Lead Commercial Representative 

Employment Type
Full Time

Project Location
Finland (Kouvola & Helsinki)

Role Description:

We are seeking a Lead Commercial Manager (Owner Representative) to oversee the commercial and cost management function on a hyperscale €500 million, 50MW+ Data Centre project. Operating under the Project Director, this is a senior client-facing leadership role, providing commercial assurance, risk management, and cost oversight across all project stages.

You will work closely with the client’s commercial representative and lead the delivery of robust commercial governance, while protecting the financial and contractual interests of both the client and GagaMuller. This position offers significant exposure to strategic project delivery, responsibility for mentoring staff, and the opportunity to shape commercial best practices within one of the fastest growing sectors of construction.

Responsibilities:

1. Scope & Delivery Management 

• Ensure a process is in place for regular reporting and daily/weekly commercial/QS/purchasing functions in line with project and business needs.
• Lead commercial management of the General Contractor and vendors from inception through to final account, including estimates, contract sums, payment applications, change orders, disputes, and close-out.
• Oversee feasibility appraisals, consultant procurement, contractor procurement, due diligence, an delivery programme alignment.
• Responsible for controlling costs on all projects and ensuring budgets are achieved, with accurate forecasting and contingency tracking.
• Develop business cases, including development appraisals, cost plans, lifecycle analyses, and other functions with the development team.
• Support procurement strategy, including tender documentation, PQQs, supplier selection, negotiation of contracts, and risk allocation.
• Ensure compliance with cost control procedures, contract programme/schedule, and commercial governance standards.

2. Stakeholder Coordination 

• Manage the client relationship from a commercial perspective, ensuring final accounts are agreed while retaining strong business partnerships.
• Act as the senior commercial liaison point between client, contractor, design team, and consultants, providing proactive commercial input into project decisions.
• Provide full support to both construction and development teams on commercial issues.
• Engage with the Project Director to align business goals, project outcomes, and protect the commercial interests of the client and GagaMuller.

3. Risk & Compliance Management 

• Develop and maintain project risk registers with cost-related risks and mitigation strategies.
• Vet all main contracts, negotiating commercial risks with prospective clients and supply chain.
• Provide commercial assurance of project margin performance through accurate forecasting, cash flow management, and identification of risks.
• Ensure Construction Team is adhering to all contractual requirements, providing advice and monitoring compliance.
• Provide preliminary advice on contractor claims, extensions of time, and loss/expense, liaising with legal advisors as needed.

4. Reporting & Documentation 

• Prepare progress applications, cost reports, and monthly management accounts for each project.
• Produce accurate, timely commercial reports, covering programme, cost, risk, and margin performance.
• Report directly to and support the Department Lead and Project Director on commercial issues, financial performance, and risk exposure.
• Provide data and analysis of issues and risks as required by management.
• Ensure accurate records of all commercial communications, contracts, and approvals.

5. Collaboration & Integration 

• Work across all functional areas (construction, development, cost, schedule, and project management) to provide integrated commercial oversight.
• Collaborate with Project Management and Schedule Management teams to ensure commercial alignment with programme delivery.
• Coach, mentor, and train junior commercial staff to build long-term capability within the team.
• Facilitate lessons learned sessions to capture commercial and contractual insights for future projects.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 12 years’ experience in commercial management, ideally within the data centre or large-scale infrastructure sector.
• Professional qualification in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management, or related discipline.
• Chartered Member of the RICS or equivalent preferred.
• Proven track record of leading cost and commercial management on high-value projects.

In Country Requirements

On-Site Requirement: Where possible candidates should be on-site full-time; however, where not possible, they are required to be on site 3 days a week. When required, candidates will be required to attend client meetings in Helsinki.

What Experience We Are Looking For 

• Extensive knowledge of commercial management processes across all RIBA stages.
• Demonstrable experience negotiating, managing, and closing out major contracts.
• Strong leadership and mentoring skills, with experience managing and developing commercial teams.
• Ability to deliver accurate cost assurance, financial reporting, and commercial governance under tight deadlines.
• Strong stakeholder management skills with the ability to lead client-facing commercial engagements at senior level.

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