Commercial Director (Client-Side)

The Opportunity

Our client is a leading, dynamic, and award-winning property developer and construction business, based in Manchester City Centre, whose developments span across the Northwest, from City centres to suburbs, and up and coming areas. This is a pivotal board-level role, working closely with the Managing Director to lead the commercial function and ensure projects are delivered to agreed targets on cost, quality, programme, and risk.

This opportunity would suit a commercially astute leader with a strong background in construction or residential development, who thrives in a fast-paced environment and enjoys shaping teams, systems, and strategy.

As Commercial Director, you will have full responsibility for the commercial performance of projects from land acquisition and feasibility through to completion and final adoption. You will lead and develop a multi-disciplinary commercial team, ensuring robust cost control, accurate forecasting, effective procurement, and strong governance throughout the project lifecycle.

The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on leadership and will play a key role in the long-term success and profitability of the business.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Commercial Leadership & Strategy

• Lead the commercial function including Quantity Surveying, Estimating, Procurement, and Buying
• Work closely with the Managing Director to support site development and strategic decision-making
• Ensure projects achieve commercial targets while maintaining quality and customer satisfaction
• Promote best practice, continuous improvement, and strong commercial governance

Cost Control, Budgets & Viability

• Take full responsibility for accurate build cost assessments for land acquisition and live developments
• Prepare, review, and control development budgets across all project stages
• Manage cost overruns within agreed tolerance levels
• Deliver detailed viability and feasibility appraisals to support land and development decisions
• Oversee systems for monitoring cost and cash flow against budget

Team Leadership & Governance

• Build, lead, and motivate a high-performing commercial team
• Ensure the department is well-resourced, clearly directed, and supported through training and development
• Set clear expectations, manage workloads, and promote accountability
• Provide structured reporting to the Managing Director, Finance Director, and Board

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure Health, Safety, and Environmental standards are embedded across all sites
• Ensure compliance with contract-stage H&S and Environmental Planning documentation
• Promote a proactive, no-blame culture focused on learning and improvement

About You

• Proven experience in a similar Commercial Director or senior commercial leadership role
• Board-level or senior leadership experience within construction or development
• Highly numerate with strong analytical and financial modelling capability
• Strong understanding of cost control, procurement, budgeting, and cash flow management
• Working knowledge of commercial and project management software systems
• Understand technical, engineering, and architectural functions commercial impact
• Confident, decisive, and resilient under pressure
• Commercially driven, values-led, and results-focused
• A motivational leader with a passion for coaching and developing teams
• Innovative thinker and practical problem-solver
• Strong communicator who can influence at all levels
• Acts in the best interests of the business as a whole
• Takes ownership and accountability for results
• Communicates clearly, concisely, and constructively
• Leads with integrity, honesty, and professionalism
• Promotes collaboration, engagement, and shared learning
• Embraces a no-blame culture focused on solutions and improvement

What’s on Offer

• Competitive executive salary
• Performance-related bonus scheme
• Private medical cover
• Contributory company pension scheme
• 25 days holiday
• A genuine opportunity to shape strategy, people, and performance within a growing business

For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact

Andrew Kingsley MRICS:
📞 07879 413 765
✉️ andrew@kingsleyrecruitment.co.uk
🌐www.kingsleyrecruitment.co.uk