Commercial Business Unit Director

If you are an ambitious Commercial Director looking for a new challenge leading major-scale infrastructure projects for the southern region and would like to help shape the future of STRABAG, then please read the below job description.

Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or related discipline. MRICS or equivalent professional accreditation (preferred). Proven experience operating at Commercial Director or Senior Commercial Director level within major infrastructure or civil engineering environments. Demonstrable track record leading commercial functions across large regional portfolios (£500m+ annual turnover preferred). Deep expertise in NEC forms of contract (essential). Demonstrable experience across a variety of sectors ranging from Energy, Civils, Secure.

STRABAG UK is seeking an exceptional Commercial Business Unit Director to lead the commercial strategy and performance of our major infrastructure engineering projects across the Southern region. This is a pivotal executive leadership role responsible for driving sustainable growth, maximising commercial value, and ensuring robust governance across a diverse portfolio of large-scale, complex civil engineering and infrastructure programmes. The successful candidate will provide strategic direction across bidding, procurement, contract management, risk management, and financial performance. You will lead and inspire high-performing commercial teams, establish strong client and supply chain relationships, and ensure that all projects are delivered in line with contractual, financial, and operational objectives.

Operating at the forefront of major UK infrastructure delivery, this role requires a commercially astute leader with extensive experience in large-scale engineering environments, a deep understanding of NEC and other standard forms of contract, and a proven track record of managing significant project portfolios within regulated and high-profile sectors. This is a rare opportunity to shape and influence the commercial success of landmark infrastructure projects while contributing to the continued growth and strategic ambitions of STRABAG UK across the Southern region.

For over a decade, STRABAG UK has brought the strength and success of the STRABAG Group to the UK. With over 180 years of company history and active in over 2,400 locations across more than 50 countries, the STRABAG Group is a diverse leader in construction, innovation, and financial strength. Headquartered in Vienna, the STRABAG Group offers a wide range of construction services across the industry and the entire construction value chain. We are committed to long-term investment in the UK through ambitious projects spanning various sectors, with a steadfast focus on supporting our people and protecting the environment.

Requirements:

• To efficiently manage all commercial aspects of the Region and maintain regular liaison with all stakeholders.
• Set the structure, roles, responsibilities and competencies required to deliver the commercial management services efficiently and to a consistent high standard.
• Build a high performing team (manage the development of personal plans, establishment of objectives/targets for all direct reports and monitor on an ongoing basis).
• Plan and implement structured development and training of Commercial Practitioners including supervisor / mentor / counsellor role for staff undertaking their APC or equivalent.
• Promote a culture of contractual & commercial awareness.
• Instil the Strabag culture and be seen as an ambassador of Strabag.
• Ensure each commercial team adheres to group procedures and governance.
• Active management of the work winning process, allocation of resource to commercial elements, liaison with the pre-contract commercial resource.
• Develop and implement a clear commercial strategy for the portfolio of work including tender strategies, cash flow strategies and margin improvement strategies.
• Ensure that a review of all of the contractual obligations and commercial risks is carried out prior to the submission of tenders.
• Ensure contract conditions are negotiated within any key risk parameters set by Group Legal prior to contract execution.
• Provide assurance that the Commercial Practitioners administer the contracts correctly in a timely and professional manner through regular planned meetings to review contract administration, change control and operation of contract payment mechanisms.
• Maximise cash position, including WIP control, cash flow production & improvement plans for all projects.
• Identify, mitigate and manage risk & opportunities for the portfolio of work.
• Work with the Strabag Contract Services team to resolve all disputes.
• Identification of all potential recoveries from insurance policies for the business, and liaison with the Insurance department to prosecute entitlement.
• Implement and attend the monthly project reviews to interrogate the portfolio performance and take appropriate action.
• Attend the required reviews with the Executive Team to explain the portfolio’s current and planned performance.
• Ensure compliance with year-end audit requirements.
• Ensure the portfolio achieves the annual Objectives & Targets.
• In conjunction with the Managing Director, set the annual business plan, and create the strategy to achieve the elements therein.
• Maintain a schedule of Client engagement events for equivalent level customer feedback, alignment and future pipeline of work.
• Lead Group wide business initiatives and implement improvements.
• Become the Strabag for external engagement at industry events.
• To share all appropriate information within the Group where different areas of the business are carrying out projects for the same Client to enable the Strabag approach/relationship with Clients.
• Participate in preparation, development and implementation of new Group Commercial Procedures.
• To carry out commercial audits on other areas of the business as and when required.
• Contribute to Functional leadership, bringing best practice into the business, involvement in Business Improvement Initiatives.

We stand for respect, partnership, and sustainability, creating a work environment that promotes safety, health, and development. Our committed and healthy employees are our most valuable asset – the foundation for sustainable growth and innovation. With our "People. Planet. Progress." strategy and the motto WORK ON PROGRESS, we drive change forward – with the goal of climate neutrality by 2040. At STRABAG around 86,000 people working on progress at more than 2,400 locations worldwide. Uniqueness and individual strengths characterise both our projects and each of us as individuals. Whether it's building construction, civil engineering, road construction, underground engineering, bridge building, tunnelling, construction material production, project development or building management – we are always one step ahead so that we can become the most innovative and sustainable construction technology company in Europe. Diversity, inclusion and equal opportunities are integral to this, who we are as a company and how we work. Together we work as partners to complete projects successfully and grow with new challenges. Together we achieve great things. Let’s progress!