Commercial Director

Our client is a leading infrastructure provider for telecoms, specializing in delivering next-generation access and connectivity for voice and data communication services. Working with major UK and international telecom companies, they offer comprehensive gigafibre network solutions, from design and planning through to installation, commissioning, and activation.

The Commercial Director will report directly to the Board and take responsibility for the commercial operations within the Project Management Office (PMO). This role will oversee all commercial aspects of the business, with a primary focus on service-related strategies, project finances, contract terms, and contract administration. The Commercial Director will manage commercial risk and opportunities to ensure the business achieves its goals in line with the company’s strategic plans. The role requires proactive leadership to improve project profitability, enhance revenue growth, and ensure the overall commercial success of the business.

In close collaboration with the Managing Director, Financial Controller, and Finance & Accounts Team, the Commercial Director will help develop strategies that strengthen their market position. This includes building and maintaining strong relationships with clients and partners, identifying growth opportunities, and ensuring the company's commercial and financial targets are met

• Advise the Main Board on commercial risks and manage their mitigation across the business.
• Lead investment planning and assess the return on investments associated with growth initiatives.
• Collaborate on the development of commercial strategies, contract administration, and business cases.
• Analyse and monitor commercial performance, focusing on contract value maximization, project profitability, and cost recovery.
• Provide insights into market trends and advise the Board on potential industry changes and their impact.
• Convert the company’s strategic plans into actionable commercial objectives and targets.
• Identify and implement business process improvements to increase commercial success.
• Ensure the adoption of best practices across all Divisions and Business Units.
• Define project delivery KPIs to monitor progress, success, and improvement opportunities.
• Oversee the commercial review, negotiation, and finalization of contracts and legal documents.
• Manage commercial disputes and ensure legal compliance.
• Maintain and oversee relationships with key clients and suppliers to enhance collaboration and identify growth opportunities.
• Co-manage the resourcing model to optimize staffing and ensure effective project delivery.
• Report to the Main Board and Operations Board on project performance and commercial activities.
• Lead and motivate the project management team, providing training and mentoring to ensure ongoing development.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a senior management role with direct involvement in board-level decision-making.
• Expertise in negotiating and administering various forms of contracts (with particular experience in NEC contracts) and resolving disputes.
• Demonstrated ability to identify and exploit commercially viable opportunities aligned with company goals.
• Track record of improving project profitability and commercial performance in a consultancy environment.
• Strong understanding of financial performance reporting, budgeting, and cost control processes.
• Experience in setting up and managing a Project Management Office (PMO).
• Significant experience in developing customer and supplier relationships to drive business success.
• Degree-level education (or equivalent) and at least 15 years of relevant experience