Commercial Director in Reading

About the Company

A long-established, design-led commercial fit-out specialist with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality workplace projects across London and the South East.

The business continues to grow through repeat clients, strong relationships, and a commitment to excellence in both design and delivery.

To support this growth, the company is seeking a commercially astute Commercial Director to lead tendering, commercial strategy, supply chain management, and project profitability across the portfolio.

Role Overview

The Commercial Director will oversee all commercial activity from tender submission through to project completion.

This includes developing accurate bids, shaping pitch strategy, managing supply chain negotiations, ensuring contractual compliance, monitoring project profitability, and maintaining high standards of delivery and client satisfaction.

This is a senior leadership role requiring strong commercial judgement, deep knowledge of the fit-out sector, and the ability to collaborate closely with design, project management, operations, and finance teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Tendering, Bids & Pitch Strategy
• Lead all aspects of tender submissions, ensuring accuracy, competitiveness, and alignment with client requirements.
• Develop detailed and accurate project bids in collaboration with design, technical, and delivery teams.
• Attend initial sales kick-off meetings and internal strategy sessions to shape bid direction and margin targets.
• Arrange and prepare collateral materials for pitches, ensuring clarity, professionalism, and alignment with brand standards.
• Work alongside the project team to ensure pitches are delivered confidently and successfully.
• Attend commercial meetings post-appointment to agree strategy for maximising margin throughout delivery.
• Commercial Management & Contractual Control
• Negotiate with suppliers and contractors, ensuring contractual obligations are fully back-to-back with the supply chain.
• Constantly monitor supply chain resilience, market conditions, and pricing trends to protect commercial outcomes.
• Review client proposals and project schedules to ensure viability against profit goals and resource availability.
• Complete contract particulars, prepare draft contracts, and produce full contract packs.
• Manage contract negotiations with clients and subcontractors to secure favourable terms.
• Issue full drawings, specifications, finishes schedules, and programmes to contractors to ensure alignment and clarity.
• Project Profitability & Financial Oversight
• Work closely with the finance team to review monthly job profitability reports, taking proactive action to keep projects on track.
• Ensure each project is appropriately resourced to deliver on time, on budget, and to required quality standards.
• Liaise with Operations to produce coherent and structured internal programmes for project delivery.
• Produce construction programmes and ensure they are achievable and commercially sound.
• Delivery Oversight & Compliance
• Ensure H&S standards are met throughout the build programme, working with internal teams and external partners.
• Engage with Technical Designers on relevant MEP matters to ensure technical compliance and cost accuracy.
• Ensure a full complement of subcontractors attend site early in the pitch or project process.
• Organise, chair, and minute pre-contract meetings where required, particularly in the absence of a Project Director.
• Monitor subcontractor performance as part of end-of-project review meetings.
• Oversee O&M documentation, including review, sign-off, and certification of completed works.
• Maintain a clear audit trail throughout each project to ensure client expectations are managed and met.
• Leadership & Continuous Improvement
• Stay up to date with new legislation and ensure the company and colleagues are aware of changes affecting project delivery.
• Promote best practice across commercial, contractual, and delivery processes.
• Support the development of commercial capability within the wider team.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven senior commercial leadership experience within Design & Build or traditional fit-out.
• Strong understanding of tendering, bid development, and pitch strategy.
• Excellent contractual knowledge and negotiation skills.
• Experience managing project profitability and financial reporting.
• Strong understanding of supply chain management and market pricing dynamics.
• Ability to produce and review construction programmes.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to influence at senior levels.
• Deep understanding of H&S compliance within commercial interiors.
• Collaborative leadership style with the ability to work across multiple departments.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• What’s on Offer
• Senior leadership role within a respected, long-standing D&B firm.
• Opportunity to shape commercial strategy and influence business growth.
• Excellent Salary + Package
• Strong pipeline of projects and stable client base.
• Collaborative culture with clear progression opportunities.

For more information please apply with an up-to-date CV.