At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial activities on a major civil engineering project for 7 years.
- Company: Join a respected national and international civil engineering contractor with innovative construction methods.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary up to £80,000 plus a car and additional perks.
- Why this job: Be part of a significant project that impacts the community while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: MRICS membership and a degree in Quantity Surveying are preferred; 10 years of relevant experience required.
- Other info: Ideal for candidates near Portsmouth, Southampton, or Brighton; full project details provided to shortlisted applicants.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 80000 £ per year.
An excellent opportunity for an experienced Commercial Manager operating at Associate Director level to join a respected UK construction consultancy based in Kent, specialising in civil engineering, ports, marine, and environmental infrastructure.
The role offers leadership responsibility for delivering high-quality commercial management services while expanding a successful client base across major infrastructure and marine construction projects.
The company offers commercial management and contractual advice, assistance with cost management, change management and commercial negotiations in relation to projects including coastal and river defence works, port expansions, and marine upgrade projects throughout the UK.
The successful Commercial Manager / Associate Director will oversee value engineering, cost management, and dispute-related services for complex civil engineering developments and assist top-tier main contractors, and high value subcontractors to achieve full commercial success.
Responsibilities and Duties
The Commercial Manager / Associate Director will:
Lead and manage a team delivering commercial, quantity surveying, and claims services on civil engineering and marine infrastructure projects.
Deliver and supervise feasibility studies, cost plans, value engineering, contract administration, final accounts, and claims.
Manage and advise clients on complex commercial and contractual matters under NEC contracts, including relevant case law.
Undertake independent contract reviews and provide strategic commercial advice.
Ensure staff utilisation and profitability targets are achieved while maintaining client satisfaction.
Oversee adjudications, working with solicitors where appropriate and preparing robust documentation.
Win new business and strengthen relationships with existing clients within the ports, marine, and environmental sectors.
Attend conferences and represent the company at a director level within the civil engineering and construction consultancy sectors.
Mentor and develop internal teams and deliver client training where required.
Work collaboratively with other directors to drive growth within the civil engineering business stream.
Desired Skills and Experience
Extensive experience is needed of commercial management or quantity surveying duties within civil engineering, ideally within specialist ports or marine construction.
Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts and related case law.
Proven ability to lead teams, manage projects, and deliver profitable outcomes.
Experience in construction claims, adjudication, and dispute resolution.
Excellent communication and relationship management skills with clients and internal stakeholders.
Ability to operate independently at a senior management or director level within a construction consultancy environment.
Previous experience can come from working with either a civil engineering main contractor, complex subcontractor or with an engineering consultant or client side organisation, preferably in the UK.
Qualifications/Educational Requirements
Chartered member of RICS, CICES, or CIOB (Fellowship preferred).
Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or Civil Engineering.
Employing Company Overview and Profile
This well-established UK-based consultancy offers specialist commercial management, quantity surveying, and construction dispute resolution services to contractors, subcontractors, and clients across various sectors, including infrastructure, civil engineering, and building.
This role involves working within the civil engineering section of the business.
The organisation has earned a strong reputation for its practical, hands-on approach to managing complex projects and resolving commercial and contractual issues.
Its consultants work closely with Tier 1 and specialist subcontractors to deliver expert advice on contract administration, claims, adjudication, and dispute avoidance.
Known for technical excellence, integrity, and client focus, the consultancy combines deep industry knowledge with commercial insight to support clients through every stage of a project\’s lifecycle — from contract negotiation to final
Commercial Manager employer: Maxim Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Maxim Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the civil engineering and construction sectors, especially those who have experience with NEC4 contracts. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends in commercial management.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific challenges and requirements of major civil engineering projects, particularly in the marine and water sectors. Understanding these nuances will help you demonstrate your expertise during interviews and discussions.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your experience in financial management and dispute resolution in detail. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully managed project cash flow and resolved conflicts, as these are crucial skills for the Commercial Manager role.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the employing company thoroughly. Understand their projects, values, and recent developments in the civil engineering field. This knowledge will not only help you tailor your approach but also show your genuine interest in joining their team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in commercial management and civil engineering. Focus on your achievements in previous roles, especially those that align with the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that specifically addresses the key skills and experiences required for the Commercial Manager role. Use examples from your past work to demonstrate how you meet these requirements and express your enthusiasm for the project.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as MRICS membership or any relevant degrees. Emphasise your understanding of NEC4 contracts and financial management processes, as these are crucial for the role.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since the role involves managing a team, include examples of your leadership experience. Discuss how you've successfully led teams in the past, particularly in high-pressure environments like major civil engineering projects.
How to prepare for a job interview at Maxim Recruitment
✨Know Your Contracts
Familiarise yourself with the NEC4 contract and other relevant contracts before the interview. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these contracts and how you've managed them in past projects.
✨Demonstrate Financial Acumen
Be ready to showcase your financial management skills, particularly in relation to CVRs and cash flow forecasting. Prepare examples of how you've successfully managed project budgets and financial reporting.
✨Highlight Leadership Experience
Since the role involves managing a team of Quantity Surveyors, be sure to share your leadership experiences. Discuss how you've built and maintained relationships with stakeholders and led teams to achieve project goals.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think of specific instances where you've identified and mitigated commercial risks or resolved disputes effectively.