At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commercial strategy and oversee contracts in a dynamic engineering environment.
- Company: Join a leading UK engineering services group with a strong reputation in the Energy sector.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, executive-level pay, and a chance to shape company growth.
- Why this job: Be part of a transformative phase in a respected business with significant impact on infrastructure.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial leadership within engineering or infrastructure; degree-qualified preferred.
- Other info: This is a board-level role requiring strategic and operational expertise.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
Parkinson Lee Executive Search are the retained partners to a leading UK engineering services group, operating predominantly within the Energy / Power Generation sector. With a turnover approaching £100m and a strong reputation for delivery across major infrastructure, new build, and decommissioning programmes, our client is poised for significant growth and transformation.
As part of the next phase of their strategic development, the Group is seeking to appoint an experienced Group Commercial Director to join the board and take a lead role in shaping and executing commercial strategy across the organisation. This is a high-impact, senior leadership opportunity for a commercially astute and contractually strong executive with a background in engineering construction or infrastructure-related environments.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the development and execution of group-wide commercial strategy to support profit growth, project delivery, and long-term value creation
- Provide oversight on all commercial and contractual matters, with specific focus on NEC, JCT, and other standard form contracts
- Drive performance and commercial governance across project lifecycles, ensuring financial rigour and alignment with strategic goals
- Support business development and bid functions to secure and optimise future work pipelines
- Lead, coach, and develop a high-performing commercial team; embed best practice and continuous improvement
- Act as a key contributor at board level, working cross-functionally to shape operational and strategic direction
- A proven senior commercial leader with significant experience in engineering construction, infrastructure, or highly regulated project environments
- Demonstrable success managing large, complex contracts and negotiating pre- and post-award terms
- Experienced in leading commercial teams and working across functional boundaries to drive outcomes
- Degree-qualified in a relevant discipline; chartered status (RICS or equivalent) is advantageous
This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of a respected UK business at a time of growth and evolution. The position requires a hands-on, commercially sharp executive who can operate at both strategic and operational levels and who has a proven leadership background within businesses that have been on a growth trajectory.
Location: Hybrid – Head Office in the Northwest (8 days/month) with national site travel
Package: Executive-level remuneration + benefits
Level: Board Level appointment
Group Commercial Director employer: Parkinson Lee
Contact Detail:
Parkinson Lee Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Group Commercial Director
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the engineering and construction sectors. Attend industry events, webinars, or conferences where you can meet key players and decision-makers. Building relationships can often lead to opportunities that aren't publicly advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Research the company thoroughly. Understand their recent projects, strategic goals, and challenges they face in the energy sector. This knowledge will help you tailor your conversations and demonstrate your genuine interest in contributing to their growth.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and how you've successfully managed commercial teams in the past. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've driven performance and implemented best practices in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Familiarise yourself with NEC, JCT, and other standard form contracts. Being able to speak confidently about these contracts during discussions will showcase your expertise and readiness for the role, making you a more attractive candidate.
We think you need these skills to ace Group Commercial Director
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights your experience in engineering construction and infrastructure. Focus on your achievements in managing large contracts and leading commercial teams, as these are key aspects of the Group Commercial Director role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: In your cover letter, emphasise your strategic vision for commercial growth and how your background aligns with the company's goals. Mention specific examples of how you've successfully executed commercial strategies in previous roles.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your degree qualifications and any chartered status you hold, such as RICS. This will demonstrate your professional credibility and suitability for the senior leadership position.
Showcase Leadership Experience: Provide examples of your leadership style and how you've developed high-performing teams. Discuss your approach to coaching and embedding best practices, as this is crucial for the role.
How to prepare for a job interview at Parkinson Lee
✨Understand the Company and Sector
Before the interview, make sure to research the engineering services group and the Energy/Power Generation sector. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects, challenges, and competitors. This knowledge will help you demonstrate your genuine interest and ability to contribute to their strategic goals.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Experience
As a candidate for a senior leadership role, be prepared to discuss your previous experiences in leading commercial teams and managing large contracts. Use specific examples to illustrate how you've driven performance and governance in past roles, highlighting your ability to shape commercial strategy effectively.
✨Demonstrate Contractual Knowledge
Given the focus on NEC, JCT, and other standard form contracts, ensure you can speak confidently about your experience with these contracts. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated complex contractual matters and how this knowledge can benefit the organisation.
✨Prepare Questions for the Board
Interviews at this level are as much about fit as they are about skills. Prepare insightful questions that reflect your understanding of the company's strategic direction and how you can contribute. This shows your proactive approach and helps you assess if the company aligns with your career goals.