Commercial Lead, Risk Manager​/Analyst, Regulatory Compliance Specialist

## Commercial Lead Apply:
FALMER:
Full time:
Posted Today:
End Date:
October 28, 2026 (14 days left to apply):
JR9129
** Closing Date
** 27/10/2026
*
* Job Title:

Commercial Lead

Location:

Falmer  Contract Type:
Permanent

Hours:

Full time – 37hrs per week  Salary:
Competitive
**** About the role
** We're looking for two experienced Commercial Leads to provide commercial leadership across major infrastructure projects delivered through alternative financing and delivery models, including Ofwat's Direct Procurement for Customers (DPC) and the Specified Infrastructure Projects Regulations (SIPR).You'll lead the development of commercial strategies, contracting approaches and risk allocation frameworks that support the successful delivery of strategically important infrastructure investments. Working across the full project lifecycle, you'll help secure value for money, maintain regulatory compliance and support successful procurement and partnerships with investors and delivery partners.

Reporting to the Head of Commercial, Major Projects, you'll work closely with Project Management, Technical, Legal, Finance and Regulatory teams, providing commercial leadership on some of Southern Water's most significant infrastructure projects.  
** What you will be responsible for:
*** Leading the project level commercial and contracting strategy for either DPC, DBFOM and/or SIPR projects.
* Developing, negotiating and managing complex long-term commercial agreements and procurement arrangements.
* Shaping commercial models, payment mechanisms and risk allocation strategies.
* Providing commercial input into business cases, investment approvals and assurance activities.
* Managing commercial risks and ensuring robust governance throughout the project lifecycle.
* Assessing financial models, funding structures and value-for-money outcomes.
* Monitoring contractual compliance and resolving complex commercial issues.
* Building strong relationships with regulators, investors, delivery partners and internal stakeholders.
* Supporting the development of commercial strategy across the wider Major Projects portfolio.
** What you'll bring to the role:
Essential
*** Significant commercial and contract negotiation experience on large, complex infrastructure projects.
* Experience working within regulated infrastructure sectors such as water, energy or transport.
* Experience developing commercial strategies and supporting competitive procurement activities.
* Strong understanding of commercial risk allocation, project finance and value-for-money principles.
* Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation and influencing skills.
* Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities.
* Degree qualified, or equivalent professional experience, in a commercial, legal, financial, engineering or project management discipline.  
** Desirable
* ** Experience with in the UK water sector and knowledge of Ofwat regulatory frameworks.
* Experience of DPC, SIPR, PPP, PFI, PF2, MIM and/or RAB delivery models.
* NEC3 and NEC4 contract experience.
* Relevant professional qualification (RICS, CICES, CIPS, ICES, APM, legal or finance).
* Formal training or qualifications in negotiation, procurement or project finance.
** About Southern Water
** Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.

You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior…