Senior Commercial Manager

Our client is an award-winning, integrated design, project management and construction company specialising in the commercial fit-out sector. Operating from its London headquarters in the City, the group works with some of the world’s leading organisations to deliver exceptional commercial environments. Distinct from a traditional contractor, our client takes full responsibility as main contractor, managing the complete project journey in-house — from brief and design through to construction and handover. The division is characterised by its ambition, design integrity and uncompromising commitment to quality, delivering Cat B commercial fit-outs that clients genuinely get excited about.

The company values of Quality, Integrity, Accountability and Working Together are embedded in everything the team does, and the Senior Commercial Manager will be a key custodian of those values on every project they lead.

Role Overview

This is a pivotal senior role within the organisation, responsible for leading the commercial function across a portfolio of design and build fit-out projects. Reporting to the Commercial Director, the Senior Commercial Manager will own the financial performance of projects from pre-contract through to final account, working closely with the project delivery, design and business development teams to protect margin, manage risk and ensure clients receive outstanding value.

The successful candidate will bring deep experience in commercial management within the fit-out or interior construction sector, a sharp eye for contractual risk and an ability to build strong relationships with clients, consultants and supply chain partners alike. This is a senior appointment and the individual will play an active role in shaping the commercial processes and supporting the growth of the division.

Key Responsibilities

• Contract & Project Commercial Management
• Take ownership of the commercial position on allocated projects from contract award through to final account settlement.
• Administer design and build contracts (JCT Design and Build preferred), including issuing and assessing change events, early warnings and compensation events.
• Prepare and submit monthly applications for payment, CVRs and cost-to-complete forecasts, presenting findings clearly to the senior leadership team.
• Manage subcontractor accounts, including agreement of interim payments, assessment of variations and negotiation of final accounts.
• Identify and mitigate commercial and contractual risks proactively, escalating to the Managing Director where appropriate.
• Maintain accurate and auditable commercial records throughout the project lifecycle.
• Working closely with Precontracts team to present attractive propositions to potential clients.
• Client & Stakeholder Relationships
• Develop trusted relationships with clients, acting as the commercial point of contact for all financial and contractual matters.
• Represent the company professionally in client, consultant and employer’s agent meetings.
• Support the delivery team in resolving commercial disputes fairly and efficiently, always prioritising the long-term client relationship.
• Team Leadership & Development
• Provide mentoring and day-to-day guidance to junior commercial team members, supporting their professional development.
• Contribute to the continuous improvement of the commercial systems, processes and reporting tools.
• Assist in the recruitment and onboarding of additional commercial resource as the division grows.

Person Specification

Essential

• Minimum 7 years’ experience in a commercial management role within the construction, fit-out or interiors sector.
• Proven track record of managing the full commercial lifecycle of projects valued at £1m–£10m+.
• Strong knowledge of JCT Design and Build contracts and an understanding of the main contractor’s commercial obligations.
• Demonstrable experience managing subcontract procurement and accounts, including final account negotiation.
• Excellent numeracy, analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to produce clear, accurate commercial reports.
• Confident communicator, able to engage credibly with clients, consultants and senior stakeholders.
• Commercially astute, with a proactive approach to identifying and managing risk.
• Proficient in Microsoft Excel and standard quantity surveying software (e.g. Causeway, Tradex, or equivalent).

Desirable

• Degree or HNC/HND in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related construction discipline.
• Experience in Cat A and Cat B commercial office fit-out.
• Familiarity with JCT contracts.
• Experience contributing to tender and bid submissions in a design and build environment.

What We Offer

Our client is a genuinely ambitious, people-first business. Joining the team means becoming part of a close-knit group of professionals who care deeply about the work they produce and the relationships they build. The company’s culture is one of openness, accountability and continuous improvement — and senior hires are expected and encouraged to contribute to shaping the direction of the division.

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience.
• Performance-related bonus scheme.
• Company pension contribution.
• 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays.
• Support for professional development and chartership.
• A dynamic, award-winning team with a strong pipeline of commercial projects.
• Modern offices in the City of London.

If you feel your career is not travelling in the right direction or the company you are working doesn't have a strong project pipeline then this could be an opportunity worth exploring.