At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial negotiations and manage costs for innovative district heating projects.
- Company: Join Chronos Energy, a leader in sustainable energy solutions.
- Benefits: Flexible working options, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic work environment with strong mentorship and career advancement opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the energy sector while developing your commercial expertise.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field; experience in commercial roles preferred.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Chronos Energy are looking to recruit a Senior QS/Commercial Manager who will provide commercial leadership across District heating/Heat network projects, ensuring robust subcontract negotiation, contract management and cost control. The role safeguards margin, manages risk, and supports predictable project delivery through disciplined commercial governance from procurement through final account. The role will involve travel to sites and office plus working from home.
Responsibilities
- Lead subcontract commercial negotiations and contract appointments
- Manage project CVRs, forecasts and estimate‐at‐completion
- Control variations, compensation events and commercial change
- Support Project Managers with cost, risk and cashflow insight
- Negotiate and agree subcontract final accounts
Sub-Contract & Supply Chain Commercial Management
- Lead the commercial strategy, negotiation and appointment of key subcontract and supply chain packages.
- Draft, negotiate and agree commercial terms within NEC, JCT or bespoke subcontract frameworks, ensuring balanced risk allocation and delivery‐aligned incentives.
- Maintain strong, professional relationships with subcontractors, promoting collaborative behaviours while protecting the companies commercial position.
- Negotiate and agree final accounts in line with contract terms and approved governance.
- Support procurement strategy and early engagement with delivery partners to improve cost certainty and market outcomes.
Project Cost Control & Financial Performance
- Establish and manage project commercial baselines, CVRs, forecasts and estimates at completion.
- Maintain visibility of cost, commitments, change and cashflow throughout the project lifecycle.
- Provide commercial analysis and insight to Project Managers and sponsors, highlighting risk, opportunity and required actions.
- Ensure timely and accurate valuation, application for payment and subcontract payment processes in collaboration with Finance.
Change, Claims & Final Account Management
- Lead commercial change control, including variations, compensation events and claims assessment.
- Ensure contractual entitlements are identified early, substantiated properly and managed proactively.
- Support dispute avoidance through early resolution, while leading formal dispute processes if required.
Commercial Governance & Risk Management
- Apply the companies commercial governance, approval thresholds and controls consistently across projects.
- Identify, manage and escalate commercial risks and opportunities through structured reporting and assurance to various stakeholders groups including Executive and Board-level.
- Ensure contracts and commercial decisions align with wider business risk appetite and strategic objectives.
- Contribute to continuous improvement of commercial templates, standards and ways of working.
Stakeholder Leadership & Mentoring
- Act as a trusted commercial partner to Project Managers and senior stakeholders.
- Provide guidance and mentoring to junior commercial team members and project staff.
- Influence delivery teams to adopt commercially disciplined, outcome‐focused behaviours.
- Represent the commercial function credibly within internal and external forums.
Key Performance Indicators (KPI's)
- Sub‐contracts agreed promptly with balanced, deliverable commercial terms
- Projects delivered within approved cost, margin and change controls
- Commercial risks identified early; minimal disputes and value leakage
Qualifications
- Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction, Engineering or similar
- Significant experience in senior commercial roles within energy, utilities, infrastructure or construction environments and ideally experience of heat networks
- Strong working knowledge of NEC and/or JCT contract forms and subcontract structures
- Proven experience managing subcontract negotiations, cost control, CVRs and final accounts
- Experience of mechanical & electrical engineering projects and contractors.
- Professional accreditation desirable (MRICS, MCIPS or equivalent)
Required Skills
- Commercially astute with strong judgement and decision‐making capability
- Confident negotiator with the ability to influence at senior levels
- Calm, structured and resilient under delivery pressure
- Clear, pragmatic communicator — able to translate contract detail into delivery reality
- Collaborative, firm but fair leadership style
Senior QS/Commercial Manager (M&E/District Heating) in England employer: Chronos Energy
Chronos Energy is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee growth and development within a dynamic work culture. With a focus on collaboration and professional relationships, we offer robust support for career advancement while ensuring a balanced work-life approach through flexible working arrangements. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and fosters a rewarding environment in the energy sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior QS/Commercial Manager (M&E/District Heating) in England
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; demonstrate your knowledge about their work in district heating and how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior QS/Commercial Manager, you’ll need to showcase your ability to negotiate contracts and manage costs. Role-play scenarios with friends or mentors to build confidence.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about their job search.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior QS/Commercial Manager (M&E/District Heating) in England
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior QS/Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in commercial leadership, contract management, and cost control, especially in energy or construction environments. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've worked on that relate to district heating or heat networks, and show us your passion for the industry.
Showcase Your Negotiation Skills:Since negotiation is key in this role, make sure to include examples of successful subcontract negotiations or contract management from your past experiences. We love seeing how you’ve safeguarded margins and managed risks effectively!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows us you're keen to join the StudySmarter team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Chronos Energy
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in NEC and JCT contract forms. Be prepared to discuss how you've successfully managed subcontract negotiations and final accounts in your previous roles. This will show that you understand the intricacies of contract management, which is crucial for the Senior QS/Commercial Manager position.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Be ready to provide examples of how you've identified and managed commercial risks in past projects. Discuss specific instances where your decisions led to cost savings or improved project delivery. This will demonstrate your ability to safeguard margins and manage risk effectively.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that ask how you would handle specific situations, such as negotiating a difficult subcontractor or managing a compensation event. Think through your approach and be ready to articulate your thought process clearly. This will highlight your problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
✨Emphasise Your Leadership Style
Since the role involves mentoring junior team members and influencing delivery teams, be prepared to discuss your leadership style. Share examples of how you've fostered collaboration and maintained strong relationships with stakeholders. This will show that you can lead effectively while protecting the company’s commercial interests.
