Head of Commercial - Specialist Business
Locations: North West, UK / Central London

About the Role

Murphy is seeking an experienced Head of Commercial to provide strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of projects in the construction and infrastructure sector. Reporting to the Business Unit Managing Director, this role will be pivotal in driving commercial governance, ensuring disciplined processes, and supporting the delivery of sustainable growth.

As the commercial leader, you will shape strategy, oversee contract negotiations, and ensure robust financial and commercial reporting across multiple workstreams. This is a senior leadership position, offering the opportunity to influence business direction and mentor a high-performing commercial team.

Key Responsibilities

•    Lead commercial governance across work winning, project delivery, and portfolio performance.
•    Act as deputy to the Managing Director on commercial matters.
•    Negotiate upstream and downstream contracts, ensuring optimal risk allocation.
•    Oversee project reporting cycles, validating forecasts and ensuring accurate revenue recognition.
•    Support efficient project delivery, identifying risks and driving dispute avoidance strategies.
•    Lead commercial input into tenders, ensuring robust contract reviews and risk assessments.
•    Drive cash collection performance and enforce disciplined invoicing and certification processes.
•    Provide commercial insight to support strategic planning and business growth.
•    Act as subject matter expert on contractual and commercial issues.

Essential Experience & Skills

•    Senior commercial leadership within UK construction or infrastructure.
•    Strong knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts.
•    Proven track record managing portfolios or business units.
•    Experience leading multidisciplinary commercial teams (30+ people).
•    Expertise in contract negotiation, change control, procurement, and dispute resolution.
•    Ability to consolidate project performance into management accounts.

Leadership & Behavioural Attributes

•    Comfortable operating at executive level with agility across diverse portfolios.
•    Engaging, credible, and inspirational leadership style.
•    Strong relationship builder across clients, supply chain, and internal teams.
•    Clear, authoritative communicator with evidence-led decision-making.
•    Diplomatic approach to dispute resolution while maintaining positive relationships.
•    Hands-on leader, able to balance strategic oversight with detailed involvement.

Desirable Experience

•    Experience at business unit or workstream leadership level.
•    Background in Power, Civils, or related sectors.
•    Chartered MRICS or FRICS status.
•    Experience scaling up from SME environments.
•    Knowledge of both main contractor and subcontractor delivery models.