Company Overview
Our client is one of Ireland's leading specialist contractors, a business that has built a formidable reputation over many years through consistent delivery of technically demanding, high-value projects. With an annual turnover exceeding €200 million, they operate at scale across some of the most commercially significant sectors in the Irish and wider European construction market.
The company is particularly recognised for its expertise in complex, process-driven and mission-critical environments — including data centres, pharmaceutical and life sciences facilities, power generation and renewables infrastructure, and wider critical infrastructure. Their ability to successfully deliver across such a technically diverse portfolio is a testament to the quality of their teams and the strength of their internal systems and processes.
This is a business in excellent health, with a robust forward order book and a clear strategic ambition to grow its market share and expand its footprint on larger, more complex programmes. As part of that growth trajectory, the Board has identified the need for an exceptional commercial leader to take ownership of the commercial function and drive the business forward from a position of strength.
Culture here is important. This is a company built on long-standing client relationships, technical credibility and a genuine commitment to its people. Senior hires are valued, supported and given the platform they need to make a real impact — this is not a figurehead appointment, but a genuinely influential executive role.
Working Environment & Projects
As Commercial Director, you will sit at the heart of the business — working directly alongside the operational leadership team and reporting to the Board of Directors on all matters of commercial strategy, performance and risk. This is a rare opportunity to operate at executive level within a high-performing contractor that is genuinely invested in commercial excellence.
The project environment is technically varied and commercially demanding. You will have oversight across live programmes spanning data centre fit-out and shell and core, pharmaceutical manufacturing and cleanroom facilities, utility-scale renewables, power generation, and complex civil and infrastructure works. Projects range significantly in scale, with major contracts running into eight-figure values and beyond.
The role is based in Newry, a well-connected location that sits close to the border and provides easy access to both the Republic and Northern Ireland markets — a genuine commercial advantage for a business operating across both jurisdictions. You will work from a modern, well-resourced head office environment with regular site visits as required across the active project portfolio.
The commercial team you will lead is experienced and capable, and there is a clear opportunity to develop and strengthen processes, tooling, and talent as the business continues to grow. This is a company where commercial directors are expected to lead from the front and contribute directly to shaping how the business wins, delivers and grows.
Responsibilities
* Lead and own the commercial function across the full business — from pre-contract strategy through to final account resolution on all live programmes
* Report directly to the Board of Directors on commercial strategy, risk, performance and key contractual matters
* Work in close partnership with operational, estimating, procurement and finance functions to ensure commercial and delivery objectives are fully aligned
* Develop, implement and embed commercial policies, processes and governance frameworks that support consistent delivery across the project portfolio
* Provide senior-level oversight of contract administration, including variation management, claims, extensions of time and dispute resolution
* Lead the commercial input into tender strategy and bid submissions for major and strategic opportunities
* Identify and manage commercial risk across the project portfolio, ensuring appropriate mitigation is in place and escalated where necessary
* Build and develop the commercial team, establishing a culture of high performance, accountability and continuous improvement
* Act as the senior commercial point of contact for key clients, consultants and supply chain partners
What You Need
* Proven track record in a senior commercial leadership role — Commercial Director, Head of Commercial or equivalent — within a specialist contractor or complex construction environment
* Background in mission-critical, technically complex facilities (data centres, pharmaceuticals, power, renewables) or technical services and M&E contracting strongly preferred
* Deep knowledge of main contract administration, subcontract management, risk, and commercial governance at programme level
* Demonstrable experience reporting to or presenting at Board level, with the gravitas and communication skills to influence at executive level
* Strong people leadership credentials — experienced in building and managing high-performing commercial teams
* Commercially astute with excellent analytical capability; comfortable with large, complex cost and revenue portfolios
* Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline; membership of RICS, CIOB or equivalent is advantageous
What You'll Get in Return
This is one of the most significant commercial leadership appointments available in the Irish contracting market. The role offers a total package of €170,000, structured to reflect the seniority and strategic importance of the position. Beyond remuneration, you will gain genuine executive influence within a business at a pivotal stage of its growth — working alongside a Board that is serious about commercial excellence and willing to invest in the right person to deliver it. Long-term career progression at Group level is a realistic outcome for the right candidate.
How to Apply
To apply for this role, please send an up-to-date CV via the Apply Now button. For a confidential discussion, you can also contact Patrick McGrath on +353 1270 9454 / +44 7535 290168 or email patrick@gedonexecutive.com