At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a commercial team, manage project budgets, and ensure financial performance.
- Company: Established specialist contractor with a strong presence in London and the South East.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Regular site visits and collaboration with operational teams for project success.
- Why this job: Take ownership of the commercial function and make a real impact on projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in M&E, ductwork, or HVAC; strong leadership and negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
We are currently recruiting for an experienced Commercial Manager / Commercial Director to join an established specialist contractor operating across London, the South East and wider UK. This is a senior position within the business, taking overall responsibility for the commercial function and leading an existing team of six. The role would suit either an established Commercial Director or a strong Commercial Manager looking to take the next step in their career and assume greater responsibility for a commercial department. Based from the company's Romford office, the position will also involve regular visits to live projects, working closely with the operational teams to ensure projects are performing commercially from pre-construction through to final account.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage a commercial team of six
- Take overall responsibility for the commercial performance of live projects
- Support, mentor and develop Quantity Surveyors and members of the commercial team
- Oversee project budgets, cost reporting and forecasting
- Review CVRs and provide accurate commercial reporting to senior management
- Manage contractual and commercial risk across projects
- Oversee valuations, variations and change management
- Manage subcontractor procurement, appointments and accounts
- Oversee applications for payment and cash flow
- Negotiate and agree final accounts
- Review contracts and ensure contractual obligations are understood and managed
- Work closely with Project Managers and operational teams to protect project margins
- Attend commercial and client meetings
- Visit live sites to review project performance and identify potential commercial risks
- Support tendering, pre-construction and commercial strategy
- Develop and improve commercial processes and controls across the business
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, contractors and supply-chain partners
About You
We are looking for an experienced commercial professional with a strong background within M&E, building services or specialist subcontracting. Experience within ductwork, ventilation or HVAC would be particularly advantageous, although we would also consider candidates from the wider mechanical or M&E contracting market. You will ideally have:
- Previous experience as a Commercial Manager, Commercial Director or Senior Quantity Surveyor operating at a senior level
- Experience managing and developing a commercial team
- Strong understanding of subcontractor commercial management
- Excellent knowledge of contracts, variations, valuations and final accounts
- Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously
- Strong financial reporting, forecasting and CVR experience
- Good contractual and commercial awareness
- Experience working closely with operational/project delivery teams
- Strong negotiation and client-facing skills
- The confidence to challenge commercially where required
- The ability to operate strategically while remaining involved in the detail of live projects
The Opportunity
This is a key appointment within an established specialist contractor and offers the successful individual the opportunity to take genuine ownership of the commercial function. You'll inherit an existing team of six, with the remit to lead, develop and strengthen the department while working closely with senior management on the continued growth and commercial performance of the business. This is not a purely office-based position. You'll be based from Romford while regularly visiting projects and working directly with the operational teams to ensure the commercial and delivery sides of the business remain closely aligned.
Commercial Manager / Commercial Director - M&E / Ductwork in Romford employer: Avolon M&E
Avolon M&E is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the North West, where you can lead impactful mechanical services projects across the UK. With a strong focus on employee growth and a comprehensive benefits package, we foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, ensuring that our team members thrive both professionally and personally while contributing to meaningful projects.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager / Commercial Director - M&E / Ductwork in Romford
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Avolon M&E, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Commercial Manager / Commercial Director - M&E / Ductwork at Avolon M&E.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager / Commercial Director - M&E / Ductwork in Romford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Avolon M&E
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
