Job Information
System One Business Line Commercial Manager-Data Center in Houston, Texas
Job Title: Business Line Commercial Manager-Data Center
Location: Houston, Texas
Type: Contract
Compensation: $89 - $118 hr + (depending on experience)
Contractor Work Model: Onsite
Overview
We are seeking a Commercial Manager to lead all commercial strategy and pricing activities during the tendering and pre-award phase of our client’s Data Center portfolio.
This role is responsible for building competitive, executable, and profitable proposals. The Commercial Manager will develop and maintain cost databases, establish pricing frameworks, and structure commercial strategies that maximize win probability while protecting margin integrity.
Based in Houston, this position partners closely with Engineering, Project Management, Supply Chain, Finance, and Business Development to ensure proposals are commercially sound and aligned with both client expectations and company delivery model.
Post-award involvement will be limited to high-level support on major change orders or strategic negotiations.
Key Objectives
Develop and maintain a robust cost and sell-rate database tailored to Data Center delivery
Lead pricing and commercial strategy for all tenders
Structure proposals that align with client priorities and market benchmarks
Ensure proper governance, risk review, and approval during bid stages
Provide strategic commercial guidance on major post-award variations when required
Key Responsibilities
Lead full commercial development of tenders, including cost modeling, pricing structures, contingencies, and risk positioning
Build and continuously refine a cost intelligence database covering labor, materials, equipment, subcontracting, and logistics benchmarks
Develop sell-rate frameworks and margin strategies across multiple geographies and project types
Conduct competitor and market analysis to shape pricing strategy and differentiation
Prepare commercial proposal components, including pricing breakdowns, assumptions, exclusions, and clarifications
Coordinate internal commercial reviews for pricing validation, risk assessment, and executive approvals
Support Business Development in developing bid strategies and win themes
Provide senior-level guidance during complex negotiations or major change events
Maintain thorough documentation of pricing models and commercial assumptions for audit and future reference
Required Experience
18–25 years of experience in commercial management, contracts, project finance, or project management within large-scale construction or industrial projects
Demonstrated success managing high-value, complex commercial portfolios
Strong understanding of project cost structures, forecasting, and commercial risk mitigation
Experience leading tender strategy and supporting executive-level negotiations
Data Center or mission-critical project experience preferred
Qualifications
Required:
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, or related field
OR
20+ years of progressive commercial leadership experience
Preferred:
Professional certification (MRICS, CCP, or equivalent)
Formal training in negotiation, project finance, or risk management
Work Environment
Houston-based office role
Periodic travel to project sites and client offices as needed
Frequent collaboration with executive leadership, finance, legal, and operational teams
Extended hours may be required during active bid cycles
APPLY TODAY!
System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé, ALTA IT Services, and Mountain Ltd., are leaders in delivering outsourced services and workforce solutions across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.
System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.
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Ref: #209-Rowland Houston
System One, and its subsidiaries including Joulé, ALTA IT Services, CM Access, TPGS, and MOUNTAIN, LTD., are leaders in delivering workforce solutions and integrated services across North America. We help clients get work done more efficiently and economically, without compromising quality. System One not only serves as a valued partner for our clients, but we offer eligible full-time employees health and welfare benefits coverage options including medical, dental, vision, spending accounts, life insurance, voluntary plans, as well as participation in a 401(k) plan.
System One is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, family care or medical leave status, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.