Commercial Lead – Multi-Framework Infrastructure Delivery (North East)
£30m+ annual programme | Reactive, environmental & capital works | Long-term secured frameworks
A leading civil engineering and infrastructure contractor in the North East is seeking a Commercial Lead to oversee commercial performance across three live and upcoming framework agreements. These frameworks collectively represent £30m+ of annual work, spanning reactive maintenance, environmental improvement schemes, minor capital infrastructure projects and multi-disciplinary civils delivery.
This is an ideal progression opportunity for an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor who is ready to step into a leadership role, or an existing Commercial Lead seeking greater scope, pipeline stability and influence across multiple workstreams.
Role Overview
The Commercial Lead will take responsibility for all commercial governance, reporting and contract administration across the three frameworks, ensuring accurate forecasting, disciplined cost control and compliance with NEC4 requirements.
Key responsibilities include:
* Leading the commercial function across reactive, environmental and capital works programmes.
* Overseeing NEC4 administration, including early warnings, compensation events, quotations and monthly reporting cycles.
* Managing detailed internal and external forecasts, valuations, cost-to-complete reviews and commercial dashboards.
* Working closely with design partners to ensure all solutions developed are commercially viable and aligned to client expectations.
* Identifying follow-on opportunities arising from emergency works and progressing them into deliverable packages.
* Improving commercial workflow, governance and reporting accuracy across each framework.
* Providing leadership, support and mentorship to the commercial team, including SQS, QS and assistant-level staff.
* Acting as the principal commercial point of contact for the client across multiple frameworks.
Pipeline & Long-Term Opportunity
* The frameworks have previously delivered £20m–£30m per year and are expected to grow substantially in the next AMP cycle.
* Environmental and asset improvement frameworks are due for full re-mobilisation, significantly increasing workload across both northern and southern regions.
* The commercial team supporting these programmes is expected to expand considerably over the next 12 months.
* This provides a clear pathway for the incoming Commercial Lead to influence processes, shape delivery models and progress as the business scales.
This role offers a structured, well-supported step up from SQS level for those seeking broader responsibility and portfolio-wide visibility.
Suitable Candidate Background
This role will suit individuals with experience in:
* Multi-project or multi-framework environments
* Utilities, civil engineering, reactive maintenance, infrastructure, or environmental works
* NEC3/NEC4 Option A, C and E
* High-accuracy forecasting, monthly reporting and commercial governance
* Mentoring junior QS staff and improving commercial processes
* Rapid-turnaround or reactive works (water, electrical, gas, or general utilities)
Experience within water is beneficial but not essential – reactive infrastructure and multi-disciplinary frameworks are equally relevant.
Working Model & Culture
* Hybrid working is available once established; an initial period of office presence is expected to become familiar with systems and processes.
* The role sits within a growing commercial division with 25+ QS staff and strong leadership support.
* The frameworks offer multi-year certainty, ongoing investment, and consistent workflow across a variety of infrastructure disciplines.
Interested? Here’s How to Take the Next Step
If you’re an experienced SQS ready to step up, or a Commercial Lead looking for a broader, multi-framework portfolio with long-term stability, now is the right time to have a confidential conversation.
👉 Get in touch directly with Ciaran McElhinney at Commercial Talent Solutions:
* Mobile: 079 32606765
* Email: ciaran@commercialtalentsolutions.com
You don’t need an updated CV to start the conversation – an initial call to explore fit is absolutely fine.