Commercial Manager in Preston

Salary: Circa £40,000

Location: Euxton Office / Northwest Site Based

Are you a forward-thinking Commercial Contract Manager with experience delivering construction, groundworks, remediation, fencing, landscaping, vegetation management or enabling works? Are you looking to join a market-leading business with an excellent reputation and exciting growth plans? Our client is looking for a dynamic and driven Commercial Contract Manager to lead and develop our operations. Whilst experience in arboriculture is highly desirable, we are equally keen to hear from candidates with a strong background in construction-related contracting who are looking to broaden their expertise. If you're ready to take your career to the next level with an award-winning contractor at the forefront of our industry, we'd love to hear from you.

About Our Client:

They are an award-winning contracting business specialising in Tree Services, Landscaping and Knotweed Eradication, supporting the construction industry by delivering projects across the Northwest for house builders and main contractors. You'll play a pivotal role in helping deliver the homes and communities that are vital to society, while ensuring sustainability remains at the heart of every project. From responsible tree management and site clearance to biodiversity enhancement and environmental compliance, our work creates a lasting positive impact. Founded in 1980, our client is a family-owned business with a strong reputation for delivering high-quality landscaping, arboriculture and invasive weed management services. We work in partnership with responsible developers from pre-land acquisition through to project handover and adoption, providing trusted expertise in arboriculture, horticulture and environmental compliance. Following our transition to second-generation leadership, we have achieved over 60% growth in the past four years, now employing 49 staff and supporting a strong local supply chain.

The Role:

This is a hands-on leadership and commercial role, ideal for someone with experience managing contracts within construction, groundworks, remediation, fencing, landscaping, arboriculture, vegetation management or other specialist contracting disciplines. You may currently be working as a Commercial Manager, Contracts Manager, Project Manager or Operations Manager within the construction sector. Arboriculture knowledge is highly desirable but not essential; if you have strong commercial, operational and leadership experience, we will support you in developing your technical knowledge where required. You'll share our passion for delivering projects safely, efficiently and responsibly while building long-term relationships with our clients.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead and manage contracts from mobilisation through to successful completion.
• Drive commercial performance, including budgeting, forecasting, cost control and profitability.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors and stakeholders.
• Lead, motivate and develop operational teams to deliver high standards of performance.
• Ensure projects are delivered safely on programme and in line with contractual requirements.
• Monitor progress, manage resources effectively and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Ensure compliance with Health & Safety, environmental legislation and industry standards.
• Identify opportunities for business growth, additional revenue and improved operational efficiency.

About You:

We're looking for someone with strong commercial awareness, excellent leadership skills and experience managing contracts in a construction-related environment.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience in a Commercial Manager, Contracts Manager, Project Manager or similar role.
• Background within construction, groundworks, remediation, fencing, landscaping, vegetation management, civil engineering or other specialist contracting sectors.
• Strong commercial and financial management skills, including budgeting and cost control.
• Experience managing client relationships and multiple contracts simultaneously.
• Excellent leadership, communication and organisational skills.
• Ability to lead operational delivery whilst maintaining a strategic commercial focus.

Desirable:

• Experience within arboriculture, forestry, landscaping or environmental contracting.
• Knowledge of pre-construction, enabling works or environmental compliance.
• Experience working with housebuilders, developers or principal contractors.
• Understanding of tree work operations and arboriculture practices.

Qualifications:

• Relevant industry qualifications or equivalent practical experience.
• Arboriculture qualifications are desirable but not essential.
• Full UK Driving Licence (Essential).

If you're an experienced commercial or contracts professional looking to join a growing, award-winning business where you'll have the opportunity to make a genuine impact, we'd love to hear from you.