At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy for exciting development projects and drive successful outcomes.
- Company: Join Willmott Dixon, a top-rated employer with a focus on sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, flexible working, private medical cover, and a generous pension scheme.
- Other info: Be part of a company recognised for its commitment to gender equality and sustainable practices.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree or experience in relevant fields, with strong commercial and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 49500 - 60500 £ per year.
We're looking for an experienced Commercial Lead to join our Development Solutions team and play a key role in shaping, funding and delivering successful development projects. Working closely with development teams and senior stakeholders, you will provide strategic commercial leadership while maintaining hands-on involvement in project appraisals, contract reviews and negotiations. You will utilise your established network of funders, advisers and intermediaries to support project funding and delivery, while acting as the key interface with legal advisers and external solicitors.
A key aspect of the role will be overseeing the quality, consistency and timeliness of commercial reporting, ensuring leadership teams and internal boards have clear visibility of performance, forecasts, legal risks and key decisions. You will collaborate closely with Finance, Construction and regional teams to support effective decision-making and successful project outcomes. This is a national role so we are flexible about where you live in the UK but you will be expected to undertake national travel regularly to attend both internal and customer meetings as well as working in some of our regional offices. Willmott Dixon do support hybrid working so you will also be able to work from home some of your working week.
Key Responsibilities
- Converting priority opportunities into approved, contracted and funded projects, with legal documentation completed to programme and material risks resolved or explicitly approved.
- Delivering agreed targets for development fees, profit, cash collection and returns, with transparent reporting against the approved business plan.
- Using an active funding network to generate credible options and help secure project funding on approved terms and timescales.
- Delivering accurate monthly commercial reports, board updates and approval papers to deadline, reconciled to Finance with clear explanations of variances and risks.
- Keeping expenditure, capital commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities within approved limits, escalating material changes promptly.
- Securing timely approvals, controlling legal costs and resolving overdue fees, disputed sums and final accounts promptly.
- Maintaining effective contract and reporting controls and developing colleagues' capability, giving leadership and early visibility of emerging issues.
Essential Criteria
- A degree or equivalent in quantity surveying, real estate, law, finance, construction or a related discipline, or substantial relevant experience.
- A proven record of senior commercial responsibility for complex development projects, with direct accountability for viability, negotiated terms, risk and financial outcomes.
- Proven experience negotiating development, joint venture, land and funding agreements, instructing legal advisers and managing transactions through to legal completion.
- Strong development appraisal, financial modelling and cash flow skills, able to challenge assumptions, assess downside exposure and explain investment returns.
- An established, active network of funders, advisers and intermediaries, with a proven record of using it to source and progress development funding.
- Experience owning internal commercial reporting - monthly performance packs and board papers - reconciling forecasts with Finance and presenting clear recommendations.
- Experience of public sector customers or development partnerships, and strong contractual judgement, negotiation and leadership skills.
- Advanced Excel skills and confidence using development appraisal and commercial reporting systems.
Desirable Criteria
- Chartered membership of RICS, CIOB, a recognised accountancy body, or a relevant legal qualification.
- Experience of regeneration programmes, mixed tenure residential, student accommodation or public private partnerships.
- Experience of joint ventures, investment structures, institutional funding, public grant and development management fee businesses.
- Experience working within a developer and contractor group, building commercial capability across a growing national business.
Attributes
- Commercial judgement, integrity and the confidence to challenge.
- A practical, collaborative approach to creating value and managing risk.
- Clear written reporting, attention to detail, discretion and personal accountability.
- Commitment to customer outcomes, safety, quality, sustainability and lasting community benefit.
- Excellent communication skills.
Additional Information
We reward our people generously with a competitive salary and a market-leading benefits package that gives you flexible benefits to fit your lifestyle and priorities. This includes but is not limited to, an enhanced pension scheme, full private medical for you and a partner, life assurance, incentive bonus and a car scheme which will make us a market leader in sustainable company travel.
At Willmott Dixon we provide an inclusive and flexible working environment for people to thrive in and we are happy to support agile working wherever possible. We are a proud member of the Disability Confident Scheme.
About Us
With over 170 years of rich history, Willmott Dixon's purpose is beyond profit; delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities and enhancing the environment so our world is fit for future generations. Ensuring that we add lasting value to the neighbourhoods we work in; our values, people, innovation, partnerships and focus on sustainability has allowed us to build a successful and solid privately owned business where our people can thrive.
Willmott Dixon was recognised by The Sunday Times as one of the Top 10 "Big" Companies to Work For in 2025, named among the Times Top 50 Employers for Gender Equality in 2024, and ranked in the Top Five of Europe's 1,000 best workplaces by the Financial Times in 2025. Willmott Dixon is also the first major contractor and developer to win a King's Award for Enterprise in the category of sustainable development.
Commercial Lead employer: Willmott Dixon Group
Willmott Dixon is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the heart of London, where creativity and collaboration thrive. With a strong commitment to employee growth, our Fit Out team provides opportunities to influence high-quality bids while working alongside industry leaders. Our recognition as one of the Top 10 'Big' Companies to Work For and our focus on sustainability make us a rewarding place to build your career.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Lead
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Willmott Dixon Group, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Commercial Lead at Willmott Dixon Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Willmott Dixon Group
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
