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Three engineers wearing formal clothing and safety helmets discussing a construction project indoors, with one holding a laptop.

Role overview

Job Title

Head of Commercial

Purpose Of The Role

The Head of Commercial leads the commercial function of the organisation, ensuring projects are delivered profitably, contractual risks are managed, and commercial strategies align with business objectives and evolving industry practices.

Role In MMC

The Head of Commercial is critical in embedding MMC into contractual, financial, and procurement strategies. They ensure that modern building technologies (e.g., off-site manufacturing, modular construction, digital planning) are commercially viable, appropriately priced, and contractually secure. They also guide commercial innovation to support lean, sustainable, and cost-efficient delivery models.

Knowledge & Skills

Modern Methods of Construction is continuously expanding; with many transferable skillsets.

Fundamental Skills

Basic essential skills

  • Strategic Thinking
  • Procurement Expertise
  • Commercial Awareness
  • Leadership

Additional MMC Skills

Specialised MMC skills

  • Commercial Awareness
  • Lean Construction
  • Digital & Technology
  • Sustainable Construction

Universal Skills

Transferable or soft skills

  • Leadership
  • Negotiation
  • Risk Management
  • Communication & Collaboration

Suggested Entry Routes

Education

  • NFQ Level 8–9 in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Economics, or Construction Law.
  • Postgraduate qualifications in Project Management, Finance, or Business Administration are advantageous.

Experience

  • 10–15 years in commercial, quantity surveying, or construction finance roles.
  • Prior experience in senior commercial or project leadership, ideally within both traditional and MMC environments.

Training & Certifications

  • Chartered Membership (MRICS, SCSI, CIOB).
  • CPD in Contract Law, Dispute Resolution, and MMC Delivery Models.
  • ISO 9001 and Lean Construction Awareness.
  • BIM and Digital Commercial Tools Training (CitA, Skillnet, or other accredited bodies).

I'm interested in career pathways for...

Senior Professional

Head of Commercial

The Head of Commercial leads the commercial function of the organisation, ensuring projects are delivered profitably, contractual risks are managed, and commercial strategies align with business objectives and evolving industry practices.

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