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, flexible working, performance bonuses, and professional development support.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with genuine career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects that shape communities across the UK.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management or quantity surveying within infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Transport & Infrastructure Team
Aviation Infrastructure
London & South East | Hybrid Working
Small enough to care, big enough to deliver
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
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)
- Private pension scheme
- 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.
Polite Notice to Recruitment Agencies
We are not seeking external recruitment support at this time. Speculative CVs will not be considered, and we kindly ask that you do not approach our employees directly.
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.
Senior Commercial Manager employer: CPC Project Services
CPC Project Services is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee ownership and development, fostering a culture of pride and motivation. With a focus on impactful infrastructure projects across London and the South East, employees benefit from hybrid working, comprehensive healthcare, and ongoing training opportunities, all while contributing to significant community enhancements. Join us to be part of a collaborative team where your expertise will shape the future of aviation infrastructure and your career progression is genuinely supported.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Senior Commercial Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching CPC Project Services inside out. Understand their projects, values, and culture. We want to see you shine and show how your experience aligns perfectly with their mission in aviation infrastructure.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to articulate your experience in managing complex projects and leading teams. We’re looking for someone who can confidently discuss their commercial strategies and how they’ve driven success in previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way. It shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. We’re all about making connections that last!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Senior Commercial Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in aviation, rail, or utilities, and show us how your skills align with our needs.
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; we want to see your impact! Use specific examples of projects you've led or contributed to, especially those that demonstrate your ability to manage complex commercial activities.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and ensure your key points stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’re a great fit for our team.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates about the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at CPC Project Services
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of NEC contracts and the aviation sector. Familiarise yourself with recent projects CPC has undertaken, especially in transport and infrastructure. This will show that you're genuinely interested and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Commercial Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to lead teams and influence project outcomes. Prepare examples from your past experiences where you've successfully managed complex projects or mentored junior team members. This will highlight your capability to take charge.
✨Prepare for Stakeholder Management Questions
Expect questions about how you handle stakeholder relationships. Think of specific instances where you've navigated complex stakeholder environments or resolved disputes. Being able to articulate these experiences will showcase your strong communication and negotiation skills.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
At the end of the interview, don’t shy away from asking questions. Inquire about CPC's future projects in aviation infrastructure or their approach to mentoring within the team. This not only shows your interest but also helps you gauge if the company culture aligns with your career goals.
