Senior Commercial Leader: Projects & Tender Risk

Senior Commercial Leader: Projects & Tender Risk

Full-Time 60000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
nexos

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead commercial performance and risk management for diverse projects, ensuring strategic oversight.
  • Company: Join a leading company focused on sustainable growth and operational excellence.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career advancement.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with opportunities for travel and collaboration across teams.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact by driving commercial success and fostering strong client relationships.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Finance or related field with significant experience in commercial management.

The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.

The Commercial Manager has overall accountability for the commercial and financial performance, governance, and risk management of a portfolio of projects. This role provides strategic oversight from tender development through contract execution and performance management. It ensures commercial excellence, cost control, risk mitigation, and alignment with Group policies and standards. The role acts as a key integrator between commercial, technical, operational, and finance teams, ensuring that commercial decisions support sustainable growth, operational delivery, and strong client and supplier relationships.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead the preparation, review, and submission of commercial aspects of tenders and proposals as well as commercial responses.
  • Ensure contractual qualifications are aligned with nexos contracting principles and are appropriate for the scope of work.
  • Ensure pricing models, commercial terms, and risk positions are aligned with Group strategy.
  • Collaborate with technical, operational, and finance teams to develop commercially advantageous proposals.
  • Conduct commercial risk assessments and ensure mitigation strategies are embedded in proposals.
  • Provide commercial guidance to senior leaders during the tendering process.

Contract Negotiation & Award

  • Support negotiations with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers to secure favourable and compliant terms.
  • Ensure contracts reflect operational realities, risk appetite, and legal requirements.
  • Support the transition from tender to project start-up, ensuring clear handover of commercial and contractual obligations.
  • Monitor contract performance, variations, claims, and commercial risks throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Lead the management of change, ensuring variations are captured, priced, negotiated, and approved.
  • Support project teams with commercial advice and client relationship management.
  • Ensure accurate forecasting, revenue recognition, and reporting in collaboration with Finance.
  • Oversee project setup, forecasting, budgeting, change control, and financial close-out activities performed by the Commercial Leads.
  • Review and challenge commercial assumptions, forecasts, cost reports, and margin projections.
  • Ensure variations, KPIs, contract amendments, and claims are submitted in line with contractual requirements.
  • Provide assurance that project commercial positions are accurate, robust, and auditable.

Commercial Leadership, Governance & Collaboration

  • Provide leadership, coaching, and development to commercial, cost, and tendering team ensuring consistent standards and best practices are applied.
  • Hold overall accountability for the commercial management and performance of assigned projects and contracts.
  • Foster strong cross‑functional relationships with operations, technical, HR, finance, and business development.
  • Ensure compliance with contract terms, Delegation of Authority (DOA), company policies, and governance frameworks across all projects.
  • Act as escalation point for significant commercial risks, opportunities, claims, disputes, and contractual matters.
  • Line manage and/or provide functional leadership to the Commercial, Cost, and Tendering teams.
  • Promote knowledge sharing, consistency, and continuous improvement within the commercial function.

Financial Performance & Risk Management

  • Maintain overall accountability for revenue, margin, cost control, and cash flow performance across the portfolio.
  • Identify trends, risks, and opportunities, and drive corrective actions where required.
  • Lead commercial risk assessments and ensure appropriate mitigation strategies are in place.
  • Drive margin improvement initiatives and ensure full cost recovery in line with contract terms.
  • Provide oversight and challenge of project invoicing to maximise cash collection and minimise DSO.
  • Review DSO performance across projects and lead corrective action plans in conjunction with the Commercial Leads.

Reporting, Controls & Assurance

  • Ensure consistent, timely, and high-quality commercial reporting across all projects.
  • Drive adherence to internal and external reporting calendars.
  • Review variance, trend, and performance reports, providing insight and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
  • Support internal and external audits, ensuring audit readiness across the portfolio.

Stakeholder Management

  • Act as the primary commercial interface for senior internal stakeholders and, where required, key customers.
  • Work closely with Project Managers, Finance, Legal, and Operations to support successful project delivery.

Digital & Process Improvement

  • Champion digital tools and systems used for commercial and project controls.
  • Drive consistency in system usage and data quality across projects.
  • Promote adoption of best practice processes and continuous improvement initiatives.

Skills & Qualifications

  • Degree in Finance, Quantity Surveying, Law, Business, or a related discipline.
  • Significant experience in commercial or contract management within a project-based environment.
  • Experience supporting operational delivery in technical, engineering, or energy‑sector environments.
  • Proven ability to lead and assure commercial performance across multiple projects.
  • Strong financial, contractual, and commercial acumen.
  • Experience using various different contract types such as LOGIC, NEC, IChemE, FIDIC.
  • Professional qualification or membership (e.g. RICS, ACCA, CIMA).
  • Advanced Excel and ERP / project controls system experience.
  • Knowledge of UK commercial, procurement, and compliance frameworks.
  • Experience implementing commercial governance frameworks or process improvements.
  • Strategic commercial judgement and risk awareness.
  • Leadership, coaching, and influencing skills.
  • Strong analytical and decision-making capability.
  • Ability to provide effective challenge and assurance.
  • High standards of integrity and confidentiality.

Work Environment/Conditions

  • Aberdeen office based.
  • Could require travel to other nexos facilities.

Senior Commercial Leader: Projects & Tender Risk employer: nexos

As a Senior Commercial Leader at our Aberdeen office, you will thrive in a dynamic work culture that prioritises collaboration and innovation. We offer competitive benefits, including professional development opportunities and a commitment to employee growth, ensuring you can advance your career while contributing to impactful projects. Join us to be part of a team that values excellence, integrity, and sustainable success in the commercial landscape.

nexos

Contact Details:

nexos Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Leader: Projects & Tender Risk

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to reach out to potential colleagues or mentors. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent developments. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role. Plus, it’ll give you a chance to ask insightful questions!

Tip Number 3

Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with the role of Senior Commercial Leader. Highlight your skills in risk management, financial performance, and collaboration. A confident delivery can make all the difference!

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. So, get those applications in and let’s get you on board!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Leader: Projects & Tender Risk

Commercial Management
Financial Performance Analysis
Risk Management
Contract Negotiation
Tender Development
Stakeholder Management
Project Controls

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in commercial management and risk assessment. We want to see how your skills align with the key responsibilities outlined in the job description.

Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your duties; share specific examples of how you’ve led successful projects or improved financial performance. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact!

Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon unless it’s relevant to the role. We appreciate clarity, especially when it comes to complex commercial concepts.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at nexos

Know Your Numbers

As a Senior Commercial Leader, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the role, such as revenue recognition and cash flow management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these in past projects.

Master the Art of Negotiation

Negotiation skills are crucial for this position. Prepare examples of successful negotiations you've led, focusing on how you secured favourable terms while maintaining compliance. Highlight your approach to balancing risk and reward during these discussions.

Showcase Cross-Functional Collaboration

This role requires strong collaboration with various teams. Think of specific instances where you've worked closely with technical, operational, or finance teams to achieve commercial success. Be prepared to explain how you fostered these relationships and the outcomes.

Prepare for Risk Assessment Questions

Given the emphasis on risk management, expect questions about your experience with commercial risk assessments. Prepare to discuss how you've identified risks in previous projects and the strategies you implemented to mitigate them effectively.