Commercial Director, Kettering

Salary: £100-120k DOE + Car/Allowance/Bonus and Package

Location: Kettering, Northamptonshire

Infrastructure Gateway Ltd (IGL) is entering a period of significant expansion, and we’re looking for a talented Commercial Director to lead our commercial strategy, drive innovation, and elevate our delivery capability as we scale.

This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for embedding robust governance, improving visibility of project performance, and building scalable commercial processes that support long‑term, sustainable growth.

If you are a commercially sharp, hands‑on leader who thrives in a growing SME environment and can bring structure, discipline and strategic insight, this role offers the opportunity to make a significant impact.

The Commercial Director will take ownership of Infrastructure Gateway Ltd (IGL) commercial operations, ensuring strong governance, accurate forecasting, improved margin visibility and a high‑performing commercial team. You will lead the development of scalable processes, enhance supply chain control, and ensure commercial excellence.

• Lead, mentor and develop the QS and commercial team
• Embed clear standards, structured processes and a culture of accountability
• Support the Board in building a scalable, professional commercial function
• Implement strong processes across bidding, procurement, cost control and forecasting
• Oversee contract compliance (NEC/JCT/ICE) and manage negotiations
• Drive effective risk management and continuous improvement
• Ensure real‑time visibility of project margins and cost performance
• Lead monthly CVRs, forecasting and commercial reviews
• Strengthen commercial awareness across Operations
• Manage key suppliers and subcontractors, negotiating rates and KPIs
• Oversee valuations, payments and commercial controls
• Drive training, usage discipline and ongoing system improvement
• Ensure accurate commercial data in monthly accounts
• Lead budgeting and forecasting cycles
• Present performance, risks and opportunities to the Board
• Support strategic growth and new market opportunities
• Provide commercial oversight for major bids and tenders

• Strong commercial background within utilities, civil engineering or infrastructure
• Proven leadership of QS/commercial teams
• Experience implementing or owning a major ERP/commercial system (COINS advantageous)
• Understanding of NERS, GIRS, WIRS and multi‑utility regulatory environments
• Deep experience in subcontractor frameworks, rate negotiations and cost control
• Strong contractual knowledge (NEC, JCT, ICE)
• Ability to drive cultural change and embed new ways of working
• Board‑level communication and stakeholder management
• High numerical, analytical and organisational capability
• Ability to work at pace and manage multiple priorities
• Experience supporting business transformation
• Track record improving WIP, profitability and forecasting accuracy
• Experience scaling commercial operations in a growing SME contractor

• Performance bonus
• Pension
• Private medical insurance
• The opportunity to build and modernise a commercial function from the ground up
• Significant opportunities for career progression within a wider Group
• The chance to make a significant impact in a business entering its next phase of growth