Head of Commercial

Job Description

Head of Commercial

Location: Warrington, Midlands, Thame, or Swanley (Hybrid working available)
Business Unit: Social Infrastructure
Reports to: Commercial Director / Managing Director 

About United Infrastructure

United Infrastructure is a leading provider of infrastructure services across the UK, partnering with local authorities, housing associations, and major industry stakeholders. We deliver essential works including social housing upgrades, planned works, compliance programmes, and regeneration projects that improve communities and enhance the quality of life for residents.

Role Purpose

The Head of Commercial will lead the commercial strategy and commercial management across our Social Housing and Infrastructure portfolio. This role ensures robust commercial governance, drives profitability, oversees contractual compliance, and supports operational delivery. You will act as the senior commercial lead for the region, supporting growth, strategic bids, and ensuring sustainable long-term relationships with clients—particularly within the Responsive Division (Repairs, Disrepair and Voids) of the social housing sector.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Leadership

• Lead the commercial function across multi-million-pound programmes within social housing, compliance, and infrastructure services.
• Develop and embed commercial strategy to support business growth, margin improvement, and risk control.
• Provide high-level commercial advice to Directors, Operational Leads, and Clients.

Financial & Contract Management

• Oversee commercial reporting, cost management, CVR production, forecasting, and budget control.
• Ensure robust management of NEC, JCT, and bespoke contract forms.
• Lead commercial risk reviews and mitigation strategies.
• Approve and authorise high-value subcontractor packages and supplier agreements.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a senior commercial representative with key clients, particularly housing associations and local authorities.
• Support dispute resolution, negotiation, and commercial dialogue.
• Build strong working relationships to drive repeat business and partnership growth.

Team Leadership

• Lead, coach, and mentor a team of Commercial Managers, Quantity Surveyors, and Assistant QSs.
• Drive high performance, continuous improvement, and consistency across operations.
• Support talent development and succession planning within the commercial function.

Business Growth & Strategic Support

• Support bid teams on tenders within the social housing and infrastructure markets.
• Provide commercial input into pricing models, risk assessments, and contract negotiations.
• Contribute to strategic planning and future service development.

Experience & Skills Required

Essential

• Proven experience as a Senior Commercial Manager, Commercial Lead, or Head of Commercial.
• Strong track record within social housing, planned works, refurbishment, repairs, compliance, or property services.
• Demonstrable experience leading commercial teams on multi-million-pound programmes.
• Expert knowledge of NEC, JCT, and relevant public sector contracts.
• Strong negotiation and client-facing skills.
• Commercially astute with excellent analytical ability.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or related discipline.
• RICS accreditation or working toward it.
• Experience within infrastructure or wider public-sector frameworks.

Additional Information

What We Offer:

If you are a Commercial Manager seeking a dynamic and diverse work environment, we're offering:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Opportunities for career progression aligned with the company’s growth
• Immediate interview for qualified candidates

How to Apply:

If you are ready to be part of our expanding team and contribute to our success, apply today for immediate consideration. Join us on this exciting journey of growth and innovation!

As a business United Living prefer to hire directly and we will be in touch with our PSL Agencies if we require support. We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If speculative CVs are sent, no fee will be applicable.

Salary Range / Charge Rate: 100,000 - 110,000
Salary Category: Above £100,000