Head of Commercial Project Development

About the role

At National Grid, we don't just keep the lights on — we're enabling the clean energy transition and building the networks that will power a net zero future.

National Grid Interconnectors is at the forefront of this transformation. By connecting Great Britain's electricity network with neighbouring countries, we're helping deliver cleaner, more secure and more affordable energy for millions of customers. As we expand our portfolio of pioneering offshore projects, we're looking for two exceptional commercial leaders to join us and help shape the next generation of energy infrastructure.

We're currently recruiting 2 x Head of Commercial Project Development positions within our European Business Development team, supporting either the LionLink or Nautilus projects. Reporting directly to the Business Development Director, these roles will play a critical part in developing innovative cross-border energy solutions across the North Sea and Europe.

As Head of Commercial Project Development, you'll lead the commercial development strategy for a major infrastructure project from concept through to delivery readiness. Working closely with international partners, regulators and internal stakeholders, you'll navigate complex commercial challenges whilst ensuring projects remain strategically aligned, financially viable and positioned for long-term success.

The role is hybrid and can be based from our Warwick / London office with travel to different sites required.

What you'll do

• Develop and deliver the commercial strategy for your assigned project, ensuring alignment with National Grid's strategic objectives and partner requirements.
• Lead all commercial aspects of project development, identifying, assessing and managing commercial risks and opportunities within a constantly evolving market and regulatory landscape.
• Negotiate and progress commercial frameworks and agreements with European project partners and key stakeholders.
• Provide clear insight into project economics, financial performance and value drivers, ensuring robust decision-making and long-term financial viability.
• Work collaboratively with colleagues across Business Development, Construction, Regulation, Finance and Legal functions to drive successful project outcomes. Ensuring compliance with relevant legal, regulatory and governance requirements.
• Provide clear reporting and recommendations to senior leadership on project performance, commercial risks and strategic opportunities.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across project development processes.Leading, coaching and developing high-performing teams while creating an inclusive, collaborative and engaging working environment.

What you'll need

• Proven experience leading the successful delivery of complex, large-scale programmes within a commercial or corporate environment, with the confidence and resilience to thrive in a fast-paced, evolving landscape.
• Strong commercial acumen, with the ability to identify, assess and manage risks and opportunities, develop pragmatic solutions, and make sound decisions in situations where ambiguity exists.
• Exceptional stakeholder management and influencing skills, with a track record of building trusted relationships and driving alignment across diverse internal and external stakeholders.
• Strong financial understanding, including the ability to evaluate project value drivers, interpret financial performance indicators, and support commercially sound decision-making.
• Experience developing and communicating high-quality performance insights for a range of audiences, ideally supported by portfolio management experience within major infrastructure or capital development programmes.
• A good understanding of the energy sector, including the role of interconnectors, and awareness of the economic, regulatory and political factors shaping the transition to a net zero future.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear and compelling messages for a range of audiences.

What you'll get

A competitive salary between £94,000 - £117,000 per annum– dependent on capability.

As well as your base salary, you will receive a bonus based on personal and company performance of upto 40% and a competitive contributory pension scheme where we will double match your contribution to a maximum company contribution of 12%. You will also have access to a number of flexible benefits such as a share incentive plan, salary sacrifice car and technology schemes, support via employee assistance lines and matched charity giving to name a few.

More Information

This role closes on 31st July at 23:59, however we encourage candidates to submit their application as early as possible and not wait until the published closing date as this can vary. 

We value diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace for all. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates – we make appointments purely on merit, assessed against objective selection criteria. We support flexible working and will make reasonable adjustments throughout the recruitment process should you have any physical or mental impairment which may affect your ability to participate in the process.

Please note that in most cases, National Grid is unable to offer sponsorship for employment under the UK points-based immigration system. As such, applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK without requiring sponsorship now or in the future under the UK points-based immigration system. However, in exceptional circumstances where there is a clear and demonstrable need for specialist skills that cannot be sourced from the local labour market, National Grid may consider offering sponsorship. All applications are welcome from candidates who meet these requirements, regardless of race, nationality, or ethnic origin.