Director - SME

Job Advert

Job Title:
 

Director – Commercial & Legal

Salary:
Circa £150k + Executive Package – Depending on experience.

Location:
North West England
(On-site role)

About the Role

An industry renowned engineering group are looking to appoint a Commercial Director as part of their growth plans.

This senior role is hands-on and high-impact. A leading member of the mergers & acquisitions integration team and day-to-day commercial and legal lead.

You'll shape commercial outcomes across newly-established subsidiaries, company acquisitions, million-pound-plus project installations and services agreements, while owning contractual and legal risk from bid through to completion as well as playing a huge part in shaping the business through growth plan.

This role will also play a big part in the growth strategy of the business, involving both internal business improvements as well as strategic acquisitions.

Key Responsibilities

This role involves leading legal and contractual negotiations and leading risk across engineering projects, helping in the acquisition and integration of new companies into the group, and creating new subsidiaries that compliment the existing operation. It includes full commercial oversight—from defining processes and protecting margins to guiding pricing and cost tracking—while ensuring risks are identified early and mitigated effectively.

The role also oversees the health and safety manager and compliance, manages internal recruitment and HR in partnership with advisors, and drives business improvement initiatives by supporting the MD, FD, Sales Director and Head of Operations when launching new ventures.

Legal & Contracts

• Lead contract negotiations with clients and suppliers
• Draft and review bespoke agreements and standard terms
• Own legal risk across engineering installations
• Build strong exit strategies into project agreements

Commercial Oversight

• Define commercial processes from quote to completion
• Protect margins through smart structuring and cost control
• Guide pricing strategies and track costs dynamically
• Build commercial sign-off tools for lifecycle changes

Business Acquisitions & Integration

• Support the identification and evaluation of potential acquisition targets
• Lead or co-lead due diligence processes with legal and commercial input
• Develop and execute integration strategies to align systems, teams, and operations
• Ensure cultural fit and contractual alignment of acquired entities with group standards
• Report on post-acquisition performance and risk mitigation

Project Risk

• Identify and mitigate operational risk pre- and post-sale
• Support teams with practical, contractual protection
• Flag early risks in tender docs and client communication

Health & Safety

• Lead internal H&S strategy (supported by H&S Manager)
• Own external representation and ensure compliance

HR & Culture

• Partner with external HR advisors on ER, hiring, and compliance
• Own internal recruitment across engineering and commercial functions

Business Improvement

• Act as internal advisor to MD and functional heads
• Support the launch of group ideas and new ventures
• Implement systems that enable scale and reduce exposure

What You’ll Need

We're looking for a candidate with a strong commercial background in engineering and a solid grasp of contractual language. You’ll need experience managing risk in modular installations and a proven track record of leading contracts from bid through to installation. Credibility with senior clients and technical teams is essential, as is a hands-on approach and willingness to get into the detail. A process-oriented mindset is key—someone who can design and implement systems that drive profit and operational efficiency.

***Bonus if you have an understanding of mechanical build environments.***

What’s in it for you?

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a forward-thinking business who value growth and improvement, allowing you to make a significant positive impact on where they go. This role could see future promotion opportunities too.

Benefits & Package

Highly competitive base salary, Executive benefits (final package to be confirmed), Leadership role with long-term strategic influence, Autonomy to build commercial capability from the ground up.

Application Process

Once you have applied I will arrange an initial pre-screening call and if relevant will share your CV with the MD/FD.

Initial interviews with the Managing Director and Finance Director will be held onsite. Second stage may include meeting with wider functional leads.

This is confidential appointment so full business details will not be shared until an interview has been requested.