Commercial Lead

• A degree or equivalent in quantity surveying, real estate, law, finance, construction or a related discipline, or substantial relevant experience.
• A proven record of senior commercial responsibility for complex development projects, with direct accountability for viability, negotiated terms, risk and financial outcomes.
• Proven experience negotiating development, joint venture, land and funding agreements, instructing legal advisers and managing transactions through to legal completion.
• Strong development appraisal, financial modelling and cash flow skills, able to challenge assumptions, assess downside exposure and explain investment returns.
• An established, active network of funders, advisers and intermediaries, with a proven record of using it to source and progress development funding.
• Experience owning internal commercial reporting - monthly performance packs and board papers - reconciling forecasts with Finance and presenting clear recommendations.
• Experience of public sector customers or development partnerships, and strong contractual judgement, negotiation and leadership skills.
• Advanced Excel skills and confidence using development appraisal and commercial reporting systems.

Desirable Criteria

• Chartered membership of RICS, CIOB, a recognised accountancy body, or a relevant legal qualification.
• Experience of regeneration programmes, mixed tenure residential, student accommodation or public private partnerships.
• Experience of joint ventures, investment structures, institutional funding, public grant and development management fee businesses.
• Experience working within a developer and contractor group, building commercial capability across a growing national business.

We're looking for an experienced Commercial Lead to join our Development Solutions team and play a key role in shaping, funding and delivering successful development projects.

Working closely with development teams and senior stakeholders, you will provide strategic commercial leadership while maintaining hands-on involvement in project appraisals, contract reviews and negotiations. You will utilise your established network of funders, advisers and intermediaries to support project funding and delivery, while acting as the key interface with legal advisers and external solicitors.

A key aspect of the role will be overseeing the quality, consistency and timeliness of commercial reporting, ensuring leadership teams and internal boards have clear visibility of performance, forecasts, legal risks and key decisions. You will collaborate closely with Finance, Construction and regional teams to support effective decision-making and successful project outcomes.

This is a national role so we are flexible about where you live in the UK but you will be expected to undertake national travel regularly to attend both internal and customer meetings as well as working in some of our regional offices. Willmott Dixon do support hybrid working so you will also be able to work from home some of your working week.

• Converting priority opportunities into approved, contracted and funded projects, with legal documentation completed to programme and material risks resolved or explicitly approved.
• Delivering agreed targets for development fees, profit, cash collection and returns, with transparent reporting against the approved business plan.
• Using an active funding network to generate credible options and help secure project funding on approved terms and timescales.
• Delivering accurate monthly commercial reports, board updates and approval papers to deadline, reconciled to Finance with clear explanations of variances and risks.
• Keeping expenditure, capital commitments, guarantees and contingent liabilities within approved limits, escalating material changes promptly.
• Securing timely approvals, controlling legal costs and resolving overdue fees, disputed sums and final accounts promptly.
• Maintaining effective contract and reporting controls and developing colleagues' capability, giving leadership and early visibility of emerging issues.

Essential Criteria

• Commercial judgement, integrity and the confidence to challenge.
• A practical, collaborative approach to creating value and managing risk.
• Clear written reporting, attention to detail, discretion and personal accountability.
• Commitment to customer outcomes, safety, quality, sustainability and lasting community benefit.
• Excellent communication skills.