Commercial Director

Atkins Search is proud to partner with one of the UK’s leading specialist main contractors in the appointment of a Commercial Director for their Southern Division, covering London and the surrounding areas. This is a senior leadership position reporting directly to the Managing Director, with full commercial oversight across a dynamic portfolio of regeneration projects in both the public and private sectors.

The Client

Our client is a highly respected and well-established main contractor, renowned for delivering high quality regeneration schemes. With a strong presence across the UK, they are a market leader in construction innovation and stakeholder collaboration, committed to delivering projects that transform communities.

The Role

As Commercial Director, you will lead and shape the commercial function within the Southern Division. This role requires a strategic thinker with deep contractual knowledge, robust leadership capabilities, and the ability to influence project outcomes positively. You will oversee a team of Commercial Managers and Quantity Surveyors, ensuring best-in-class commercial practices and high standards of financial performance.

Key responsibilities include:

Lead all commercial and contractual aspects of regional projects

Define and execute the commercial strategy for the Southern Division

Drive governance, risk management, and commercial compliance across the division

Manage internal and external cash flow forecasting and financial reporting

Oversee preparation of monthly management accounts and chair CVR meetings

Support and guide QS teams on valuations, cost/value reconciliations, and final account settlements

Resolve commercial and contractual issues through negotiation or formal dispute resolution (Adjudication, Arbitration, Mediation)

Lead pre-contract negotiations and finalise contracts

Recruit, develop, and manage commercial staff, including appraisals and performance reviews

Person Specification

To succeed in this role, you will be a commercially astute leader with:

Proven experience as a Commercial Director within a main contracting environment

Strong knowledge of construction contracts (e.g., JCT, NEC) and legal frameworks

Excellent leadership, negotiation, and conflict resolution skills

Strategic mindset with the ability to manage risk and drive commercial performance

Degree or equivalent in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related field

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and commercial reporting tools

A highly competitive salary and benefits package is on offer, including:

Executive-level base salary

Car allowance or company vehicle

Pension contribution

Private healthcare

Professional development and career progression support

How to Apply

To express interest or for a confidential discussion, please contact Atkins Search directly. All applications and enquiries will be treated in the strictest confidence.

Atkins Search act as an employment agency for permanent recruitment and an employment business for the supply of temporary workers. We specialise in Construction, Consultancy, Residential and Infrastructure recruitment and service the East and West Midlands, South Yorkshire, Staffordshire, Lincolnshire, Peterborough and Northern Home Counties regions.