Commercial Director

Salary: £100-120k per annum (DOE) | Company Bonus | Car Allowance | Company Benefits Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire Contract: Full Time | 37.5 hours per week The Role Infrastructure Gateway Ltd (IGL) is entering an exciting period of growth, and we're looking for an experienced and commercially astute Commercial Director to help shape the next phase of our journey. This is a pivotal leadership role with responsibility for driving commercial performance, strengthening governance, and creating the scalable processes needed to support a growing multi-utility business. You'll work closely with the Board and senior leadership team to provide strategic direction, improve project profitability, and build a high-performing commercial function capable of supporting long-term, sustainable growth. We're looking for a hands-on leader who combines strategic thinking with operational delivery and can bring structure, discipline, and commercial insight to a fast-paced SME environment. Key Responsibilities Lead, mentor, and develop the Quantity Surveying and Commercial teams, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Support the Board in developing a scalable and professional commercial function aligned to business growth objectives. Promote commercial awareness across the wider business, particularly within Operational teams. Implement robust processes across bidding, procurement, forecasting, cost control, and project reporting. Ensure effective commercial governance and compliance across all contracts. Lead risk management activities and drive continuous improvement initiatives. Oversee contract negotiations and administration across NEC, JCT, and ICE forms of contract. Deliver accurate forecasting, budgeting, and financial planning. Lead monthly CVRs, commercial reviews, and margin analysis. Ensure real-time visibility of project performance, profitability, and risks. Oversee valuations, payment applications, cash flow management, and commercial controls. Ensure commercial data is accurately reflected within monthly accounts and reporting. Manage key supplier and subcontractor relationships. Negotiate rates, terms, and performance standards to maximise value and minimise risk. Develop long-term, strategic supply chain partnerships that support operational delivery and commercial performance. Lead the development and optimisation of commercial systems and processes. Drive adoption, compliance, and continuous improvement of ERP and commercial management systems. Support wider business transformation initiatives to improve efficiency, profitability, and reporting capability. Provide commercial oversight and challenge for major bids, tenders, and new business opportunities. Present commercial performance, risks, and opportunities to the Board. Support the identification and evaluation of new markets, services, and growth opportunities. What You’ll Need Significant commercial leadership experience within utilities, civil engineering, infrastructure, or construction. Proven track record of leading and developing commercial and Quantity Surveying teams. Strong understanding of NERS, GIRS, WIRS, and multi-utility regulatory environments. Extensive experience managing subcontractor frameworks, commercial negotiations, and cost control. In-depth knowledge of NEC, JCT, and ICE contracts. Strong commercial acumen with the ability to improve profitability, forecasting accuracy, and project controls. Experience leading change and embedding new processes, behaviours, and ways of working. Excellent stakeholder management skills with confidence operating at Board level. Strong analytical, financial, and decision-making capabilities. Experience leading commercial transformation programmes (Desirable) Proven success improving WIP management, forecasting accuracy, and project margins (Desirable) Experience scaling commercial functions within a growing SME or contractor environment (Desirable) What You’ll Get Family-Friendly Leave: Enhanced Maternity, Adoption, Paternity & Shared Parental Leave, Fertility Support, and up to 5 paid Carer’s Days Financial & Life Assurance: Company Pension Scheme with salary sacrifice options Health & Wellbeing: Employee Assistance Programme and 24/7 Virtual GP access for you and your dependents Lifestyle & Perks: Cycle to Work Scheme and My Premier Benefits discounts, cashback, and vouchers Professional Development: Hands-on training and ongoing career development opportunities Inclusion & Belonging: Active People Networks – Disability & Neurodiversity, Unity+, Women’s Network, Parent & Carer Networking Group and more Performance & Recognition: Annual salary review, Reward & Recognition Scheme, and Long Service Awards. At South Staffordshire Limited, inclusion matters. We have a wide range of employee networks which are employee-led communities that bring our people together, support different perspectives and create a strong sense of belonging. Our people are encouraged to get involved as members or allies. We are committed to building a team that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve. We warmly welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, including all genders, ethnicity, sexual orientations, and physical and neurodiverse abilities. We are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments and encourage you to let us know how we can best support you throughout the recruitment process. #J-18808-Ljbffr