Commercial Director – Design & Build in Water and Environment
New Today
Overview
At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.
Jacobs is shaping the future across the water sector. During a time of unprecedented investment, with numerous multi-year frameworks and major project contracts secured across the UK, Ireland, and globally, our Water team is expanding.
We have an immediate opportunity for a Commercial Director, primarily supporting our major design and build capability across the UK and Ireland. This role will include working directly with contractors. This is a high-impact leadership role where you will develop relationships, help develop the business and ensure commercial excellence across the full project lifecycle.
Reporting to the Head of Design and Build for Water and Environment, you will initially develop and then lead a commercial and contractual team capable of delivering our project and programme objectives. You will be part of our UK and Ireland Water and Environment team of nearly 2,500 professionals, and be part of a global network, working collaboratively to deliver transformative solutions and resolve issues on high-profile projects. The location is flexible, with an expectation of at least 3 days in a Jacobs or Client office and the ability to travel regularly across the UK and Ireland.
Your Impact
Proven track record and understanding of market trends and norms regarding contractual requirements for Design and Build contracts.
Lead on all contractual and commercial matters associated with our most complex and important bid opportunities.
Undertake contractual and commercial negotiations with our strategic clients.
Commercially lead during the delivery phase on our key programmes and strategic projects within Water and Environment.
Develop, mentor and lead a team of commercial and contractual experts.
Provide commercial advice, support and assurance at all stages of the contract lifecycle.
Lead on any dispute resolution or claims.
Key Responsibilities and Areas of Expertise
Commercial / Contractual Management in a water/wastewater setting, ideally in Design and Build
Commercial / Contractual Leadership & Mentoring
Collaborative Planning & Delivery Strategy design and implementation
Risk & Change Management strategy and implementation
Provision of financial & commercial oversight to support wider project and programme team
Here’s what you’ll need
Ideally have chartership in a recognised professional body, such as ICE, RICS or MCIOB, and have 15+ years’ experience, preferably in the Water sector.
Proven leadership in commercial management of large-scale infrastructure projects and programmes, ideally in a Design and Build environment.
Expertise in multidisciplinary engineering and construction integration.
Contractual expertise, including in NEC3/4 as a minimum
Ability to operate autonomously across a wide range of complex projects with authority.
Be a great communicator able to explain complex commercial issues to multiple stakeholders with differing backgrounds and expertise.
CLOSING DATE 10TH APRIL 2026
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- Location:
- Exeter
- Job Type:
- FullTime