Commercial Lead / Managing QS

Job Description

Role: Commercial Lead (MEP – Data Centre Projects)

Location: nr. Hertford, Hertfordshire

Job type: Permanent / full time / on-site

Salary: £100,000 - £120,000 (flexibility for exceptional candidates)

Reporting into: Head of Commercial

You’ll be joining a leading turnkey data centre solutions provider, delivering end-to-end services across design, build, and installation of mission-critical infrastructure. The business operates across multiple regions and is known for delivering complex, high-value data centre projects for hyperscale and colocation clients.

As part of continued growth, they’re looking to bring in a Commercial Lead to support the Head of Commercial and take ownership of the commercial function across key projects.

This is very much a quantity surveying role at its core, but with a heavier emphasis on contracts, legal frameworks, and commercial risk than a traditional Managing QS position.

What you’ll be doing:

• Acting as the commercial lead across major data centre projects or programmes, ensuring full financial and contractual control
• Supporting the Head of Commercial in shaping commercial strategy, governance, and best practice
• Taking ownership of contract management, including interpretation, negotiation, and administration (NEC, JCT or similar)
• Managing commercial risk, ensuring the business is protected from a legal and contractual standpoint
• Overseeing procurement, subcontractor management, and commercial performance across packages
• Leading on variations, claims, and dispute resolution, with a strong understanding of contractual entitlement
• Producing accurate reporting, forecasting, and cost control across the project lifecycle
• Working closely with project delivery teams and clients to align commercial and operational objectives

What they’re looking for:

• Strong quantity surveying background within MEP-heavy scopes, and experience delivering data centre, or mission-critical construction projects
• Experience operating at a senior level (Senior QS / Commercial Manager / Commercial Lead)
• Solid understanding of contracts and legal frameworks, with the ability to manage complex commercial risk
• Proven track record managing subcontractors, commercial negotiations, and project financials
• Comfortable engaging with senior stakeholders and influencing decision-making
• Able to operate both strategically and hands-on where required