Commercial Lead

Rhys Consulting Ltd

Commercial Lead Infrastructure Projects

Location: London (Group Head Office)
Sector: Infrastructure, Electrification, Capital Projects
Salary: Competitive + Benefits

My client is seeking a commercially astute and strategically minded professional to lead the commercial function within their infrastructure team. This is a high-profile role with significant responsibility across capital build, electrification, and minor works projects. It offers a rare opportunity for an experienced commercial manager to step into a leadership role with broad scope and visibility.

Role Overview

As Commercial Lead, you will be responsible for shaping and managing the financial and commercial integrity of infrastructure delivery. You ll work closely with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure projects are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest standards of value and accountability.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and present robust business cases for infrastructure projects, including depot electrification, capital builds, and threshold-level small works
• Own the relationship with the customer tendering team, aligning infrastructure delivery with strategic route wins
• Manage the minor works budget (circa £6m), ensuring rigorous sign-off and value-for-money validation
• Lead audit and reconciliation of monthly Facilities Management invoicing
• Oversee change control processes, ensuring contractual compliance and cost justification
• Champion the standardised infrastructure delivery approach, interfacing effectively with property and project teams
• Lead the PMO function, ensuring accurate reporting of cost, time, and performance metrics
• Drive consistency in project management tools and ensure appropriate training across teams
• Monitor and report on risk, budget control, and cost tracking against approved business cases

Key Outcomes

• Timely electrification of depots aligned with operational needs and strategic planning
• Demonstrable cost control and commercial rigour across all infrastructure activity
• A professional, high-functioning PMO capability supporting infrastructure delivery

Leadership & Financial Scope

• Line management of one Quantity Surveyor
• Full budget ownership and cost control responsibility

Candidate Profile

• Degree-qualified, ideally with RICS or equivalent chartered status
• Minimum 10 years experience in infrastructure commercial management
• Strong background in contract claims, payment applications, and financial governance
• Confident communicator with the ability to influence across technical and operational teams
• Comfortable operating in a fast-paced, delivery-focused environment

Why This Role

This is a strategic opportunity for a senior commercial professional ready to take the lead in a complex infrastructure environment. Whether you’re stepping up or making a lateral move into a broader leadership role, you’ll find challenge, autonomy, and the chance to make a tangible impact across high-value projects.