Lead Commercial Manager

Job Description

SP Energy Networks is delivering one of the largest and most critical infrastructure investment programmes in the UK. As we expand and modernise the transmission network to enable Net Zero, we're managing a multi‑billion‑pound portfolio of major projects that will shape the country's energy system for generations. This is an exciting time to join us - with significant growth, complex commercial challenges, and the opportunity to influence strategic decisions at the heart of our business.

What You'll Be Doing

As Lead Commercial Manager for our Strategic Projects workstream, you will head up a high‑performing commercial team and take responsibility for all commercial activity across a major portfolio of capital projects. You'll lead commercial strategy, protect SPT's commercial interests, and ensure strong financial, contractual, and risk management throughout the full project lifecycle.

You'll work closely with senior stakeholders, contractors, and project teams, acting as the main commercial point of contact and ensuring consistent, accurate reporting across the portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio & Financial Management

• Lead commercial performance across a £250m+ annual CAPEX portfolio.
• Manage forecasting, budgets, financial controls, and commercial reporting.
• Ensure projects meet contractual, commercial, and financial targets.
• Proactively manage risk, change, claims, and variations.

Leadership

• Lead and develop a high‑performing commercial team.
• Provide mentorship and commercial expertise to QS and project teams.
• Ensure appropriate resource planning and access to external expertise when needed.

Commercial Strategy & Governance

• Implement contracting strategies that maximise value and drive efficiency.
• Ensure compliance with commercial governance, procurement policy, and delegated authorities.
• Maintain commercial consistency, benchmarking, and market intelligence.

Risk & Contract Management

• Lead commercial risk management and mitigation strategies.
• Oversee tendering, dispute resolution, and continuous improvement.
• Ensure correct application of NEC4 and other contract forms.

Supplier & Stakeholder Management

• Lead negotiations and manage strategic supplier relationships.
• Ensure robust, value‑driven contract terms.
• Drive best practice and lessons learned across the project portfolio.

What You'll Bring

You will bring proven experience as a Commercial Manager within transmission, utilities, or major infrastructure projects, with Civils, Electrical, OHL or Cable experience considered highly beneficial. You'll have a strong track record of managing QS teams and delivering high‑value capital projects, supported by deep knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 and other major contract forms such as FIDIC and EPC. You'll be skilled in managing variations, claims, commercial reporting and financial governance, and proficient in key commercial systems including CEMAR, SAP S/4HANA, CESMM4 and Power BI.

Minimum Requirements

• Degree in Quantity Surveying or related discipline, or equivalent experience.
• Professional membership (MRICS or equivalent).
• NEC4 ECC Project Manager Accreditation (or similar).
• Strong working knowledge of H&S and environmental legislation (including CDM).
• Advanced Microsoft Excel and strong overall IT literacy.

What's in it for you

As well as a competitive salary which is reviewed annually, you can also enjoy several other benefits. With our pension scheme, we'll double match your contribution up to a company contribution of 10%.

At ScottishPower, we believe it's the little things we do in life that make a big difference. From helping you look after your family's wellbeing, save for your future and take personal steps for climate action - our benefits are designed to help you do just that - so that you have everything you need to take care of your world - today and tomorrow.

That's why our benefits include:

• 36 days annual leave
• Holiday purchase - perfect your work/life balance with extra annual leave
• Share Incentive Plan and Sharesave Scheme
• Payroll giving and charity matched funding
• Technology Vouchers - save more and spread the cost of your technology purposes
• Count us in - pledge to reduce carbon emissions and help fight climate change
• Electric Vehicle Schemes - to help you transition to green/clean driving
• Cycle to Work scheme and public transport season ticket loans
• Options to purchase dental insurance, private medical insurance, health cash plan and annual health assessments
• Life Assurance (4x salary)
• Access to Savesmart financial wellbeing support
• Plus shopping, leisure, restaurant and gym discounts, and unique employee deals on travel insurance and more

Why SP Energy Networks

SP Energy Networks is part of the Iberdrola Group, one of the world's largest integrated utility companies and a world leader in wind energy. We keep electricity flowing to homes and businesses through Central and Southern Scotland, North Wales and in the North West of England. We operate over 4000km of cables and lines that make-up the transmission network - connecting infrastructure like wind farms into the electricity system. It's a role that puts us right at the heart of Scotland's ambition to be Net Zero by 2044. And we're taking it very seriously. We're investing >£5.5 billion into our transmission network, directly supporting the rapid growth needed in renewable energy. With diverse opportunities across our businesses and a commitment to invest in our own internal talent, ScottishPower can offer people real career opportunities that meet personal and professional goals, in a global organisation.

Inclusion, diversity, and a social purpose are at the heart of everything we do. Together with our values, they bring us together into a stronger, more sustainable business with direct links to the communities we serve. It takes all kinds of people to build a large-scale business like ours, so whatever your background, you'll fit right in.

We are committed to providing reasonable support or adjustments in our recruiting processes for candidates with disabilities, long term conditions, mental health conditions, or who are neurodivergent or require pregnancy-related support. If you need support, please reach out to [email protected].

Mobility

Please note that any applicant who is not a citizen of the country of the vacancy will be subject to compliance with the applicable immigration requirements to legally work in that country. If/when required, the Company will support the employee with the necessary Immigration requirements.