Matt Lockett

“With 30 years in construction commercial management, I bring battle-tested expertise that delivers immediate impact while building sustainable capability for long-term performance.”

Why Me?

Commercial Director experience with top UK contractors

Unlike consultants with theoretical knowledge but limited industry experience or freelance quantity surveyors posing as "Commercial Directors", I've served as Commercial Director with leading UK contractors. I've managed project portfolios exceeding £100m and faced the same challenges you encounter daily. This means:

  • Real-world perspective on the practical implications of commercial decisions

  • Deep understanding of construction contract structures and industry-specific risks

  • Established relationships with industry stakeholders and supply chain partners

  • Proven leadership experience in high-pressure commercial environments

  • Practical knowledge of how to navigate complex client relationships while protecting margins

My experience spans framework contracts, design & build projects, traditional contracts, and specialist subcontractor arrangements across construction, housing, property services in the public and private sectors.

Implementation focus vs. report-only consulting


Many consultants deliver impressive reports and presentations but leave you to handle the difficult work of implementation. My approach is fundamentally different:

  • I work alongside your team to implement commercial improvements, not just recommend them

  • You receive practical tools and processes ready for immediate use, not theoretical frameworks

  • I take personal accountability for delivering measurable results, not just insights

  • Your team benefits from skills transfer through direct collaboration, not just training sessions

  • We address real-time commercial challenges as they arise, not just planned initiatives

My engagements are structured around delivering tangible improvements that you can see and measure, not just documenting what should change.

Construction-specific expertise

The construction industry operates with unique commercial dynamics. My specialised expertise means:

  • Strategies tailored to construction-specific contract structures and risk profiles

  • Deep knowledge of sector-specific pricing models and margin improvement opportunities

  • Understanding of the practical realities of project delivery and supply chain management

  • Familiarity with construction regulatory requirements and their commercial implications

  • Experience navigating industry-specific payment practices and cash flow challenges

I won't waste your time with generic business theories - every strategy and solution is for construction commercial success.

Dual focus on immediate wins and sustainable systems


My approach balances addressing urgent commercial issues with building lasting capability:

  • Short-term value capture through immediate intervention on live projects and contracts

  • Long-term capability development through robust commercial systems and processes

  • Rapid improvement of current commercial performance through targeted interventions

  • Sustainable transformation of your commercial function for continued success

  • Immediate problem resolution alongside preventative measures for future challenges

This dual focus ensures you see quick returns on your investment while building commercial resilience that continues delivering value long after our engagement ends.

My Approach

I believe effective commercial management is about more than just contracts and numbers. It's about creating value throughout the business by:

  • Solving immediate problems – Addressing underperforming contracts, margin erosion and cash flow challenges with practical, proven solutions

  • Building sustainable capability – Developing the commercial structures, processes and teams that deliver consistent performance

  • Bridging functions – Connecting commercial activities with operations and finance to create integrated business performance

  • Transferring knowledge – Ensuring your team develops the skills and understanding to maintain commercial performance

My hands-on leadership style means I roll up my sleeves and work alongside your team, delivering tangible improvements while developing your commercial capability.

Experience That Matters

My commercial leadership experience includes:

  • Commercial Director roles with national contractors and property services businesses

  • Interim leadership during critical transitions and turnarounds

  • Contract recovery for troubled projects across multiple sectors

  • Commercial team development for organisations from £10m to £1bn+ turnover

  • Joint venture commercial leadership and management for complex public sector partnerships

This diverse experience allows me to quickly understand your commercial challenges and implement effective solutions tailored to your specific situation.

Working With Me

Clients value my:

  • Practical approach – Focused on tangible outcomes, not theoretical models

  • Senior-level insight – Director experience that understands both boardroom and site perspectives

  • Implementation focus – Delivering real change, not just recommendations

  • Adaptability – Fitting seamlessly into your organisation during critical periods

  • Commercial rigour – Protecting margins and enhancing cash flow through disciplined processes

Whether you need interim commercial leadership, contract recovery, commercial capability development or mobilisation support, I provide the experienced leadership to deliver results.

Get In Touch

Let's discuss how I can help strengthen your commercial performance. Contact me to arrange an initial conversation about your specific challenges and how my experience can support your business objectives.