Commercial & Asset Delivery Director

About The Role

Connect Plus is the company responsible for delivering the 30-year Design, Build, Finance and Operate (DBFO) contract for the M25 network, one of the UK's most complex and strategically important infrastructure assets. Working in partnership with National Highways, Connect Plus Services and an extensive supply chain, the organisation oversees the long-term management, maintenance and enhancement of the motorway network, with an annual programme of works valued at approximately £100m-£120m.

Reporting to the Chief Executive, the Commercial & Asset Delivery Director plays a pivotal role in ensuring the commercial and operational success of the business, leading the commercial strategy, governance, procurement and framework management activities that underpin performance across the network. Operating within a complex stakeholder environment, the role requires close engagement with Connect Plus Services, National Highways, framework partners and the Board, balancing commercial rigour with collaboration to drive value, shape future framework strategy beyond 2029 and ensure the successful delivery of long-term asset management objectives.

• Provide leadership, management and development of the Commercial & Asset Delivery team.
• Lead the strategic direction, relationship management and performance of the Renewals and Call-Off Framework Agreement (COFA) frameworks.
• Accountable for the successful delivery of AMFP lifecycle works, COFA schemes and Small Value Additional Works, including setting strategic direction, delivery and commercial models, organisational structure, culture, processes and governance.
• Hold overall accountability for the DBFO Company's contracts, sub-contracts and agreements, excluding the DBFO Contract itself, including the O&M Agreement, Renewals Framework and COFA Framework, together with the procurement of the latter two.
• Partner with the CEO to develop and deliver the Connect Plus Health, Safety & Wellbeing Strategy, with the objective of making the M25 the safest road network in the UK.
• Provide commercial and asset delivery leadership into the asset management strategy, ensuring the robustness and deliverability of the 1-year, 5-year and 30-year asset management plans.
• Maintain accountability for technical and construction risk management, working closely with the Asset Investment Director to ensure risks and mitigation strategies are effectively managed across Connect Plus, Connect Plus Services and framework partners.
• Lead the performance management and reporting of commercial and delivery performance for improvement schemes and lifecycle investment programmes to National Highways, the Connect Plus CEO and the Board.
• Ensure all works are delivered in compliance with CDM Regulations and, where required, are governed through robust and auditable Road Safety Audit (RSA) processes.
• Drive innovation, continuous improvement and operational efficiency across Connect Plus, Connect Plus Services, framework contractors and the wider supply chain.
• Lead the development and maintenance of a collaborative innovation culture across the organisation and its delivery partners.
• Maintain accreditation and certification to ISO 44001 standards.
• Champion sustainability initiatives, including leadership of Connect Plus’ carbon reduction strategy.
• Lead the development and implementation of the supply chain strategy, including engagement and performance across lower-tier suppliers.
• Endorse key appointments and oversee the performance of the Technology Officer and Tunnel Safety Officer.

We are looking for a commercially astute senior leader with a proven track record of operating at Commercial Director level, or equivalent, within complex infrastructure environments. The successful candidate will bring deep expertise across commercial strategy, procurement, contract negotiation and framework management, alongside experience overseeing substantial portfolios of projects and programmes. Equally important is the ability to navigate a highly collaborative, multi-stakeholder environment, building credibility and influencing clients, partners, executive teams and…