Commercial Manager - Construction

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to lead and manage all commercial and contractual aspects of our construction projects delivered under NEC4. This role will ensure value for money, commercial control, and full compliance with contractual terms and corporate governance from pre-contract through to project closeout. You will act as a key member of the construction leadership team, driving commercial discipline, managing risk, and supporting the successful delivery of our project portfolio.

Key Responsibilities

• Commercial Leadership & Contract Management
  • Lead all commercial and planning aspects across the construction department’s projects.
  • Ensure proactive administration of NEC3/NEC4 contracts throughout their lifecycle, including early warnings (EWN), compensation events (CEs), applications for payment, variations and final accounts.
  • Maintain robust commercial records including contracts, notices, valuations, correspondence, and change logs.
  • Ensure strict commercial compliance with contract terms, company policies, governance frameworks and public-procurement rules (where applicable).
• Pre-Contract, Procurement & Cost Control
  • Support pre-contract activities including tendering, procurement and programme planning.
  • Monitor and report on cost performance: earned value, forecasting, budget vs actual, change control, cost variances, and risk/opportunity management.
  • Provide clear, accurate monthly or periodic commercial reports for clients and senior leadership.
• Stakeholder Engagement & Leadership
  • Provide strong commercial leadership, communicating effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
  • Interface with clients, contractors, subcontractors, and internal teams (cost, planning, legal, procurement, finance) to ensure aligned commercial outcomes.
  • Negotiate final accounts and settlements, ensuring lessons learned are captured.
  • Coach, mentor and support junior commercial staff, fostering a culture of commercial awareness across the department.
• Risk, Quality & Performance
  • Identify, evaluate and manage commercial risks and opportunities, feeding into the project risk register and driving mitigation strategies.
  • In partnership with the Construction Operations Manager, monitor progress, quality and commercial compliance through to project completion.
  • Lead and support commercial meetings with clients and subcontractors, assigning tasks and monitoring performance outputs.

Qualifications Required

• Degree (or equivalent) in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Business or a related field.
• Professional membership (desirable) such as RICS, CIPS, AACE or similar.
• Accreditation in NEC contracting or commercial management highly advantageous.

Skills & Experience

• 5+ years’ proven experience in commercial or contract management on construction projects using NEC3/NEC4.
• Strong understanding of NEC processes: EWN, CEs, option selections, and contractual obligations.
• Experience across the full project lifecycle, from pre-contract to final account.
• Strong financial and commercial acumen with the ability to interpret and present cost reports and forecasts.
• Excellent negotiation, communication and influencing skills.
• Strong contract administration, attention to detail, and analytical capability.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in complex, fast-paced environments.
• Proficiency with commercial/contract management software and MS Office; experience with cost/measurement tools desirable.
• Leadership ability with experience guiding teams and developing junior staff.
• Business-orientated mindset focused on value for money and commercial optimisation.

Why This Role is Needed

• To ensure full contractual and commercial compliance across our project portfolio.
• To provide accurate, timely reporting to senior leadership.
• To strengthen commercial capability and develop junior team members.
• To enhance commercial awareness within the construction department.
• To support the compliant and structured growth of the department.

Remuneration & Benefits

• Salary starting from £60,000 per annum (based on experience)
• 37.5 hours per week, Permanent full-time role
• Office-based with hybrid working opportunities
• 25 days annual leave
• Private Medical Cover
• Life Cover (3.5x salary)
• Pension Plan
• Work related UK and international travel, accommodation, and subsistence expenses are fully reimbursed in accordance with company policy
• Plus various salary sacrifice schemes and other life wellbeing platforms (i.e. YuLife, electric vehicle and electric bike schemes)