Senior Commercial Manager in Leeds

A Senior Commercial Manager is responsible for the end‑to‑end financial and commercial management of major, complex projects, often valued in the hundreds of millions of pounds. This includes overseeing project inception, tendering, contract negotiation, and the commercial delivery of one or more significant schemes. As a core member of the project or Business Unit senior leadership team, they hold key accountability for the commercial and financial performance of each project or Business Unit.

Senior Commercial Managers are highly experienced professionals who have progressed through the industry and bring a broad skill set encompassing risk management, procurement, financial reporting, and supply chain management. They demonstrate strong commercial awareness, effective client liaison, project management capability, and confident team leadership. In addition, they possess extensive knowledge of the construction industry, adaptability, and strong negotiation skills. Typically, they have a proven track record in developing and managing commercial teams and will be a Chartered Member or Fellow of the RICS, ICES or CIOB. They are expected to act as mentors and role models for other commercial staff progressing towards professional qualification. This role sits within the Power Distribution, Cabling and Utilities team and will primarily support the northern region.

What you’ll be doing:

• Provide commercial input to Value Engineering reviews for different forms of construction.
• Coordinate the commercial team to ensure programme issues are identified and actioned.
• Manage the preparation of the monthly CVR and associated commercial reports.
• Report and explain the commercial progress to senior divisional staff.
• Establish client supply chain requirements and advise on alternative forms of contract and procurement arrangements.
• Apply legislation and liaise with legal experts.
• Prepare estimates and tender submissions including interpretation of specifications and preambles.
• Coordinate buying, accounts, production control/planning, supply chain management, procurement techniques, estimating and surveying functions.
• Manage disallowed cost processes.
• Oversee and provide advice on training and development including professional development.

Who we’re looking for:

Essential Experience:

• Exceptional negotiation, leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence through others.
• Proactively develop, mentor and coach immediate and wider team members to ensure talent development and succession.
• Ability to work to deadlines with effective delegation and high standards.
• Excellent communication skills with internal and external stakeholders.
• Resilience and determination to succeed with achievement focus.
• Proactively manage opportunities, risks and threats.
• Organised, innovative and creative Senior Commercial Manager with in‑depth knowledge of Projects and Portfolios.
• Leadership in collating costs and maximising value on a large project or portfolio of projects.

Qualifications:

• BSc or MSc in Quantity Surveying or equivalent experience.
• Member or Fellow of RICS, ICES or CIOB.

Why work for us:

Day in, day out, our teams deliver some of the UK’s most ambitious, exciting and meaningful projects; developing, building and maintaining the vital infrastructure that supports national economies and strengthens communities.

Benefits:

• Smart working with flexibility such as staggered start and finish times, and up to 40% remote working where roles allow.
• 25 days paid annual leave (pro rata).
• Family friendly policies including 28 weeks full pay for maternity/adoption leave and four weeks full pay for paternity/partners leave.
• Pension, share incentive plan, volunteering leave, recognition schemes and more.

Diversity and Inclusion:

At Balfour Beatty we believe that diversity and inclusion are essential components of any successful, happy workplace. Through our Value Everyone Diversity and Inclusion Strategy and Action Plan, we are growing our diverse workforce and developing our inclusive culture where everyone is able to thrive and reach their full potential, regardless of identity or background.

Balfour Beatty is a Gold Award holder in the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme and actively encourage applications from Armed Forces personnel, veterans and reservists. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are committed to working with people who have disabilities and long‑term health conditions to remove barriers for them in obtaining employment. We are also committed to offering applicants with a disability an interview if they meet the minimum requirements for the role.