Commercial Lead, Operations Manager, Construction Manager​/ Foreman

Project: Data Centre

A leading Tier-1 contractor delivering complex mission-critical projects is seeking an experienced Commercial Lead to play a pivotal role on a major hyperscale data centre development. The project incorporates a £150m infrastructure package and a £200m build package
, offering an exceptional opportunity for commercially driven professionals from either a civil engineering/infrastructure or main contracting/building background.

This is a senior leadership position with overall responsibility for commercial strategy, financial performance, risk management and stakeholder engagement across a significant section of the project. Working alongside senior project and operational teams, the successful candidate will help drive the successful delivery of one of the UK s most significant data centre schemes.

Experience with in data centres, life sciences, pharmaceutical, advanced manufacturing or other technically complex project environments would be advantageous.

• Provide commercial leadership across a major project package, driving financial and contractual performance from procurement through to final account.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies aligned with project and business objectives.
• Lead all aspects of cost management, forecasting, CVRs, reporting and budget control.
• Oversee procurement activities, subcontractor engagement and supply chain management.
• Manage contractual obligations across NEC, JCT and bespoke client contracts.
• Identify, manage and mitigate commercial risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.
• Act as a key interface with clients, consultants, subcontractors and senior stakeholders.
• Lead, mentor and develop commercial teams, fostering a high-performance culture.
• Work collaboratively with operational teams to ensure project objectives, programme milestones and commercial targets are achieved.
• Maintain the highest standards of governance, compliance and commercial best practice.

• Proven experience operating as a Commercial Lead, Senior Commercial Manager or Commercial Manager on major construction or infrastructure projects.
• Strong background within either:
• Civil engineering, infrastructure or enabling works; or
• Main contracting, building, industrial, commercial or mission-critical construction.
• Track record of leading commercial functions on large-scale projects and managing significant budgets.
• Strong contractual knowledge and commercial acumen.
• Excellent leadership, negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Ability to influence project outcomes at both strategic and operational levels.
• Experience in data centres, life sciences, pharmaceutical, industrial or other technically demanding sectors would be beneficial.
• Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline.

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Opportunity to lead the commercial function on a landmark hyperscale data centre development.
• Long-term project pipeline within a rapidly growing mission-critical division.
• Clear progression into senior commercial leadership positions.
• Supportive, collaborative and high-performing project environment.
• Professional development and chartership support