Commercial Lead - Mission Critical

Job Description: Commercial Lead (Mission Critical Projects)

Company: Structure Tone Limited
Location: Europe
Reporting to: Commercial Director / Project Director

Role Overview

The Commercial Lead is leading the commercial management of complex, mission-critical projects, including data centres, high-spec laboratories, and technically demanding fit-outs. This is a senior leadership role responsible for ensuring commercial excellence, risk mitigation, and financial performance across multiple fast-paced, high-value projects. The successful candidate will bring strong expertise in cost control, contract strategy, and stakeholder management within mission-critical environments where quality, programme certainty, and precision are paramount.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Leadership

• Lead the full commercial lifecycle of mission-critical projects, from pre-construction through to final account agreement.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies aligned with Structuretone’s business objectives.
• Ensure robust cost planning, forecasting, and reporting across multiple projects.
• Drive profitability while maintaining strict cost control and risk management standards.

Contract & Risk Management

• Oversee contract administration under various forms (e.g. JCT, NEC).
• Identify, assess, and mitigate commercial risks specific to mission-critical programmes (e.g. programme delays, supply chain constraints, technical dependencies).
• Manage and resolve complex contractual issues, variations, and claims.
• Ensure full compliance with contractual obligations and governance processes.

Project Delivery Support

• Work closely with Project Directors and operational teams to ensure commercial considerations are embedded into project delivery.
• Support procurement strategies for specialist subcontract packages (e.g. MEP systems, critical infrastructure).
• Monitor subcontractor performance, valuation, and account settlement.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Produce accurate and timely cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and margin analysis.
• Take ownership of project financial performance, ensuring targets are achieved or exceeded.
• Review and approve subcontractor payments, valuations, and final accounts.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Act as a key commercial interface with clients, consultants, and supply chain partners.
• Build strong client relationships, ensuring transparency and trust on all commercial matters.
• Contribute to client negotiations and dispute resolution when required.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop a team of Quantity Surveyors and commercial staff.
• Set clear objectives and performance standards across the commercial team.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

Key Requirements

Experience

• Significant experience in a senior commercial role within construction, ideally in mission-critical environments (e.g. data centres, life sciences, high-spec fit-out) .
• Proven track record managing large-scale, complex projects and multiple workstreams.
• Strong experience with MEP-heavy projects and technically complex builds.

Qualifications

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or related discipline.
• Professional membership desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional commercial acumen and analytical skills.
• Strong leadership and team management capability.
• Advanced knowledge of construction contracts (JCT, NEC).
• Excellent negotiation and communication skills.
• High level of attention to detail and ability to work under pressure.

Key Behaviours

• Client-focused: Delivers high-quality outcomes aligned with client expectations.
• Results-driven: Takes accountability for commercial performance.
• Collaborative: Works effectively across multidisciplinary teams.
• Resilient: Thrives in fast-paced, high-pressure environments.
• Innovative: Continuously seeks ways to improve processes and outcomes.