Project Costing Commercial Lead

CEL Critical Power is a global provider of mission-critical power solutions operating at the centre of the AI, hyperscale data centre and critical infrastructure ecosystem. Demand for CEL’s products is strong and accelerating. The challenge is not sales demand, it is executing growth at pace without compromising delivery certainty, production discipline or customer trust. Operating from its Irish base, CEL continues to scale its production capability in parallel with its US expansion, with similar ambitions to significantly increase output over the coming years. Ireland remains central to CEL’s global operating model and will continue to play a critical role in delivering high-quality, engineered products at scale.

CEL Critical Power is looking for a Project Costing Commercial Lead to own how we cost, price and measure the profitability of our products, services and long-term data centre projects. Reporting to the Chief Financial Officer, you'll set the costing framework and lead the Cost and Management Accountant team. You will also work as the commercial finance partner for Operations, Sales and Project leadership, turning cost data into decisions on pricing, margin and delivery. 

Key Responsibilities 

Costing Strategy & Governance 

• Own CEL's costing framework: standard costing, BOM costing, overhead allocation and absorption methodology across LV switchgear, critical power systems and services 

• Approve standard cost updates and periodic cost reviews so costs reflect operational and market reality 

• Set costing policy and controls, and make sure it aligns with inventory valuation and FRS 102 revenue recognition for long-term contracts 

• Lead make vs. buy, outsourcing and capacity investment analysis, with clear recommendations to the CFO and leadership 

Commercial & Project Finance Partnering 

• Act as finance lead on bids and tenders: review cost build-ups, pricing assumptions, contingency and target margins before submission 

• Own project financial governance: cost-to-complete, estimate at completion (EAC), margin fade/gain and change-order tracking 

• Lead project and contract review meetings, giving constructive challenge to Project, Operations and Commercial leaders 

• Partner with Sales on pricing strategy, discount governance and contract terms that affect margin 

Profitability & Performance Insight 

• Own profitability reporting by product, service line, channel, region and project, and present insights to the CFO and leadership team 

• Lead gross margin bridge analysis vs. prior period, budget and forecast, and turn the findings into corrective actions 

• Identify, quantify and drive cost reduction and margin improvement programmes across manufacturing and project operations 

• Define and report cost and project KPIs: margin by contract, cost-to-complete accuracy, forecast variance, budget adherence 

Budgeting & Forecasting 

• Lead the operational cost and project margin elements of the annual budget and rolling forecasts 

• Build scenario models for volume changes, new contracts, material price movements and operational decisions 

Inventory, COGS & Controls 

• Oversee inventory valuation, COGS reconciliation, WIP and stock count processes delivered by the Cost and Management Accountant 

• Make sure balances between SAP and project trackers are reconciled, controlled and audit-ready 

Systems & Process Improvement 

• Lead the roadmap for costing and project finance tools, including SAP discipline, standardised cost models and Power BI reporting 

• Drive automation and digitisation of cost tracking across the product and project lifecycle 

• Build financial capability in operational and project teams through training and clear processes

Leadership 

• Line-manage, coach and develop the team; set priorities, review outputs and build a scalable costing function as CEL grows 

Essential 

• ACA qualified

• 10+ years in cost, management or commercial/project finance, with several years in a lead or senior partnering role 

• Deep expertise in standard costing, absorption costing, BOM and job/project costing 

• Experience of project accounting for long-term contracts, including cost-to-complete, EAC and FRS 102 

• Track record of commercial partnering on pricing, bids or contract margin 

• Advanced Excel and financial modelling; strong SAP experience 

• Background in manufacturing, engineering, construction, energy or data centres 

• Confident communicator who can influence and challenge senior, non-finance stakeholders 

Desirable 

• People management experience 

• Power BI or equivalent BI tool 

• ERP implementation or finance transformation experience 

• Experience in a scaling or PE-backed business 

Why Join CEL Critical Power?

Join a Trusted Industry Leader – 42 Years of Excellence
CEL has been delivering high-quality, bespoke power distribution solutions for over four decades, with products that stand the test of time.

Be Part of a Global Expansion
With CEL launching its first US manufacturing plant, you will have the opportunity to work on international projects and documentation standards while collaborating with colleagues across North America.

Collaborate with World-Class Engineers, Vendors & Industry Experts
You’ll work alongside leading engineers, project managers, document controllers, product managers, and global vendors, ensuring excellence and operational success across CEL’s international teams.

Shape the Future of CEL – Critical Power
This is more than just an operator role—it’s an opportunity to help forge the future of CEL and our expansion across the US.

Competitive Salary, Benefits & Career Growth
We offer structured career development, professional training, and leadership opportunities, ensuring long-term career progression.

Apply Now – This is a CEL Critical Power-Critical Hire!

Job Type: Full-time

Schedule: Monday to Friday