Commercial Lead
3 hours ago
St Albans
Commercial Lead Location: Travelling across the South Role Purpose The Commercial Lead will act as the central link between Construction, Finance, and external stakeholders — including funders, monitors, valuers, and clients — to ensure the effective financial and commercial management of development projects from initial funding submission through to practical completion. This role combines strategic oversight with hands-on commercial management, supporting robust financial control, procurement efficiency, and strong stakeholder engagement to drive profitability and operational success across multiple live developments. Key Responsibilities Funding & Lender Liaison • Act as the principal contact for funders, monitors, and valuers throughout each development’s lifecycle., • Coordinate the submission of funding information, valuation drawdown schedules, and supporting documentation for funded or forward-sold schemes., • Set and manage drawdown and invoicing schedules in collaboration with the Finance function., • Ensure all insurance and compliance documentation is arranged promptly, and that any outstanding items are resolved efficiently., • Prepare accurate lender progress reports and certification of phase completions, managing the drawdown of development finance in line with project cashflow requirements. Commercial & Financial Control • Take ownership of commercial and cost management across live projects, ensuring accuracy and accountability., • Provide timely and transparent reporting to support cashflow forecasting, financial planning, and risk management., • Identify and highlight commercial risks and opportunities, recommending proactive solutions to the Managing Director. Procurement & Supply Chain • Support procurement strategies that deliver best value, compliance, and timely delivery across the supply chain., • Identify and invite alternative suppliers and subcontractors to tender, ensuring commercial competitiveness., • Negotiate and authorise contracts, maintaining robust administration and governance throughout the project lifecycle. Construction Collaboration • Work closely with Construction teams to align cost plans, procurement schedules, and build programmes., • Support the resolution of commercial challenges, including variations, claims, and valuation disputes., • Provide commercial input into cost optimisation, value engineering, and programme efficiencies. Client & Stakeholder Management • Liaise with clients and their monitors to agree valuations and provide all required supporting documentation., • Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders to ensure consistent communication, transparency, and trust. Strategic Contribution • Advise the Managing Director and senior leadership on commercial performance, financial risk, and funding strategy., • Contribute to initiatives that drive margin improvement, cashflow optimisation, and commercial efficiency., • Ensure all commercial systems, processes, and reporting frameworks are robust, compliant, and support organisational growth. Candidate Profile Experience & Skills • Proven commercial management or leadership experience within construction or property development., • Strong background in cost control, procurement, valuation reporting, and development finance., • Experience managing relationships with funders, monitors, valuers, and clients., • Excellent financial acumen with the ability to interpret complex data and communicate insights clearly., • Skilled negotiator with a collaborative and proactive approach to stakeholder management., • Highly organised, adaptable, and capable of managing multiple concurrent projects. Personal Attributes • Commercially astute and strategically minded., • Confident, credible, and influential communicator., • Detail-oriented, resilient, and solutions-focused under pressure., • Collaborative leader who fosters accountability and teamwork across departments.
