At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead major infrastructure projects in aviation, rail, and transport sectors.
- Company: Award-winning, employee-owned Project Management and Cost Consultancy.
- Benefits: Private healthcare, hybrid working, travel insurance, and performance bonuses.
- Other info: Join a supportive culture focused on growth and career development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects that shape communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management within infrastructure and strong stakeholder skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
At CPC Project Services, we’re an award-winning, independent Project Management and Cost Consultancy with over 36 years’ experience delivering high-quality projects across infrastructure, property, and transformational change. Becoming employee-owned in 2024, we’ve placed our people at the heart of everything we do. Our culture is built on ownership, pride, and genuine motivation — creating an environment where you can grow, be recognised for your contributions, and genuinely help shape the future of the business, all while enjoying long‑term stability and support.
With a clear ambition to reach £100m turnover by 2033, this is an exciting time to join our expanding Transport & Infrastructure team and play a key role in delivering projects that make a real difference to communities across the UK.
The Opportunity
We are seeking experienced Senior Commercial Managers / Senior Quantity Surveyors with backgrounds across aviation, rail, heavy civils, utilities, transport, and highways to join our high-performing Commercial Services team. You’ll work closely with the Partner and Senior management, taking a leading role in delivering complex, high-profile infrastructure programmes — with an initial focus on the fast-paced and technically demanding aviation sector.
This is not just another SCM/SQS role. It’s an opportunity to step into a collaborative, forward-thinking environment where your expertise will directly influence the successful delivery of nationally significant infrastructure projects — and where your career progression is genuinely supported, not just talked about.
Aviation Infrastructure Focus
You’ll be part of major aviation infrastructure programmes helping to shape and modernise some of the UK’s busiest transport hubs across London and the South East. Ongoing investment is driving a wide range of complex works, including terminal upgrades, operational improvements, sustainability initiatives, airside enhancements, passenger experience schemes, and wider transport connectivity projects.
These environments offer something genuinely different:
- Fast-paced live operational projects
- Complex stakeholder and delivery environments
- High-profile, multi-million-pound investment programmes
- Technically challenging project delivery
- Exposure across both pre- and post-contract commercial activities
For those looking to move beyond traditional construction, aviation infrastructure offers the chance to work on schemes that directly impact millions of passengers every year, within highly regulated and safety-critical environments. At CPC, our Transport & Infrastructure teams support major aviation, rail, highways and utilities programmes — delivering projects that leave a lasting legacy. You’ll gain exposure to diverse, high-profile schemes, collaborative delivery teams, and work that genuinely accelerates long-term career development.
If you’re looking for more variety, greater complexity, and the opportunity to work on landmark infrastructure programmes across London and the South East, this could be the opportunity for you.
Key Responsibilities
- Take a lead role in the commercial delivery of major infrastructure projects across aviation, rail, highways, transport, and utilities
- Provide senior oversight of cost management, commercial strategy, and contract administration across complex programmes
- Lead the preparation, review, and challenge of cost plans, forecasts, and monthly financial reporting
- Own and drive change control processes, variation assessments, and commercial negotiations
- Provide strategic input into procurement strategy, including leading tender preparation, evaluation, and award recommendations
- Act as a senior administrator of NEC contracts (and/or standard forms), ensuring robust contractual compliance and governance
- Lead cash flow forecasting, cost reconciliation, and overall financial performance reporting
- Provide high-level commercial advice and challenge to clients, stakeholders, and project teams
- Identify and manage risk, value engineering opportunities, and commercial opportunities across project portfolios
- Ensure strong contract administration processes are implemented and maintained across all projects
- Work collaboratively within embedded client teams, acting as a key senior commercial interface
- Support and lead dispute avoidance, negotiation, and resolution activities where required
- Mentor, guide, and support junior members of the commercial team, contributing to capability development within the business
- Contribute to best practice development and continuous improvement across the Commercial Services function
Experience Required
- Proven experience at Senior Quantity Surveyor or Senior Commercial Manager level within infrastructure
- Strong background across aviation, rail, highways, transport, and/or utilities
- Experience delivering both pre- and post-contract commercial services on complex projects
- Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts (essential) and/or Network Rail forms
- Proven ability in cost management, forecasting, reporting, and commercial controls
- Experience managing procurement, tendering, and commercial negotiations
- Strong stakeholder management skills with client‑facing experience
- Ability to lead within embedded teams and influence project outcomes
- Experience mentoring junior team members (desirable)
- Consultancy or client-side infrastructure experience preferred
Benefits
- Private healthcare for you and your family (including dental and optical)
- Hybrid and flexible working
- Travel insurance (including winter sports) for you, your partner, and dependants
- Support with professional memberships and ongoing training
- Personal performance bonus and annual salary reviews
Diversity & Inclusion
CPC is an equal opportunities employer and a Disability Confident employer. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and are committed to providing an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive and develop.
Eligibility to work in the UK
Applicants must be eligible to work in the United Kingdom.
Ready to take the next step?
If you’re looking for a role where you’ll be trusted with real responsibility, given autonomy to lead, and genuinely supported to progress rather than wait for it — we’d love to hear from you. Apply now or get in touch for a confidential conversation to explore whether this could be the right move for you. Contact us to discuss how you can contribute to CPC’s impactful projects.
Senior Commercial Manager/SQS – Aviation Sector – London & South East employer: CPC Project Services LLP
CPC Project Services is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee ownership and fosters a culture of collaboration, pride, and motivation. With a commitment to professional growth and a focus on delivering impactful infrastructure projects across London and the South East, employees enjoy a supportive environment with benefits like private healthcare, flexible working, and opportunities for continuous training. Joining CPC means being part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and offers a chance to shape the future of significant aviation and transport initiatives.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager/SQS – Aviation Sector – London & South East
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, especially those in aviation and infrastructure. Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy to reach out for a chat. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching CPC Project Services thoroughly. Understand their projects, values, and culture. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in delivering high-profile infrastructure programmes.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your past work that highlight your skills in cost management and commercial strategy. Be ready to discuss how you’ve tackled challenges in previous roles, particularly in complex environments like aviation.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining CPC and contributing to impactful projects across the UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager/SQS – Aviation Sector – London & South East
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Commercial Manager/SQS role. Highlight your experience in aviation and infrastructure, and don’t forget to showcase your skills in cost management and contract administration.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the aviation sector and how your background aligns with CPC’s mission. Keep it engaging and personal — we want to see your personality!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your impact in previous roles. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you’ve successfully managed complex projects and driven results.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly 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!
How to prepare for a job interview at CPC Project Services LLP
✨Know Your Aviation Stuff
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in the aviation sector. Familiarise yourself with major projects and initiatives that CPC Project Services is involved in, as this will show your genuine interest and understanding of the industry.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to discuss your experience with NEC contracts and how you've successfully managed cost controls and commercial negotiations in past roles. Be ready to provide specific examples that highlight your ability to lead complex projects and deliver results.
✨Demonstrate Stakeholder Management Skills
Think of instances where you've effectively managed relationships with clients and stakeholders. Highlight your communication skills and how you've navigated challenging situations to achieve project goals, as this is crucial for the role.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about CPC's future projects and their approach to sustainability and innovation in aviation infrastructure. This not only shows your enthusiasm but also helps you gauge if the company aligns with your career aspirations.
