Commercial Director

Roles and responsibilities

• Bachelor’s degree in quantity surveying, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
• Proven track record in challenging and diverse projects.
• Mastery of industry-specific software.
• Great attitude towards problem-solving and decision-making.
• Excellent communication skills to navigate complex project dynamics.
• A passion for innovation and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
• 1. Analytical Skills: Ability to interpret complex financial data and derive actionable insights to improve profitability and mitigate risks. Strong skills in financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting.
• 2. Negotiation Skills: Proficient in negotiating contracts and terms with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors to achieve favorable outcomes for the organization.
• 3. Commercial Acumen: Strong understanding of business operations, financial performance, and the market. Ability to make sound commercial decisions that drive growth and profitability.
• 4. Contract Management: Expertise in managing and administering contracts, with a focus on ensuring compliance, mitigating risks, and resolving disputes.
• 5. Project Management: Knowledge of project management principles, including planning, scheduling, resource management, and progress monitoring.
• 6. Risk Management: Ability to identify, assess, and mitigate commercial risks associated with projects, contracts, and the broader business environment.
• 7. Communication Skills: Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to convey complex commercial information to non-experts and negotiate with stakeholders at all levels.
• 8. Leadership and Team Management: Strong leadership skills to manage and motivate a team, ensuring that commercial objectives are met and team members are developed.
• 9. Attention to Detail: The ability to ensure that financial transactions, contractual terms, and project deliverables are accurately managed and documented.
• Educational Qualifications and Experience:
• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Finance, Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or a related field.
• Master’s Degree or Professional Certifications (e.g., MRICS for Quantity Surveying, CIPS for Procurement) is often preferred for senior roles.
• Professional Certifications: Credentials such as PRINCE2, PMI, or RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) certification are highly valued in commercial management roles, particularly in construction and project-based industries.

Desired candidate profile

• Contract Management and Negotiation:
• Contract Drafting and Negotiation: Oversee the creation and negotiation of contracts with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors. Ensure that the terms are favorable for the organization and compliant with relevant regulations.
• Contract Administration: Manage contract performance throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring that all terms are adhered to, including deadlines, payments, and deliverables. Ensure contract variations are properly documented and negotiated.
• Dispute Resolution: Handle and resolve contractual disputes that may arise during the project or business operation, ensuring that issues are addressed quickly and fairly.
• Cost Estimation and Budgeting:
• Cost Estimation: Provide accurate cost estimates for projects or business initiatives, taking into account materials, labor, equipment, and overheads. Work with project teams to ensure that estimates are realistic and align with budget constraints.
• Budget Management: Develop and monitor the project or business budget. Track expenditures and ensure the project stays within budget, providing regular updates to senior management.
• Cost Control: Implement cost control measures to identify areas for cost-saving without compromising quality. Ensure that projects or operations are financially viable and cost-effective.
• Financial Forecasting and Reporting:
• Financial Forecasting: Provide financial forecasts and analyses to predict future revenue, costs, and profit margins. This includes tracking changes in the market or project requirements that might impact profitability.
• Cash Flow Management: Ensure that there is sufficient cash flow to support ongoing operations, including timely invoicing, managing client payments, and dealing with cash flow issues.
• Financial Reporting: Prepare financial reports and provide detailed analysis to senior management on the commercial performance of projects or operations. These reports should highlight areas of concern, profit margins, risks, and any potential opportunities for improvement.
• Risk Management:
• Risk Identification and Assessment: Identify potential commercial risks associated with projects, contracts, or business operations (e.g., cost overruns, delays, contractual breaches). Assess the financial impact of these risks.
• Risk Mitigation: Develop strategies to mitigate commercial risks, including financial, operational, and contractual risks. This could involve renegotiating contracts, improving cost estimates, or planning for contingencies.
• Insurance and Guarantees: Manage insurance requirements and guarantee structures to protect the organization from financial loss and ensure that risk is appropriately transferred or mitigated.
• Procurement and Supply Chain Management:
• Procurement Strategy: Develop and implement procurement strategies to ensure that the right materials, services, and subcontractors are selected for the project at competitive prices.
• Supplier and Subcontractor Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure smooth project delivery and favorable terms.
• Tendering and Bidding: Oversee the tendering process for new contracts, ensuring that bids are competitive, realistic, and align with the project’s budget and timeline.
• Supply Chain Optimization: Manage the supply chain to ensure that materials and services are delivered on time, minimizing delays and ensuring that project timelines are met.
• Project Performance and Delivery:
• Project Monitoring and Control: Regularly monitor the progress of projects to ensure that they are meeting commercial objectives. This includes ensuring that project timelines, budgets, and quality standards are adhered to.
• Value Engineering: Collaborate with project teams to implement value engineering solutions that optimize resources, reduce costs, and improve the value delivered to clients while maintaining project integrity.
• Client Liaison: Maintain positive relationships with clients, ensuring that expectations are managed and that any changes or issues are communicated and addressed promptly.
• Commercial Strategy and Business Development:
• Strategic Planning: Contribute to the development of commercial strategies that align with the organization’s overall business goals. This includes identifying new business opportunities, expanding client relationships, and improving profitability.
• Business Growth: Play an active role in identifying and pursuing new business opportunities, expanding market share, and building relationships with potential clients.
• Market Analysis: Conduct market research and competitive analysis to understand market trends, customer needs, and opportunities for growth.