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 team with genuine career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects that shape communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management or quantity surveying within infrastructure.
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. 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Senior Commercial Manager/SQS – Aviation Sector – London & South East employer: CPC Project Services LLP
At CPC Project Services, we pride ourselves on being an employer that truly values its people, fostering a culture of ownership and collaboration. With a focus on employee growth and development, we offer a range of benefits including private healthcare, hybrid working options, and support for professional memberships, all while working on impactful aviation infrastructure projects in the vibrant London and South East region. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team where your contributions are recognised and your career can flourish.
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, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Senior Commercial Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching CPC Project Services inside out. Understand their projects, values, and culture. This will help you tailor your responses and show them you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise! Bring examples of your past work to interviews, especially those related to aviation and infrastructure. Highlight how your experience can directly contribute to their ambitious goals.
✨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 serious about joining CPC and contributing to their impactful projects.
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 reflects the skills and experiences that are relevant to the Senior Commercial Manager/SQS role. Highlight your background in aviation and infrastructure, and don’t forget to showcase your achievements in cost management and contract administration.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about the aviation sector and how your experience aligns with our mission at CPC Project Services. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills:In your application, emphasise your ability to manage relationships with clients and stakeholders. We want to see examples of how you've influenced project outcomes and navigated complex environments in your previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother 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 cost management, contract administration, and commercial negotiations. Be ready to provide specific examples of how you've successfully managed complex projects and delivered value, especially in high-pressure environments.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
CPC is looking for someone who can lead and mentor junior team members. Think of instances where you've taken charge or guided others, and be prepared to share these stories during your interview to highlight your leadership capabilities.
✨Engage with Stakeholders
Since strong stakeholder management is key, come equipped with examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with various stakeholders. This will demonstrate your ability to navigate complex delivery environments and ensure project success.