Commercial Manager

Join Kao Data as a Commercial Manager - Drive Excellence in AI-Focused Data Centres!

Kao Data is at the forefront of the industry, pioneering the development and operation of data centres engineered for AI and advanced computing. Our hyperscale-inspired and industrial-scale platform provides a secure, scalable, and sustainable home for cutting-edge compute solutions.

Design and Construction at Kao Data is the engine behind our high-performance digital infrastructure. Our multidisciplinary team integrates architectural design, structural engineering, and advanced construction methodologies to deliver hyperscale data centres with precision and speed. Leveraging BIM, modular construction, and sustainable design principles, we optimise every phase - from concept to commissioning. It’s a dynamic environment for professionals who thrive on technical complexity, innovation, and delivering mission-critical facilities that power the future of AI and cloud computing.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Commercial Manager to provide commercial insight and influence on projects throughout the delivery cycle on an independent and proactive basis.  The Commercial Manager will inform procurement, value, and financial management activities and Identify, make and/or escalate legal and strategic decisions as appropriate.

The Commercial Manager will act as a key interface between the Capital Projects and the Finance functions of the business, handling and communicating data as senior oversight across the pipeline and in-flight projects across the portfolio liaising with the project delivery team.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver a range of business case, project and portfolio cost management, business finance and accounting functions – ensuring consistent application of business procedures.

• Key stakeholder in decisions which can impact commercial aspects and terms of projects including design and delivery change management and contracted scopes of work.

• Act as a key interface between the fund monitor and project teams, collating and explaining project statuses and financial positions where necessary.

• Develop procedures in line with best practice and insights gained through a career in professional services in cost management and quantity surveying positions for a range of organisations.

• Develop internal cost benchmarking of construction prime costs, fees, cashflows, inflation and other data points necessary to the development of business cases.

• Supervise cost consultant teams, including developing their appointments, setting to work and problem solving, and providing performance management and direction - as a subject matter expert.

• Provide advice on procurement and contract strategies for project delivery across the portfolio of planned activity.

• Provide project and portfolio commercial and cost management through all stages of project delivery..

• Engage with all areas of the business to continually improve routine cost and financial reporting methods and champion these methods as appropriate.

• Receive reports from project teams, manage information and its presentation in an appropriate form to relevant functions inside or outside of the business.

• Engage with the business Finance function to ensure accurate pre-estimation of cashflows, CAPEX estimates and so forth.  Lead activities to continually improve the speed and accuracy of early cost data provided to business cases at the inception of projects.

• Support the deployment and development of IT platforms relevant to the accounting, finance, and cost management functions- such as ERP etc.

• Work collaboratively with the Delivery Managers with oversight of the construction payment certification process, helping to ensure accurate payment assessments by consultant cost managers, earned value management, interrogation of stage payments etc., generally seeking to minimise the company’s exposures whilst fulfilling its obligations.

• Support the team in the development of multiyear development budgets across the portfolio.

• Lead the preparation of development budgets, business cases, project budgets – including inception and feasibility budgets under time constraints to inform early advice to investors.

• Review tender / variation pricing etc. from consultants and contractors.  Manage the adjudication of tenders and valuation of variations – with advice from cost consultants.

• Work collaboratively with the Delivery Managers with the tracking of project accruals, invoices, variations, purchase orders etc.

• Work closely with the Delivery Team, Development Team, Finance Team, and others to ensure best practice in the field of Cost Management.

• Provide input and perspectives during the definition of commercial strategies, procurement methodologies, procurement decisions etc.

• Engage with the firm’s Legal Counsel, particularly in matters of Construction / Commercial Law, and support Delivery Managers to take decisions and to implement advice.

• To generally champion effective contract administration, both internally and by consultant teams. 

• To contribute to the development of contracts, providing insights and the benefits of commercial experience.

What We’re Looking For:

• A Bachelor degree with Honours (or recognised equivalent) in Cost Management or Quantity Surveying.
• Chartered status with a relevant and recognised professional institute or body such as RICS or CIOB
• Previous Cost Management experience, particularly within the M&E and Data Centre sectors.
• Extensive post graduate specialist knowledge and relevant sector experience and able to demonstrate that you can effectively acquire, apply and impart industry specific specialist, commercial, procurement, programme and cost management professional knowledge to the development team.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Suite applications including Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook, and MS Project.
• Ability to work well under pressure with a proactive approach including managing multiple deadlines and changing project scope/direction.

Why Kao Data?

• Be part of an innovative and rapidly growing AI data centre leader.
• Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.
• Work in a dynamic and collaborative environment.
• Engaging team events that strengthen workplace culture and connections
• Private Medical – private health insurance including dental and optical cover.
• Holiday – 25 days annual leave plus UK Bank Holidays
• Pension – Salary Sacrifice Pension
• Parental Leave – Enhanced Maternity and Paternity leave
• Life Assurance & Income Protection
• Mental health support - 24/7 access to mental health support via our employee assistance programme, and a trained team of Mental Health First Aiders
• Giving back – 2 Charity volunteering days a year.
• Electric Vehicle - Salary Sacrifice Scheme
• Optical Benefit
• Access to Unum’s Help@Hand