Pre Contract Commercial Lead - Property and Buildings

Reporting to the Commercial Director for the Property and Buildings team, the Pre Contract Commercial Lead will work closely with the Discipline Operations Director as well as the Legal and Finance team to provide advice and support to Client Facing and Work Winning teams. The role will focus on Pre Contract Leadership but will also support the business more broadly on Contract and Commercial matters during the delivery of our projects to minimise commercial risk and maximise financial returns in line with the Discipline’s objectives.

Responsibilities:

Working with the Commercial Director and the Discipline Operations Director, lead a discussion to continually identify and agree the commercial priorities from a risk perspective. Define the commercial priorities and solutions to help manage the risk and promote best commercial practices.

Work Winning

Take a leading role in shaping major bids and strategic pursuits, working collaboratively with the discipline Ops Director and the bid modelling team.

Work with Project Directors, pursuit leads and on the larger tenders the bid modellers to enhance our understanding of risks and opportunities, to develop winning pricing strategies in line with the business strategies.

Undertaking a commercial review of the tender in addition to the legal team review, to inform the business Authority to pursue / submit process and contribute to the development of the wider commercial offer.

Take a lead role in the negotiation of contract terms / joint venture arrangements. Assist the process of appointing Sub Consultants and suppliers.

Project Delivery / Client Facing Support

Undertake a commercial review of Framework call off / task order opportunities.

Provide input to the Discipline’s risk and opportunity register on a regular basis.

Where requested attend contract and project reviews in accordance with the company’s policies and procedures to minimise risk

Provide support to the Discipline, collaborating closely with the Legal Team where required, to: Negotiate and agree all Third Party agreements.

Assist the business in negotiating and documenting Deeds of Variation

Advising the business on notification of claims and notices of circumstance in accordance with the company’s policies and procedures.

Advising the business on contractual entitlement, reviewing client communications, and involving the legal team where necessary.

Continual Improvement

Be an active member of the wider [select discipline] Commercial Team contributing to decision making and identifying business improvement opportunities; and contributing to the development of an enhanced commercial culture in the business.

As a member of the Discipline Operational Leadership Team:

Raise commercial awareness in the Discipline through regular feedback, meetings, and training.

Review and implement improvements to processes and systems.

Contracts and Commercial – Has in depth experience of negotiating commercial contract terms, working with the legal teams and business leads to secure positive outcomes in line with our governance procedures.

Leading People – Acts as a "change leader" by encouraging others to embrace change and face new challenges. Has a positive, curious, creative mindset and can work and collaborate across all levels. Demonstrate excellent inter-personal skills with good leadership and management abilities.

Developing People and leading Teams -identify and develop future commercial talent

Inclusion and Performance – Promotes and engages diverse persepctives fostering inclusion in every area of business operations. Demonstrates courage in decision making and supports, coaches and develops others through respectful, actionable constructuve feedback. Provides encoragement and development to allow all to reach their full potential and achieve maximum performance.

Strategic Thinking and Direction – ability to operate and develop a business; forward thinking, capable of visualising and planning for the longer term; capable of identifying, communicating, engaging and drives the implementation of commercial improvement strategies.

Projects – Possess a broad range of project experience at a multi-disciplinary level.

Communication and Influence – Demonstrate an ability to communicate effectively and positive influence at all levels as well as internally and externally. Actively champion sharing knowledge, ideas and intelligence. Strong presentation skills, able to lead and facilitate workshops & training sessions.

Problems (business and projects) – Able to scan performance and trends to take preventative actions and support areas/projects where problems could manifest. Able to identify actions across people, process and practice to minimise problem areas and drive improvements.

Commercial – Has in depth experience of commercial disputes and settlements.

Clear understanding of core expectations for a high-profile client facing business

Proven people and commercial management skills; able to develop/maintain excellent relationships

Excellent communication and listening skills with the ability to influence and deal with conflicting priorities and to offer positive solutions

Clear commercial acumen with understanding of consultancy services and models and key drivers to improve performance.Demonstrates strong leadership skills and abilities with focus on people management, delegation, accountability and succession.

Experience in a relevant industry, consultancy or client organisation would be beneficial but not essential