Commercial Director - Defence & Security

Arcadis is the world's leading company delivering sustainable design, engineering, and consultancy solutions for natural and built assets. We are more than 36,000 people, in over 70 countries, dedicated to improving quality of life.

Role description: Lead the cost and commercial management service across complex Defence sector developments (e.g., bases, infrastructure, security facilities). This is a significant managerial position with responsibility for strategic leadership, technical oversight, and commercial delivery in alignment with business and client objectives.

Role accountabilities:

Strategic Leadership

• Direct all cost and commercial management activities across major Defence projects, ensuring alignment with business plans and defence sector requirements.
• Develop and implement best practice processes to support successful project delivery and commercial outcomes.

Technical & Commercial Oversight

• Provide expert guidance in cost planning, procurement, contract administration, risk management, value engineering, and financial reporting.
• Oversee the preparation and negotiation of contracts, claims, and change management in accordance with Defence sector protocols and regulations.

Team Leadership

• Lead, mentor, and grow a multidisciplinary team, fostering collaboration, technical excellence, and a high-performance culture.
• Coach and upskill team members in Defence sector standards, security protocols, and digital tools.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with Defence clients, consultants, contractors, and supply chain partners.
• Represent the organisation in high-level meetings with client stakeholders, government bodies, and industry partners.

Risk & Compliance

• Identify, assess, and manage commercial risks unique to Defence projects, ensuring robust mitigation strategies are in place.
• Ensure compliance with Defence security, confidentiality requirements, and relevant statutory/regulatory frameworks.

Continuous Improvement

• Drive innovation and adoption of digital solutions in cost/commercial management to improve efficiency and reporting.
• Promote lessons learned and continuous improvement across the Defence portfolio.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Engineering, or a related field; MRICS or equivalent preferred.
• Experience: Significant managerial experience in cost and commercial management for large-scale Defence or secure infrastructure projects.
• Technical Skills: In-depth knowledge of Defence sector procurement, NEC/JCT/other relevant contracts, security protocols, and government regulations.
• Leadership: Proven ability to lead and develop high-performing teams in complex, secure environments.
• Communication: Excellent stakeholder management, negotiation, and presentation skills.
• Clearance: Eligibility for Defence sector security clearance (or existing clearance preferred).

At Arcadis, we empower our people to bring their best selves to work and make a meaningful impact. We believe in equality, diversity, and inclusion, and we're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected.

Our Commitment to Equality, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging: We want you to be able to bring your best self to work every day, which is why we take equality and inclusion seriously and hold ourselves to account for our actions. Our ambition is to be an employer of choice and provide a great place to work for all our people.