We are seeking an experienced and strategic Business Unit Director - Projects and Commercial to join our organisation in Leeds. In this pivotal leadership role, you will oversee the strategic direction, operational excellence, and commercial performance of our projects and commercial division. The successful candidate will drive business growth, lead high-performing teams, and deliver exceptional results whilst maintaining the highest standards of professionalism and integrity.
- Provide strategic leadership and vision for the projects and commercial business unit, setting clear objectives and ensuring alignment with organisational goals.
- Manage full P&L accountability, including revenue generation, cost control, and profitability targets.
- Lead, develop, and inspire a diverse team of professionals, fostering a culture of excellence, accountability, and continuous improvement.
- Develop and execute commercial strategies to enhance market position, identify new opportunities, and drive sustainable business growth.
- Oversee project delivery, ensuring adherence to timelines, budgets, and quality standards whilst managing stakeholder expectations.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with key clients, partners, and internal stakeholders across all levels.
- Identify and mitigate risks, ensuring compliance with organisational policies, regulatory requirements, and industry best practices.
- Monitor performance metrics and KPIs, implementing data-driven improvements and optimising operational efficiency.
- Collaborate with cross-functional teams to support broader organisational objectives and drive integrated solutions.
- Champion innovation and change management initiatives to enhance competitiveness and operational effectiveness.
- Minimum 10+ years of progressive experience in senior leadership or director-level positions within projects and/or commercial environments.
- Proven track record of P&L management, financial planning, and delivering measurable business results.
- Demonstrated expertise in strategic planning, business development, and commercial strategy execution.
- Strong people management and team leadership skills with the ability to motivate and develop high-performing teams.
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities across diverse audiences.
- •Advanced project management experience with knowledge of recognised methodologies (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent)
- Strong commercial acumen with experience in negotiation, contract management, and commercial decision-making.
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to make decisive, data-informed decisions.
- Excellent communication and presentation skills, both written and verbal.
- Proven ability to work effectively in matrix or complex organisational structures.
Desirable:
- Experience in change management and organisational transformation initiatives.
- Industry-specific experience relevant to the sector.
- Desirable: Experience managing geographically dispersed or remote teams.
What we would like to offer you:
- Competitive salary + discretionary bonus.
- Company pension.
- 25 days annual leave + Bank holidays + option to purchase additional leave.
- Salary Sacrifice Pension scheme.
- Company mobile phone and laptop provided.
- Training and career progression opportunities.
- Professional Membership fees paid.
- Life Assurance Scheme 4 x annual salary.
- Employee Assistance Programme (with access to GP appointments, Physio appointments and Mental Health Support).
- Medicash cash plan (Money back on everyday healthcare costs such as dental, glasses, contact lenses).
- Refer a friend scheme.
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption pay and leave.
Adler and Allan are committed to fostering diversity and inclusion in our workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunities for all applicants, regardless of race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. If you require any support with your application, whatever the circumstance, please let us know.
Skills Required
- 10+ years progressive senior leadership or director-level experience in projects and/or commercial environments
- Proven P&L management, financial planning, and delivering measurable business results
- Experience in strategic planning, business development, and commercial strategy execution
- Strong people management and team leadership skills
- Excellent stakeholder management and relationship-building capabilities
- Advanced project management experience with knowledge of recognised methodologies (PMP, PRINCE2, or equivalent)
- Commercial acumen including negotiation, contract management, and commercial decision-making
- Exceptional analytical and problem-solving skills and data-informed decision making
- Excellent written and verbal communication and presentation skills
- Proven ability to work effectively in matrix or complex organisational structures
- Experience in change management and organisational transformation initiatives
- Industry-specific experience relevant to the sector
- Experience managing geographically dispersed or remote teams
What We Do
Adler & Allan is a leading UK-based environmental risk reduction specialist headquartered in Harrogate. It supports organizations in managing and upgrading critical infrastructure across the asset lifecycle through three core divisions: Environmental Services, Energy Services, and Water Services. Providing turnkey solutions to the utilities sector, the company offers strategic infrastructure advice, monitoring, and environmental consultancy to help organizations reduce risk and prepare for a Net-Zero future.
