Commercial Manager- Data Centers

SLB•Houston, TX

21h•Onsite

About The Position

SLB New Energy & Industrial (NEI) is a division of SLB, a global company driving energy innovation for a balanced planet. NEI's portfolio includes ventures in carbon capture and sequestration, geothermal power, energy storage, sustainable battery-grade lithium, hydrogen and Data center infrastructure solutions. The Data Center infrastructure solutions business provides innovative and cost-effective solutions that enable building faster, smarter and more resilient data centers, scaling AI and cloud computing capacity while minimizing capital risk and deployment delays. SLB is seeking a highly qualified and motivated Commercial Manager to lead all commercial activities during the tendering and pre-award phase for SLB’s Data Center business. This role involves developing cost databases, pricing strategies, and commercial frameworks to position SLB to win work competitively and profitably. Operating from the Houston headquarters, the Commercial Manager partners closely with engineering, project management, supply chain, and business development to craft commercially executable proposals, manage risks, and structure offerings that align with client priorities and SLB’s delivery model. The role operates as the senior commercial authority for Data Center pursuits, accountable for bid commercial integrity, risk positioning, margin governance, and executive-level commercial decision-making on hyperscale, mission-critical programs typically delivered under GMP or cost-reimbursable models. Post-award involvement is expected for high-level commercial support, major change orders or strategic client negotiations.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in business, Engineering, or Quantity Surveying or 20+ years of progressive commercial management experience in large-scale projects.
20+ years of experience in project management, commercial management, contracts, or project finance for large-scale construction or industrial projects.
Proven track record managing complex commercial portfolios and high-value contracts.
Strong understanding of project cost structures, risk management, and financial forecasting.
Experience supporting tender strategy, bid evaluation, and client negotiations at a senior level
Excellent communication skills both written and verbal.
Candidates must be able to legally work and reside in the US, without sponsorship.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience in Data Center or mission-critical facility projects is preferred.
Professional certification in Contract or Commercial Management (MRICS, CCP, or equivalent) is preferred.
Training in negotiation, project finance, or risk management is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead the full execution of the assigned project location, overseeing multiple Data Center buildings and associated infrastructure.
Lead the full commercial development of tenders including cost modelling, pricing structures, contingencies, and commercial risk positioning.
Build, maintain, and continuously refine a cost intelligence database covering labor, equipment, subcontracting, logistics, and material benchmarks.
Develop sell-rate frameworks and margin strategies to ensure competitive positioning across geographies and project types.
Conduct market and competitor analysis to shape commercial strategy and proposal differentiation
Prepare commercial sections of proposals including pricing breakdowns, assumptions, exclusions, and commercial clarifications.
Coordinate internal reviews for pricing, risk assessment, and approval of final commercial submissions
Support Business Development and Proposal teams in developing win themes, bid strategies, and value propositions.
Provide guidance during complex post-award commercial matters such as major variations, strategic negotiations, or client commercial queries.
Ensure commercial files, assumptions, and pricing models are fully documented and traceable for future references.
Act as the point of accountability for commercial positioning on Data Center pursuits from opportunity qualification through contract award.
Lead executive level pricing and risk review boards, presenting commercial recommendations, trade offs, and risk exposure for approval.
Define and govern contingency, fee, allowance, and escalation strategies consistent with GMP and hyperscaler commercial practices.
Provide strategic oversight and mentorship to estimating, preconstruction, and commercial resources supporting Data Center pursuits.
Interface directly with client commercial leadership on pricing structure, open book expectations, and risk allocation during negotiations.
Support portfolio level commercial strategy by analyzing bid performance, hit rates, margin trends, and post award outcomes to drive continuous improvement.