Head of Commercial and Project Delivery

The Ivy, Ashford

Head of Commercial and Project Delivery

Salary not available. View on company website.

The Ivy, Ashford

  • Full time
  • Permanent
  • Onsite working

Posted today, 24 Apr | Get your application in now to be one of the first to apply.

Closing date: Closing date not specified

Job ref: f4a00bae746548b2ab2c96ea4d1a3d50

Location ref: Ashford

Full Job Description

  • Lead and develop the operational project delivery team to deliver against agreed revenue and profit margin objectives, not simply manage project activity.
  • Hold Project Managers accountable for previously stated forecasts, delivery commitments, and commercial assumptions, as well as future projections.
  • Set clear expectations for project progress, risk identification, and resolution, intervening directly where commitments are missed or risks are not actively mitigated.
  • Drive backlog conversion with clear ownership, ensuring projects move from order intake to invoicing in line with commercial expectations.
  • Ensure revenue forecasting is evidence-based, challenged where necessary, and owned by the Project Manager, not passively reported.
  • Champion process and system improvements that directly enhance predictability, productivity, and profitability.
  • Chair regular operations meetings with a clear focus on delivery against commitment, margin performance, forecast accuracy, and corrective actions, not status reporting.
  • Own the commercial governance framework for all projects, setting standards and ensuring consistent compliance.
  • Ensure contractual reviews, negotiations, applications for payment, variation management, and final account settlements are carried out effectively and at the correct time.
  • Oversee credit checks and cashflow management, ensuring exposure is actively managed and commercial risks are identified early.
  • Own gross margin performance across all projects, ensuring margin erosion is identified early and corrective action is taken.
  • Challenge Project Managers and commercial inputs where costs, scope, programme, or assumptions deviate from agreed positions.
  • Lead margin recovery actions, including variation strategy, re-programming, cost control, or commercial negotiation, escalating complex matters where required.
  • Maintain ownership of commercial reporting and system integrity (including SIMPRO workflows), ensuring data reflects delivery reality rather than optimism.
  • Provide strategic oversight of all site activities, ensuring full compliance with Health & Safety regulations and company policy.
  • Set and enforce standards for risk identification, assessment, and mitigation on project sites.
  • Ensure project teams implement robust H&S practices and operate within agreed risk controls.
  • Oversee the reporting, investigation, and resolution of site-based risks, incidents, and near-misses.
  • Liaise with internal H&S specialists and external bodies where required to ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Promote a culture of safety, accountability, and proactive risk management across project delivery.

    Proven experience leading and developing Project Managers, with a strong track record of driving team performance, accountability, and delivery against commercial outcomes rather than personally managing projects.
  • Demonstrable ownership of revenue delivery and gross margin performance, with the ability to forecast, challenge assumptions, and take corrective action to protect financial outcomes.
  • Strong commercial acumen within a construction or project-based environment, including a solid understanding of contracts, variations, cost control, and revenue recognition principles.
  • Experience operating at a strategic leadership level, setting frameworks, governance, and standards for project delivery while intervening effectively when performance, risk, or financial commitments are off track.
  • Ability to bridge commercial and operational functions, ensuring alignment between what is sold, contracted, and ultimately delivered, with a focus on cashflow, risk mitigation, and profitable execution.

Direct job link

https://www.jobs24.co.uk/job/head-of-commercial-project-delivery-126737108