Senior Commercial Manager in Manchester

Senior Commercial Manager in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 55000 - 70000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
First Technical Recruitment

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead commercial strategy on major EPC infrastructure projects in the power sector.
  • Company: Join a leading firm focused on energy infrastructure with a commitment to diversity.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, annual bonus, and flexible working options.
  • Other info: Opportunity for ongoing training and development in a dynamic environment.
  • Why this job: Make a significant impact on high-value projects while advancing your career.
  • Qualifications: 10+ years in commercial management with strong leadership and negotiation skills.

The predicted salary is between 55000 - 70000 £ per year.

Location: Locations across the UK - Manchester, Glasgow, London, Birmingham (flexible base location with travel to offices and project sites as required)

Employment Type: Permanent, Staff Role

Package: Competitive salary + car allowance + annual bonus + benefits

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Manager to lead the commercial function across major EPC infrastructure projects within the power transmission and substation sector. This is a senior leadership role responsible for driving commercial performance, protecting project margins, managing contractual risk, and leading all aspects of change, claims, and contract administration across the full project lifecycle from tendering through to final account close out. You will work closely with project delivery, engineering, procurement, and senior leadership teams, providing strategic commercial direction on high-value, complex infrastructure projects.

Key Responsibilities

  • Lead commercial strategy across multiple EPC projects
  • Manage contract administration, negotiation, and compliance (NEC / FIDIC / EPC contracts)
  • Oversee variations, claims, extensions of time, and dispute resolution
  • Drive project profitability, cost control, forecasting, and cash management
  • Identify, assess, and mitigate commercial and contractual risks
  • Support procurement strategy and subcontract negotiations
  • Provide commercial input into bids and major tenders
  • Lead and develop commercial teams and support senior stakeholders

About You

  • Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Law, Engineering or similar
  • 10+ years' commercial experience in EPC, infrastructure, utilities or energy sectors
  • Previous substation or high-voltage infrastructure experience is highly desirable
  • Strong knowledge of NEC / FIDIC / EPC contract forms
  • Proven experience managing major projects (£50m–£500m+)
  • Strong background in claims, variations, and dispute avoidance
  • Ideally professionally qualified (MRICS / MCICES / MCIArb or equivalent)
  • Strong leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills

What's on Offer

  • Competitive base salary
  • Annual performance-related bonus
  • Car allowance
  • Pension scheme
  • Private medical insurance
  • Life assurance
  • Hybrid and flexible working arrangements (role dependent)
  • 25+ days annual leave plus bank holidays
  • Ongoing training, development, and professional membership support
  • Opportunity to work on major UK and international energy infrastructure projects

If you're looking for a senior commercial leadership role within complex EPC infrastructure projects, we'd be keen to hear from you. Apply directly or reach out for a confidential discussion.

Company information

At First Recruitment Group we understand just how important it is to secure the right people. That is why our Recruitment Consultants always take the time to understand requirements in detail and offer sound advice to both clients and candidates. We actively recruit at all levels and this is a superb opportunity for a Senior Commercial Manager looking for new employment. As part of putting people first, we strive to be an equal opportunities employer and we are always looking to increase the diversity of our workforce, working closely with our clients to ensure everyone is included.

Senior Commercial Manager in Manchester employer: First Technical Recruitment

At First Recruitment Group, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation across major EPC infrastructure projects. With competitive salaries, flexible working arrangements, and a strong commitment to employee development, we provide our team with the tools and opportunities to thrive in their careers while contributing to impactful energy solutions across the UK. Join us to be part of a diverse workforce where your expertise will drive meaningful change in the power transmission sector.

First Technical Recruitment

Contact Details:

First Technical Recruitment Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager in Manchester

Join Construction Networks

Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!

Show Off Your Skills on Site

If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.

Utilise Construction Job Sites

Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like First Technical Recruitment, to express your interest!

Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles

Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Senior Commercial Manager at First Technical Recruitment.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager in Manchester

Commercial Strategy Development
Contract Administration
Negotiation Skills
Compliance Management
Risk Assessment and Mitigation
Cost Control
Forecasting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.

Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.

Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.

Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.

How to prepare for a job interview at First Technical Recruitment

Brush Up on Technical Knowledge

For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.

Showcase Your Projects

Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.

Understand the Team Dynamics

Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.

Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving

Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!