Job Description
Head of Commercial Location: Warrington, Midlands, Thame, or Swanley (Hybrid working available) Business Unit: Social Infrastructure Reports to: Commercial Director/ Managing Director
United Infrastructure is a dynamic and rapidly expanding business, focused on delivering critical infrastructure projects, across the utility and social infrastructure sectors. Our team of highly skilled and hardworking specialists deliver innovative solutions to the complex challenges our clients face. Our company is split into two business areas: Utility Infrastructure - Our team of Utility Infrastructure specialists design, build and maintain critical water, energy (gas), power and telecoms infrastructure, for the UK's largest network owners and operators. Social Infrastructure - Our team of Social Infrastructure specialists revitalise homes and communities by carrying out a wide range of work, from retrofit to refurbishment, and maintenance.
About United Infrastructure: United Infrastructure is a leading provider of infrastructure services across the UK, partnering with local authorities, housing associations, and major industry stakeholders. We deliver essential works including social housing upgrades, planned works, compliance programmes, and regeneration projects that improve communities and enhance the quality of life for residents.
Role Purpose: The Head of Commercial will lead the commercial strategy and commercial management across our Social Housing and Infrastructure portfolio. This role ensures robust commercial governance, drives profitability, oversees contractual compliance, and supports operational delivery. You will act as the senior commercial lead for the region, supporting growth, strategic bids, and ensuring sustainable long-term relationships with clients - particularly within the Responsive Division (Repairs, Disrepair and Voids) of the social housing sector.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the commercial function across multi-million-pound programmes within social housing, compliance, and infrastructure services.
- Develop and embed commercial strategy to support business growth, margin improvement, and risk control.
- Provide high-level commercial advice to Directors, Operational Leads, and Clients.
- Oversee commercial reporting, cost management, CVR production, forecasting, and budget control.
- Ensure robust management of NEC, JCT, and bespoke contract forms.
- Lead commercial risk reviews and mitigation strategies.
- Approve and authorise high-value subcontractor packages and supplier agreements.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Act as a senior commercial representative with key clients, particularly housing associations and local authorities.
- Support dispute resolution, negotiation, and commercial dialogue.
- Build strong working relationships to drive repeat business and partnership growth.
- Lead, coach, and mentor a team of Commercial Managers, Quantity Surveyors, and Assistant QSs.
- Drive high performance, continuous improvement, and consistency across operations.
- Support talent development and succession planning within the commercial function.
Business Growth & Strategic Support
- Support bid teams on tenders within the social housing and infrastructure markets.
- Provide commercial input into pricing models, risk assessments, and contract negotiations.
- Contribute to strategic planning and future service development.
Experience & Skills Required
- Proven experience as a Senior Commercial Manager, Commercial Lead, or Head of Commercial.
- Strong track record withinsocial housing, planned works, refurbishment, repairs, compliance, or property services.
- Demonstrable experience leading commercial teams on multi-million-pound programmes.
- Expert knowledge of NEC, JCT, and relevant public sector contracts.
- Strong negotiation and client-facing skills.
- Commercially astute with excellent analytical ability.
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or related discipline.
- RICS accreditation or working toward it.
- Experience within infrastructure or wider public-sector frameworks.
Additional Information What We Offer
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Opportunities for career progression aligned with the company's growth
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Head of Commercial in Thame employer: United Infrastructure
United Infrastructure is an excellent employer, offering a supportive work culture where Smart Meter Technicians can thrive in their roles across the Northumbrian Water region. With a focus on employee growth, the company provides comprehensive benefits such as a bike to work scheme, a company pension, and private medical insurance, ensuring that team members feel valued and secure in their positions.
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