At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial delivery of major aviation infrastructure projects and manage complex stakeholder environments.
- Company: CPC Project Services, an award-winning independent consultancy with a people-first culture.
- Benefits: Private healthcare, hybrid working, travel insurance, and support for professional development.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with excellent career growth opportunities and a commitment to diversity.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects that shape the future of UK transport hubs.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management or quantity surveying within infrastructure, especially aviation.
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.
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
At CPC Project Services, we offer more than just a competitive salary — we provide a benefits package designed to support you inside and outside of work:
- 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
We also believe great work deserves recognition. That’s why we offer a personal performance bonus and annual salary reviews, ensuring your contribution is recognised as we grow together.
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.
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.
Aviation Infrastructure Commercial Lead employer: CPC Project Services
At CPC Project Services, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture that prioritises employee ownership and growth. With a focus on delivering impactful aviation infrastructure projects across London and the South East, our team enjoys hybrid working arrangements, comprehensive benefits including private healthcare, and opportunities for professional development, all while contributing to projects that enhance communities and transport hubs. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking environment where your contributions are valued and recognised.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Aviation Infrastructure Commercial Lead
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the aviation infrastructure sector. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research CPC Project Services and understand their projects and values. Think about how your experience aligns with their needs, especially in aviation and infrastructure. Practice common interview questions and be ready to showcase your expertise.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills through real-life examples. When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, share specific instances where you’ve successfully managed complex projects or navigated challenging stakeholder environments. This will help them see the value you bring!
✨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 Project Services and being part of their exciting journey in aviation infrastructure.
We think you need these skills to ace Aviation Infrastructure Commercial Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in aviation infrastructure and commercial management. We want to see how your skills align with the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant projects you've worked on!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your experience, focus on specific achievements rather than just listing responsibilities. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve made a difference in previous roles — we love seeing tangible results!
Be Authentic:Let your personality shine through in your application. We’re looking for someone who fits our culture of ownership and motivation, so don’t be afraid to express your passion for the industry and what drives you.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you get the best chance to showcase your talents to our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at CPC Project Services
✨Know Your Aviation Infrastructure
Make sure you brush up on the latest trends and challenges in aviation infrastructure. Familiarise yourself with key projects CPC has been involved in, and be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their goals. This shows genuine interest and helps you stand out.
✨Master the NEC Contracts
Since a strong working knowledge of NEC contracts is essential for this role, take some time to review the key principles and recent changes. Be prepared to discuss how you've applied these contracts in your previous roles, as this will demonstrate your expertise and readiness for the position.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
This role requires strong stakeholder management skills, so think of specific examples where you've successfully navigated complex relationships. Prepare to share stories that highlight your ability to influence outcomes and manage expectations effectively.
✨Prepare for Commercial Challenges
Expect questions around cost management, forecasting, and commercial negotiations. Have examples ready that showcase your problem-solving skills and how you've tackled challenges in past projects. This will illustrate your capability to handle the demands of high-profile infrastructure programmes.
