Reddit communities specifically for energy and utilities. Not only can we showcase our knowledge, but we can also stay updated on company announcements or job leads from people already in the know.

Consider Industry Certifications

Pushing ahead with certifications like the NEBOSH National Certificate in Occupational Safety and Health (if you’re into safety) can give us a leg up in this competitive field. It not only builds our credibility but also shows employers that we’re serious about our career in energy and utilities.

Apply ThroughNational Grid's Website

Don’t forget to apply directly through National Grid's website for the full-time Head of Commercial Project Development role. Many companies prioritise candidates who show initiative by going straight to the source. Make sure we tailor our application to highlight our passion for the energy sector!

We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Project Development

Commercial Strategy Development
Stakeholder Management
Risk Assessment and Management
Negotiation Skills
Financial Analysis
Project Economics
Team Leadership

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Off Your Energy Knowledge:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure you highlight any knowledge or experience related to the energy-utilities sector. Whether it’s coursework, internships, or projects that showcase your understanding of energy management, sustainability, or regulatory frameworks, we want to see that passion and expertise shine through.

Quantify Your Achievements:In our field, numbers speak volumes! Don’t just tell us about your previous roles; quantify your achievements where possible. For instance, mention how you improved energy efficiency by a percentage or contributed to cost savings. This makes your application more compelling and shows us just how impactful you can be.

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to connect personally with us at National Grid. Tailor it to reflect how your values align with our mission in the energy sector. Share why you're excited about this specific role and how you envision contributing to our goals.

Demonstrate Your Team Spirit:Collaboration is key in the energy-utilities industry. In your application, emphasise any team projects or experiences where you worked effectively with others, especially on sustainability initiatives or technical projects. We're looking for someone who can mesh well with our team!

How to prepare for a job interview at National Grid

Show Your Passion for Renewable Energy

In the energy-utilities sector, it’s vital to demonstrate your enthusiasm for sustainable practices and innovations. Share experiences where you've worked on or studied renewable energy projects, whether that’s through coursework, past internships, or personal initiatives. Let us see how your passion aligns with the ethos of National Grid.

Brush Up on Industry Regulations

Being familiar with industry standards and regulations is crucial in energy-utilities interviews. Make sure to know the basics of relevant policies and frameworks, like the Energy Act or environmental legislation. This will not only show you’ve done your homework but will also prepare you for potential technical questions about compliance during your interview.

Highlight Teamwork and Project Management Skills

Most roles in the energy sector involve collaboration with diverse teams. Be ready to discuss examples where you’ve successfully worked in teams or led projects, especially those involving energy initiatives. This is particularly important for a full-time position, as employers want to see you bring a collaborative spirit to National Grid.

Prepare for Technical Assessments

Expect some technical questions or even practical assessments during your interview, especially about energy efficiency methodologies or basic engineering principles relevant to the role. It’s a good idea to brush up on key concepts and be prepared to explain them clearly, as this will demonstrate your technical proficiency and readiness to jump into your new role.