Commercial Manager

Gardiner & Theobald is an independent construction and property consultancy that provides Cost Management, Project Management, and Specialist Consultancy services.

We are looking for a Commercial Manager to support the growth of the business and deliver world‑class service to a diverse client base. The role involves working across a variety of sectors with a focus on large‑scale infrastructure and the energy sector. You will report to senior leadership and work on high‑profile projects.

Your responsibilities include:

• Contract Management
  • Demonstrable experience administering and managing contracts under NEC forms of contract.
  • Form a strong working relationship with the client Leadership Team whereby good cost advice is afforded for any project related issue.
  • Manage the issuance of contractual correspondence in a timely manner within the agreed governance parameters.
  • Preparing and recommending payment notices and / or pay less notices.
  • Evaluating (time and / or cost) change control procedures (variations, claims, force majeure events, etc.).
  • Leading the participation in dispute avoidance (negotiation) and / or resolution (adjudication, etc.).
  • Implementing / maintaining a robust system for the provision of all contractual‑based records.
• Cost Management
  • Advising on cost‑related matters in keeping with the client’s reporting procedures.
  • Preparing and maintaining the CBS and WBS and supervising / updating any Changes to the Agreed Baseline Programme.
  • Adhering to the management and administration of project‑related change.
  • Advising on the validity of potential Change Order costs and agreeing these as the work proceeds.
  • Inputting into the assessment of earned value metrics (CPI and SPI).
  • Preparation and issuance of project and contract‑based cost forecasts, liabilities and accruals.
  • Implementing / maintaining a robust system for the provision of all cost‑based records.
  • Assessing the validity of any Contractor claims both in terms of entitlement and quantum.
• Estimating
  • Providing estimating advice and support to the client in keeping with best industry practice.
  • Preparing of and / or assuring estimates and / or cost plans.
  • Drafting unambiguous assumptions and exclusions associated with individual estimates.
  • Supervision of the measuring and quantifying scope from drawings and specifications.
  • Undertaking value engineering exercises with the wider project team.
  • Advising on benchmarks and qualifying the same as required.
• Planning & Reporting
  • Supervising and issuance of all programme‑related correspondence to protect the project interests.
  • Reporting periodically on all commercial‑based KPI’s or SLA’s in an accurate and robust manner.
  • Ensuring commercial matters are managed within agreed governance parameters.
  • Inputting into the assessment of earned value metrics (CPI and SPI) and input into monthly dashboards.
  • Advising on the commercial implications of potential time‑based mitigation measures.
  • Implementing / maintaining a robust system for the provision of all planning‑based records.
  • An understanding of project governance frameworks, assurance processes and reporting requirements, including the ability to operate effectively within structured client governance arrangements.
• Procurement & Tendering
  • Advising on regulated and unregulated tender events in keeping with best industry practice.
  • Ensure Non‑Disclosure Agreements are concluded and any amendments are agreed with client and G&T legal team.
  • Agreeing the Tender Evaluation technical /commercial weighting and scoring matrix with the client prior issuance of ITT.
  • Preparing procurement and contract strategies to satisfy the client’s requirements.
  • Issuing robust but concise commercial‑related elements of tender documentation.
  • Leading the Management of tender clarifications and queries in tandem with the wider project team.
  • Leading the evaluation of tender returns in compliance with the predetermined evaluation criteria.
  • Issuance of periodic tender reports, from ITT, Tender Returns and qualifications and Final Recommendation Report.
  • Preparing Contract Award Documentation whilst minimising the risk of challenge by unsuccessful tenderers.
• Risk Management
  • Identifying the top 10 risks on the project and their potential cost and time impact (periodic updates).
  • Providing risk‑related advice and support to the client in keeping with best industry practice.
  • Liaising with the wider project team to support the risk management process.
  • Reviewing of commercial elements of risk registers at regular intervals.
  • Measuring and quantifying risks in keeping with project‑related requirements.
  • Leading the managing and administering contractual risk workshops recording acceptance / mitigation measures and implementing Change Control procedures as applicable after client approval.
  • Implementing / maintaining a robust system for the provision of all risk‑based records.

Location: Please note that this role will be centered in the London office but travel to client offices will be required with an anticipated 3 days a week at either client offices or site, subject to client requirements. Client sites may be located across the UK.

About You:

• Degree qualified, ideally within a construction related discipline.
• MRICS accreditation is preferred, but not essential. We will support the training programme required to gain your further professional qualification.
• Experience in leading large scale infrastructure projects, ideally within the energy and utility sector.
• Possess both pre and post contract experience.
• Experience of working under construction contract terms and conditions, preferably NEC or similar.
• Practical experience on infrastructure projects, Enabling Works for large scale projects would be an advantage.
• Have previous experience within a consultancy environment.
• A proven ability to work on own initiative to meet project deliverables.
• A strategic thinker with an ability of broad problem‑solving skills.
• Experience working in a client focused environment with a personal commitment to the delivery of excellent client service.
• Possess a positive attitude with a willingness to get involved in business wide initiatives.
• Be proficient in Microsoft platforms, especially Excel, Word, Powerproject and EDMS systems etc.
• Ability to perform as a team player working closely with internal teams, the client, and other project team players to ensure effective communication and coordination.
• Possess a driven mindset to manage facilitate timely issuance of reports and other deliverables.
• Experience with CostX or similar quantification platforms.