At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and manage contracts for engineering services.
- Company: Costain, a forward-thinking engineering firm with a diverse team.
- Benefits: Hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a team that values diverse perspectives and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment while driving innovation.
- Qualifications: Significant experience in commercial management and strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € per year.
Costain’s strong pipeline of work across the sectors in which we operate, alongside our strategic growth ambitions of being an engineering led business has given rise to a full time Senior Commercial Manager being required within our in-house Engineering Services team. You will be accountable for the management and continuous improvement of our contractual engagement and commercial governance systems across our engineering and design service offering, as well as the effective control of all commercial risks, liabilities, exposures, and opportunities to ensure business profitability. The role will report directly to the Group Director of Engineering Services and offers a hybrid working arrangement predominantly based in London, Manchester or Aberdeen.
At Costain, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need.
Responsibilities- Commercial Strategy & Leadership: Lead the commercial function for our Engineering Services team, establishing rigid processes for contract negotiation and set up and ensuring appropriate governance procedures are followed.
- Contract Management: Oversee the set up and execution of Internal Trading Agreements and Sub-contract Professional Services Agreements for the delivery of all in-house engineering and design services.
- Risk & Opportunity: Identify commercial risks and opportunities early in the project lifecycle, preventing unforeseen challenges and 'scope creep' to ensure smooth design delivery which is aligned to the agreed contractual mechanism and payment terms.
- Financial Reporting: Manage WIP (Work in Progress), monthly cost-value reconciliations (CVR), profit & margin management and internal cross-charging between the Engineering Services consultancy and Costain Sectors.
- Procurement: Oversee the selection, management and engagement with external 3rd party designers or sub-contractors required to facilitate engineering delivery, ensuring their terms are back-to-back with our primary obligations.
- Change Control: Rigorously manage the change process, ensuring that any variations in design scope are captured, costed, and approved.
- Sector Knowledge: Deep understanding of engineering design phases and cycles across the primary infrastructure sectors and how they impact large-scale construction projects.
- Continuous Improvement: Commitment to the development of new or improved commercial procedures, systems and processes aligned with Costain’s strategic objectives and growth ambitions.
- Significant experience in commercial management, ideally with a mix of consultancy (fee-based) and contracting (delivery-based) experience in the construction industry.
- Demonstrable financial and commercial acumen.
- A practical, strategic and innovative approach to problem-solving with strong analytical skills and ability to maintain a measured approach in a challenging and dynamic commercial environment.
- Excellent communication, negotiation and customer facing skills who can speak the language of both design engineers and sector side / site-based project managers.
- Proficient in technical minute taking at contractual meetings and able to demonstrate the ability to collate information and prepare financial reports, applications for payment etc.
- Understanding of commercial priorities and risks within a fee/rate based engineering consultancy service.
- Proficient in financial monitoring and reporting procedures including cost value reconciliation and profit & loss reporting.
- Proficient in developing & implementing procurement and contract strategies, and in drafting effective contractual correspondence.
- Proven team-working and team management skills demonstrating the ability to motivate, inspire, persuade and lead teams to deliver to or above target levels of performance.
- Demonstrable legal, contractual and construction knowledge and experience including NEC3/4.
- Proficient in implementing and delivering strategic objectives and associated change programmes.
- The ability to constantly improve and evolve as a commercial leader, taking account of and enabling company strategy and growth ambitions.
- Essential RICS / CICES accredited degree qualification.
- Full Membership of RICS or CICES.
Senior Commercial Manager in Manchester employer: Costain Group
Costain is an exceptional employer that champions innovation and diversity, fostering a collaborative work culture where every voice is valued. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer extensive training and development opportunities, alongside a hybrid working model that promotes work-life balance in vibrant locations like London, Manchester, and Aberdeen. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team dedicated to making a positive impact in the engineering sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or attend local 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; you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your unique skills and experiences align with the role of Senior Commercial Manager. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love hearing from passionate candidates like you!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the Senior Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in commercial management and any relevant projects you've worked on that align with the job description. We want to see how your unique skills can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how your background fits with our engineering services. Don’t forget to mention your understanding of commercial risks and opportunities—this is key for us!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your financial acumen and problem-solving skills. We love numbers, so if you’ve improved profitability or streamlined processes, let us know how you did it!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Costain Group
✨Know Your Commercial Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your commercial management knowledge, especially in the construction industry. Be ready to discuss your experience with contract negotiation and risk management, as these are key areas for the Senior Commercial Manager role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Prepare examples of how you've led teams and established processes in previous roles. Highlight your ability to motivate and inspire others, as well as your experience in managing change effectively within a commercial context.
✨Be Ready for Technical Questions
Expect questions that dive into your understanding of engineering design phases and how they impact large-scale projects. Brush up on NEC3/4 contracts and be prepared to discuss how you've navigated complex contractual situations in the past.
✨Demonstrate Continuous Improvement Mindset
Costain values innovation and improvement, so come prepared with ideas on how you can contribute to developing new commercial procedures or enhancing existing ones. Share specific examples from your past where you've successfully implemented improvements.
