Commercial Manager / Lead (Data Centre)
The Commercial Manager (Client-Side) will take full commercial responsibility across all work packages on a major data centre project based in Northampton. This role covers the full project lifecycle, including civils, structural, architectural, and MEP elements.
The position involves managing overall project costs, contracts, procurement strategies, and financial risk from a client-side perspective, ensuring the project is delivered on budget and in line with strategic and contractual objectives. Working closely with project leadership, consultants, and supply chain partners, the successful candidate will play a key role in maintaining robust commercial governance and maximising value across the entire development.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Management
• Lead all commercial aspects of the project from pre-construction through to final account
• Develop and manage overall project budgets, cost plans, and financial forecasts
• Monitor financial performance and provide accurate reporting to senior stakeholders and investors
• Ensure effective cost control across all disciplines (civils, structural, architectural, and MEP)
• Drive value optimisation and cost efficiency across the project lifecycle
Contract Administration
• Oversee and manage all project contracts (e.g., NEC, JCT, FIDIC, or bespoke forms)
• Lead procurement and commercial structuring of major trade packages
• Administer variations, claims, and change control processes across all workstreams
• Ensure contractual compliance and proactively manage commercial risk
Procurement & Supply Chain
• Develop and implement procurement strategies aligned with client objectives
• Manage tendering processes, including evaluation and negotiation of contractor and supplier bids
• Oversee appointment of principal contractors, consultants, and key suppliers
• Ensure alignment between procurement, cost, and programme requirements
Risk & Value Management
• Identify, manage, and mitigate commercial and financial risks across the project
• Lead value engineering and cost-saving initiatives without compromising quality or programme
• Manage and resolve complex commercial issues, disputes, and claims
Stakeholder Coordination
• Act as the key commercial interface for the client with contractors, consultants, and external stakeholders
• Collaborate with project managers, planners, engineers, and legal teams to align commercial and delivery objectives
• Provide strategic commercial advice to senior client stakeholders
Reporting & Controls
• Prepare and present monthly cost reports, cash flow forecasts, and financial updates
• Track committed vs actual expenditure across all packages
• Ensure robust commercial governance, audit trails, and reporting processes are in place
• Maintain accurate records of contracts, changes, and commercial communications
Key Requirements
Experience
• 10+ years’ experience in commercial management within construction or major infrastructure projects
• Proven experience in a client-side or developer role
• Experience delivering large-scale or mission-critical projects such as data centres, industrial, or complex builds
Technical Knowledge
• Strong understanding of full project delivery (civils, structural, architectural, and MEP systems)
• Familiarity with standard forms of contract (NEC, JCT, FIDIC)
• In-depth knowledge of cost planning, procurement strategies, and financial controls
Skills
• Strong commercial acumen and high-level negotiation capability
• Excellent financial management and analytical skills
• Effective stakeholder management at senior level
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced, high-value project environment
Qualifications
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, or related field
• Professional membership (e.g., RICS or equivalent) highly desirable
Working Arrangements
Flights / Travel provided
Accommodation provided near project site
Competitive day rate / salary depending on experience
Opportunity to work on a high-profile data centre development