Commercial lead

Commercial Lead

Location: UK

Haz Mission Critical is a specialist Project Management consultancy delivering expert project, construction, and commercial management services across the data centre and mission-critical sector. We are seeking an experienced Commercial Lead to join our team and provide client-side commercial leadership on a major hyperscale data centre development.

Working as an integrated part of the client's project team, the Commercial Lead will be responsible for driving commercial strategy, governance, cost management, contract administration, and commercial risk management across multiple contracts and work packages. The role requires close collaboration with project directors, programme managers, contractors, consultants, and key stakeholders to ensure successful commercial outcomes throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all commercial activities on behalf of the client across the hyperscale data centre project.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies that support project objectives and maximise value.
• Manage contract administration, ensuring compliance with contractual obligations and project governance requirements.
• Oversee cost planning, forecasting, budgeting, and financial reporting throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review, assess, and negotiate change orders, variations, claims, and commercial proposals.
• Monitor commercial performance and identify opportunities for cost optimisation and risk mitigation.
• Lead the evaluation and management of commercial risks and opportunities.
• Support procurement activities, including tender evaluations, contract negotiations, and supplier engagement.
• Establish and maintain robust commercial controls, processes, and reporting mechanisms.
• Manage stakeholder relationships across client teams, consultants, contractors, and supply chain partners.
• Provide commercial insight and recommendations to senior project and client leadership teams.
• Ensure all commercial activities are aligned with programme delivery objectives, schedule requirements, and budget targets.

Requirements

• Proven experience in a Commercial Lead, Commercial Manager, Senior Quantity Surveyor, or similar commercial leadership role.
• Demonstrable experience delivering large-scale mission-critical/data centre projects.
• Experience managing complex commercial environments with multiple contractors and work packages.
• Strong cost management, forecasting, change control, and financial reporting capabilities.
• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management, and communication skills.
• Ability to influence and engage with senior client, consultant, and contractor teams.
• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
• Professional membership with RICS, CIOB, or equivalent is desirable.