About the role
As a Senior Commercial Manager you will oversee the financial management of large, complex construction projects in the Civils & Structures sector. You will be responsible for managing projects from the initial tender phase through to completion, ensuring that they are delivered on time, within budget, and to the highest quality.
You will be an integral part of the senior project leadership team, responsible for driving the commercial and financial success of your projects. This will involve managing key aspects of the project lifecycle, including risk management, procurement, financial reporting, and supply chain management. You will play a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining relationships with clients, suppliers, and key stakeholders, and you will oversee the recruitment, development, and retention of a high-performing commercial team.
The role requires an individual with proven commercial management experience, a strong understanding of construction industry practices, and a strategic mindset. You will be expected to mentor and guide junior commercial staff, ensuring the team’s professional development and adherence to best practice.
What you'll be doing
Governance & Compliance:
* Ensure full adherence to the company’s governance standards, policies, and procedures. You will promote LEAN principles and digital opportunities to drive efficiency across projects.
* Actively contribute to maintaining compliance with legal and regulatory requirements, supporting project teams with dispute resolution and providing guidance on contract and legal matters.
* Continuously assess and improve internal controls and processes to drive commercial success.
Commercial Management:
* Strategic Oversight: Take a strategic view of business opportunities, using your deep understanding of economic factors that affect the construction industry to identify key growth areas and risks.
* Tendering & Contracts: Lead the preparation of tender submissions, ensuring they are accurate, competitive, and align with client specifications. Oversee the negotiation of contracts, making sure terms and conditions protect the company’s interests.
* Dispute Resolution & Legislation: You will be an expert in resolving commercial disputes, leveraging your knowledge of legislation, contractual frameworks, and industry standards. You will liaise with legal teams and external experts to resolve issues.
* Risk Management: Proactively identify and manage project risks and opportunities. Work with the project leadership team to ensure that all risks are mitigated, and opportunities are maximized.
* Cost Management: Oversee the financial management of each project, including the tracking of costs, income, and margin.
* Client & Stakeholder Relations: Represent the company’s financial and contractual interests in meetings with clients, stakeholders, and external parties. Maintain strong relationships ensuring objectives align with client needs and expectations.
Commercial Admin
* Value Engineering & Buildability: Lead commercial input in value engineering and buildability reviews, ensuring that projects are cost-effective without compromising quality.
* Cost Control & Reporting: Oversee the preparation of monthly CVRs (Cost/Value Reconciliation) and provide detailed commercial reports to senior management.
* Commercial Data Feedback: Work closely with the Planning, Estimating, Marketing, and Sales teams to provide insights and feedback on project performance and cost data.
* Target Cost Preparation: Manage the preparation of target costs for major projects, ensuring alignment with the project’s budget and financial goals.
Procurement & Supply Chain Management:
* Procurement Strategy: Develop procurement strategies based on client needs and project requirements. Advise on the most appropriate procurement routes and ensure they align with the project's objectives.
* Supplier & Subcontractor Management: Build and maintain strong relationships with key suppliers and subcontractors. .
* Supply Chain Coordination: Coordinate ensuring the smooth operations, meeting deadlines and budget requirements.
Team Leadership
* Staff Recruitment & Retention: Lead recruitment efforts for the commercial team, ensuring the right talent is hired to deliver successful projects.
* Mentoring & Development: Act as a mentor to junior commercial staff, helping them develop professionally and achieve their Chartered status with RICS, ICES, or CIOB.
Who we're looking for
Essential Qualifications & Experience:
* Education: BSc or MSc in Quantity Surveying or equivalent (preferably in a civils/structures-related field).
* Professional Membership: Chartered Member (or working towards) of RICS, ICES, or CIOB.
* Experience: Significant experience in commercial management within the construction industry, particularly in civils and structures. You should have a track record of successfully delivering major, complex projects.
* CSCS Card: Professional Qualified Person status under the CSCS scheme.
Skills & Expertise:
* Strategic Thinking: Ability to understand and manage the broader business context, with a focus on long-term goals and sustainability.
* Commercial Acumen: Proven ability to manage budgets, forecasts, and project costs effectively, ensuring projects are delivered within financial targets.
* Leadership: Experience in managing and developing a team, with strong leadership and people management skills.
* Negotiation & Contract Management: Expertise in preparing tenders, negotiating contracts, and managing contractual relationships.
* Risk & Opportunity Management: Ability to identify and mitigate risks, as well as seize opportunities to optimize project outcomes.
Desired Behaviours:
* Talk Positively: Communicate with optimism, focusing on solutions and opportunities for growth.
* Collaborate Relentlessly: Foster a culture of teamwork, breaking down silos and ensuring the project team is working towards common goals.
* Encourage Constantly: Provide support and guidance to colleagues, helping others to develop and reach their potential.
* Make a Difference: Lead by example, driving change and adding value in everything you do.
* Value Everyone: Promote inclusivity, respect, and fairness, ensuring that all team members feel valued and supported.
Why work for us
About us
Proud member of the Disability Confident employer scheme
Disability Confident
About Disability Confident
A Disability Confident employer will generally offer an interview to any applicant that declares they have a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the job as defined by the employer. It is important to note that in certain recruitment situations such as high-volume, seasonal and high-peak times, the employer may wish to limit the overall numbers of interviews offered to both disabled people and non-disabled people. For more details please go to Disability Confident .