At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and influence major infrastructure projects from pre-construction to delivery.
- Company: One of Scotland's leading civil engineering contractors with a collaborative culture.
- Benefits: Excellent salary, company car, bonus, and comprehensive benefits.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team where your ideas can make a real impact.
- Why this job: Shape the future of major projects and leave a lasting legacy in the industry.
- Qualifications: Significant commercial leadership experience and strong knowledge of NEC contracts.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to step into one of the most influential commercial leadership roles within one of Scotland's leading civil engineering contractors. Working directly with the Board and senior operational leaders, you will help shape how major infrastructure and energy projects are procured, negotiated and commercially governed—from pre-construction through to delivery.
This isn't a role focused on managing a quantity surveying team or overseeing the commercial delivery of a single project. Instead, it's an opportunity for someone who enjoys solving commercial problems, influencing strategic decisions and ensuring projects are established on the strongest possible commercial and contractual footing before work even begins.
Why this role is different: Unlike many senior commercial appointments, this role is centred around the front end of projects. Rather than becoming immersed in the commercial management of one scheme, you will help shape how multiple major infrastructure and energy projects are commercially structured, procured and delivered across the business.
Your influence will extend across:
- Commercial strategy
- Contract negotiation
- Procurement approach
- Commercial governance
- Risk allocation
- Major business decisions
You will join a collaborative leadership team where commercial, operational and estimating functions work together rather than in silos, creating an environment where practical thinking, experience and sound judgement are genuinely valued.
The Opportunity: As one of the business's senior commercial leaders, you will become a trusted adviser to Directors and operational teams, providing commercial leadership across a diverse portfolio of major infrastructure and energy projects.
Key responsibilities include:
- Providing strategic commercial leadership across multiple projects.
- Leading commercial input into tender strategy, procurement and project mobilisation.
- Reviewing, negotiating and advising on NEC, FIDIC and SBCC contracts.
- Identifying commercial and contractual risks and advising on mitigation strategies.
- Supporting bids and pre-construction activities to ensure projects are established on the strongest possible footing.
- Leading commercial negotiations with clients, subcontractors and supply chain partners.
- Strengthening commercial governance, systems and best practice across the business.
- Supporting claims strategy, change management and dispute avoidance.
- Coaching and mentoring colleagues to further develop commercial capability across the organisation.
This is a position where your judgement, commercial insight and experience will directly influence decisions at the highest level.
Who we are looking for: We are interested in experience, commercial judgement and credibility—not job titles. You may currently be working as a:
- Commercial Manager
- Senior Commercial Manager
- Senior Quantity Surveyor
- Managing Quantity Surveyor
- Head of Commercial
- Commercial Director
- Pre-Construction Commercial Manager
- Pre-Construction Manager with significant commercial responsibility
- Commercial Risk or Contracts Specialist within a major contractor
You will most likely have built your career within civil engineering, infrastructure, utilities or major construction. You will bring:
- Significant commercial leadership experience within a contractor environment.
- Strong knowledge of NEC contracts together with FIDIC and/or SBCC.
- Experience supporting pre-construction, major bids and commercial strategy.
- Excellent contractual negotiation and commercial risk management skills.
- The ability to influence senior stakeholders and build trusted relationships across commercial and operational teams.
- A collaborative leadership style with the confidence to challenge constructively and support informed commercial decision-making.
Why join? This is an opportunity to do far more than simply change jobs. You will have the chance to:
- Work directly alongside senior decision-makers.
- Influence commercial governance across one of Scotland's leading civil engineering contractors.
- Support nationally significant infrastructure and energy projects.
- Enjoy genuine autonomy and see your ideas translated into action.
- Help develop commercial capability across the wider business.
- Join a collaborative leadership team where practical thinking and long-term relationships matter.
Senior opportunities offering this level of influence rarely come to market. If you are looking for a role where your commercial experience will genuinely shape the future of a business, we would love to hear from you.
Senior Commercial Manager - Pre-Construction (Head of Contracts) in Glasgow employer: CONTRACT SCOTLAND LIMITED
As a Social Value Coordinator in North Lanarkshire, you'll be part of a dynamic team dedicated to making a positive impact in local communities. Our company fosters a collaborative work culture that values diversity and encourages professional growth through various training programmes and community initiatives. With a focus on meaningful engagement and support for local stakeholders, this role offers a unique opportunity to contribute to social value while developing your career in a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager - Pre-Construction (Head of Contracts) in Glasgow
✨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 CONTRACT SCOTLAND LIMITED, 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 Senior Commercial Manager - Pre-Construction (Head of Contracts) at CONTRACT SCOTLAND LIMITED.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager - Pre-Construction (Head of Contracts) in Glasgow
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 CONTRACT SCOTLAND LIMITED
✨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!
