Commercial Manager - Groundworks in Norwich

Vacancy Summary

Job Title: Commercial Manager (Groundworks)
Job Type: Permanent
Job Ref: #1460
Location: Norwich (with sites across East Anglia)
Start Date: ASAP
Salary: c£85k-£90k basic plus competitive package including car allowance, healthcare, pension, market leading holiday and structured performance bonus

Company & Project: A successful Main Contractor with decades of experience in East Anglia is looking to add a new Commercial Manager to lead a specialist groundworks division and lead a growing part of their business.

With a busy pipeline of work across East Anglia, they are looking to expand their team due to new projects secured and a healthy tender pipeline.

The business works across the Higher Education, Mixed-Use, Commercial and Healthcare sectors.

The successful candidate will join the business specifically in the commercial leadership function of their groundworks team, managing projects from early tender stages and pre-construction through to practical completion.
With a clear structure and programme in place, this role offers a great opportunity for a commercial professional looking to lead and drive divisional growth.

Duties & Responsibilities

• Oversee the overall commercial performance and financial health of the groundworks division, managing overhead budgets while proactively identifying project risks and opportunities.
• Ensure effective and equitable contract administration across multiple concurrent main contracts and subcontracts.
• Lead subcontract and material procurement strategy to optimise margins against tender allowances, including drafting and finalising contractual terms.
• Produce and submit client valuations and variation accounts, managing external claims to secure all contractual entitlements for the division.
• Administer subcontract accounts by evaluating payment applications and issuing timely payment and pay‑less notices to protect business liability.
• Compile accurate Cost & Value Reconciliations (CVRs) and cashflow projections in line with monthly reporting cycles to support business‑wide forecasting.
• Act as a commercial advisor to the Groundworks Operations Manager, delivering strategic guidance to mitigate exposure and capitalise on profitable avenues.
• Oversee the tendering process for all groundworks bids, ensuring high-quality submission packages are completed and delivered ahead of deadlines.
• Drive positive cash flow by managing outgoings, timing supplier payments strictly to terms, and expediting incoming client payments.
• Conduct thorough post‑award contract reviews to ensure agreed terms align fully with the original tender parameters.
• Mentor and develop junior commercial staff, including Trainees, Apprentices, and Assistants, providing the guidance needed to support their career progression.
• Uphold and champion company Health & Safety standards across all internal teams and external project partners.

Desirable Experience

• Proven experience as a Senior QS or Commercial Manager working for a Groundworks Sub‑Contractor or Main Contractor with Groundworks package management.
• Ambitious and confident professional looking to take on more leadership responsibility.
• Repeat experience managing groundworks packages or exclusively leading commercial operations for a groundworks specialist.
• Strong track record in full financial oversight, tendering, CVR management, and team mentorship.
• Previous Roles: Commercial Manager, Managing Quantity Surveyor, or Senior Quantity Surveyor.

Qualifications & Skills

Degree, MSc or HNC in Quantity Surveying or a comparable qualification.

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