Job Title: Commercial Director (Freelance - Inside IR35)
Location: Essex, United Kingdom
Sector: Infrastructure / Highways / Civil Engineering
Project Type: Major Highways & Earthworks Programme
Contract Duration: Immediate start - December 2026

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Director on a freelance (Inside IR35) basis to lead all commercial aspects of a major highways and earthworks project based in Essex. This is a high-profile, large-scale infrastructure programme requiring a commercially astute leader with a strong track record in Tier 1 environments.
The successful candidate will take full responsibility for the commercial performance of the project, ensuring effective cost control, contract management, and risk mitigation while safeguarding the commercial position of the business.

Key Responsibilities

Lead and manage the commercial function across the full project lifecycle through to completion in 2026.

Develop and execute commercial strategies aligned with project and client objectives.

Provide leadership and direction to the commercial team, including Commercial Managers and Quantity Surveyors.

Oversee project cost management, forecasting, and financial reporting.

Administer and manage NEC contracts (NEC3/NEC4), ensuring compliance and proactive issue resolution.

Lead commercial negotiations with clients, subcontractors, and key stakeholders.

Identify, assess, and manage commercial risks and opportunities.

Implement and oversee change control and variation management processes.

Drive procurement strategy and subcontract management across the project.

Work collaboratively with operational and delivery teams to ensure commercial alignment.

Prepare and present detailed commercial reports to senior stakeholders.

Manage claims, disputes, and final accounts as required.

Key Requirements

Proven experience operating as a Commercial Director or in a senior commercial leadership role on major infrastructure projects.

Strong Tier 1 contractor background is essential.

Demonstrable experience delivering large-scale highways and/or earthworks schemes.

Extensive knowledge of NEC contracts (NEC3/NEC4).

Experience managing high-value projects (£100m+).

Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Excellent commercial and financial acumen.

Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or similar (or equivalent experience).

Professional membership (RICS, CIOB, or equivalent) desirable.

Contract Details

Freelance position (Inside IR35)

Competitive day rate (dependent on experience)

Project-based role through to end of 2026

Based in Essex with site presence required