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.