Commercial Director - Buildings in Leeds

The Buildings Commercial Team is a key part of the Buildings Market Business Unit and is responsible for providing commercial, contractual, and financial management to projects and the Business in line with Ramboll Group processes. The Commercial Team carries the overarching responsibility of managing the commercial aspects of the Buildings’ Business Unit, both in the bid and delivery phase, including advising on commercial and cost issues, administration of contracts, and ensuring adherence to Ramboll processes and procedures. It also includes the day-to-day management of the Buildings’ Business Unit contracts and assisting the Business to maximise opportunities and mitigate risks.

To succeed in this role, you must have significant holistic experience within the engineering and construction industry with an excellent understanding of engineering and construction contracts, particularly those related to professional services. You will be part of the growing Ramboll’s commercial team. We offer a supporting and collaborative culture and environment, in which you can develop and grow in your role. You will also work alongside other commercial teams from other Markets and geographies.

Main responsibilities

• To work in support of the Team Leader and assist in providing commercial support to projects and the project teams, whilst actively being involved in the day-to-day commercial administration of professional service contracts within the built environment.
• Assist in preparation of estimates for professional fees.
• Input cost and quantity information into internal estimating systems and produce reports, using cost modelling tools as required.
• Assist in preparation of tender, pricing, and contract documentation.
• Carry out cost analysis of accepted tender conditions and identify risks and opportunities.
• Monitor and report on commercial aspects of projects, identifying issues and intervening at the earliest opportunity to ensure responsible management.
• Independently undertake duties in accordance with the Business needs, escalating where necessary, ensuring issues are resolved in a timely manner.
• Support the project team with finance reporting, for example, Cost Forecasting, Anticipated Final Account, cost to complete, Gross Billing and Earned Value; and where required provide robust Cost Analysis feedback to line management.
• Lead the project team on project controls, application for payment, invoicing and management of change in line with contract requirements.
• Lead and support the project team in supply chain management including the selection and appointment of subconsultants / subcontractors.
• Review contracts and delivery progress, including where appropriate, attending project and progress meetings, representing the commercial team and the Business.
• Review and negotiate terms associated with collateral warranties, novation and NDA agreements to ensure alignment with business aims.
• Lead on the negotiation and resolution of claims, achieved through establishing entitlement with respect to extension of time / prolongation and assessment of quantum.
• Provide advice and support on next steps in event of ongoing dispute, such as mediation, adjudication (both contract & statutory), arbitration and litigation, preparing contractual notices where appropriate.
• Support the compilation of both Client and supplier performance reports as defined within certain contracts.
• Keep commercial records up to date in properly maintained files and subsequently archive (and adequately record) the documents, following commercial close out.
• Support the commercial process by research and evaluation of information from clients and supply chain partners.

Your starting point for constant growth

From the moment you join Ramboll, we will support your personal and professional development so that you grow with the company. For this role, we believe your starting point is:

• Have obtained a relevant Higher Education level qualification.
• Hold or be close to achieving a professional qualification.
• Significant knowledge and experience of estimating, valuation and/or cost reporting (budget management).
• Significant experience of Project Controls and Project Management tools and techniques, including those associated with change management.
• Experience of programming tools and techniques.
• Significant experience of working within a commercial environment, preferably within a built environment engineering consultancy or a contracting organisation.
• Experience of Contract Administration.
• Experience of working with the NEC suite of contracts, and the various cost mechanisms and associated schedules of cost components.
• Have a complimentary engineering and/or construction background to ensure technical understanding of the services and product.
• Excellent understanding of construction procurement routes and processes.
• Excellent understanding of a wide range of engineering and construction contracts and the impact of Construction Law.
• Outstanding interpersonal abilities with effective communication skills, able to communicate at all levels and an ability to negotiate.
• Commercial awareness partnered with a strategic mindset.
• Knowledge of performance reporting and financial/budgeting processes.
• Ability to work with colleagues and peers, leading the implementation of best practice for management of contract issues and handling daily issues and tasks to improve the Business’ overall profitability.
• Ability to prioritise and organise a varied workload and the flexibility to work across the Buildings portfolio of varied clients and projects.
• An enthusiasm to identify gaps in experience and/or knowledge and proactively seek continuous development.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.