Head of Commercial (Contract Director Portfolio)

Ruthin, Clwyd
Jones Bros Ltd
Head of Commercial (Contract Director Portfolio)

Jones Bros Ruthin (Civil Engineering) Co Ltd is a leading civil engineering contractor operating across the United Kingdom. Our project portfolio spans Energy and Renewables, Highways, Rail and Infrastructure, Waste Management Facilities and Landfill Engineering, Reservoir Construction, and Coastal Defence and Marine Infrastructure.

This senior commercial leadership role works directly with a Contracts Director and has responsibility for the full commercial management of a portfolio of tenders and live projects. The role combines strategic commercial leadership with hands on contract, financial, and team management to ensure strong commercial governance, profitability, compliance, and sustainable growth.

The role is accountable for protecting the company’s commercial position, supporting successful project delivery, and contributing to the long-term sustainability and growth of Jones Bros Ruthin (Civil Engineering) Co Ltd.

Key Responsibilities Strategic Commercial Leadership

• Provide commercial leadership and direction across a portfolio of tenders and projects managed by a Contracts Director.
• Support the development and delivery of the company’s commercial strategy, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
• Contribute to wider business planning, market insight, and continuous improvement of commercial practices across Jones Bros.

Contract and Commercial Management

• Lead and oversee contract negotiations, ensuring terms are commercially robust, compliant, and aligned with project and business objectives.
• Manage contract execution throughout the project lifecycle, including variations, change control, claims management, dispute avoidance, and agreement of final accounts.
• Ensure effective administration and performance management of subcontract and supplier agreements.
• Maintain strong commercial governance and accurate commercial records across all projects.

Financial Management and Performance Control

• Develop, manage, and control project and portfolio budgets in line with agreed financial targets.
• Monitor cost, value, cash flow, and profit performance, identifying risks and opportunities at an early stage.
• Drive cost control, value engineering, and cost optimisation initiatives while maintaining quality and compliance.
• Prepare and present clear and accurate commercial reports to the Contracts Director and senior management.
• Identify, assess, and manage commercial and contractual risks across tenders and live projects.
• Implement appropriate mitigation measures and contingency planning.
• Ensure appropriate insurance arrangements and contractual protections are in place.
• Promote a proactive and consistent approach to risk management throughout the project lifecycle.

Tendering and Pre Construction Support

• Work closely with preconstruction, estimating, and bid teams to develop competitive, accurate, and deliverable tenders.
• Undertake commercial reviews at tender stage, including risk, opportunity, and margin assessment.
• Support tender clarifications, commercial submissions, and tender stage contract negotiations with clients.

Client and Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong, professional relationships with clients, consultants, and key stakeholders.
• Act as the senior commercial point of contact for allocated projects, supporting client confidence and satisfaction.
• Identify and support opportunities for repeat business, frameworks, and long term partnerships.

Supply Chain and Vendor Management

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with suppliers, subcontractors, and commercial partners.
• Lead or support negotiations with key supply chain partners to achieve best value, reliability, and performance.
• Monitor supply chain compliance with contractual, financial, health, safety, and environmental requirements.

Team Leadership and Development

• Lead, manage, mentor, and develop commercial managers and commercial staff within the project portfolio.
• Promote a high performing, collaborative, and professional commercial team culture.
• Support training, professional development, and succession planning within the commercial function.
• Allocate commercial resources effectively to meet project and business needs.
• Share best practice, lessons learned, and commercial insight across the wider business.

Legal, Compliance, and Governance

• Ensure compliance with contractual, legal, and regulatory requirements across all projects.
• Work with legal advisers to manage disputes, claims, and contractual issues where required.
• Ensure consistent application and understanding of the main forms of civil engineering and construction contracts used within the United Kingdom, including but not limited to:
  • NEC Engineering and Construction Contract (ECC), including Options A, B, C, D, E, and F.
  • NEC Professional Services Contract (PSC).
  • ICE Conditions of Contract.
  • JCT Design and Build, Standard Building Contract, and Minor Works Contract where applicable.
• Institution of Civil Engineers Target Cost and Measurement based contracts.
• Framework agreements and bespoke amended contracts used by public and private sector clients.
• FIDIC Conditions of Contract, including the FIDIC Yellow Book (Plant and Design Build) where applicable to internationally influenced or specialist engineering projects.
• Provide commercial leadership on contract interpretation, early warning procedures, compensation events, change management, and dispute avoidance in accordance with the relevant contract form.
• Ensure adherence to relevant industry standards, including health, safety, environmental, and quality requirements.

Health, Safety, Environmental, and Sustainability

• Ensure health, safety, and environmental considerations are embedded within all commercial activities.
• Support and promote sustainability initiatives within procurement, materials selection, and project delivery.
• Promote a culture of responsible, ethical, and compliant commercial behaviour.

Continuous Improvement and Innovation

• Identify opportunities to improve commercial processes, systems, and controls.
• Drive efficiency, innovation, and best practice within the commercial function.
• Benchmark commercial performance and practices against industry standards to maintain competitiveness.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• Degree qualified in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Business, Finance, or a related discipline. A postgraduate qualification is desirable but not essential.
• Significant proven experience in a senior commercial or commercial management role within the civil engineering or construction industry.
• Strong knowledge of civil engineering contracts, commercial management principles, and industry regulations.
• Demonstrable experience of managing complex projects, commercial risk, and project finances.
• Strong leadership, communication, and negotiation skills.
• Competent in the use of Microsoft Office programmes including Excel and Word.
• Full United Kingdom driving licence and flexibility to travel and stay away overnight when required.
• Vehicle Allowance
• Company-contributed pension scheme (eligibility applies)
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• Professional membership subscription support for up to two professional bodies.

Ty Glyn, Canol y Dre, Ruthin, Denbighshire, LL15 1QW