At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead and develop the commercial function for high-quality infrastructure projects.
- Company: Respected civil engineering contractor known for innovation and technical excellence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car, pension scheme, and secure workload.
- Other info: Join a supportive leadership team and work on high-profile projects.
- Why this job: Shape the future of commercial management in a growing contractor with impactful projects.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial management within heavy civils or complex infrastructure.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
You will be joining a well-established and highly respected civil engineering contractor based in Coventry, recognised for delivering high-quality infrastructure projects across the UK. Working on critical schemes within multiple heavy civils sectors, this contractor has built a strong reputation for technical excellence, innovation and safe delivery in challenging ground conditions. With a strong order book and a clear growth strategy, they are actively seeking a Senior Commercial Manager to take overall responsibility for leading and developing their commercial function. This is a full-time permanent position based out of their Coventry office.
As Senior Commercial Manager, you will provide strategic leadership across the commercial team, taking ownership of all commercial, contractual and financial aspects of the business's project portfolio. Sitting at senior management level, this role will be pivotal in protecting margin, managing risk and supporting sustainable growth across heavy civils projects.
- Leading, mentoring and developing the commercial team
- Full commercial governance across multiple heavy civils projects
- Oversight of NEC and bespoke contracts, including change control and claims strategy
- Commercial input to tenders, pre‑construction planning and risk management
- Managing client relationships at senior level and leading commercial negotiations
- Supporting the Managing Director with business strategy and commercial decision-making
- Ensuring robust commercial processes, controls and reporting are embedded across the business.
This is a senior leadership role offering real influence over how projects are priced, managed and delivered.
Proven experience as a Senior Commercial Manager or Commercial Manager within heavy civils or complex infrastructure
- Expert knowledge of NEC contracts and commercial best practice
- Demonstrated experience leading and developing commercial teams
- Excellent commercial judgment and risk management capability
- Full UK driving licence.
Competitive salary reflecting experience and responsibility
- Company car (with fuel card) or car allowance
- Annual leave entitlement
- Company pension scheme
- Long-term, secure workload within a well-established business
- Supportive senior leadership team with strong technical and commercial expertise
- Exposure to high-profile and rewarding projects
- Opportunity to shape and lead the commercial function of a growing contractor and more.
Please note - this contractor does not hold a licence for sponsored work visas.
Senior Commercial Manager - Works in Coventry employer: Hays
Contact Detail:
Hays Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager - Works in Coventry
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent achievements, so you can show how your experience aligns with their goals. This will help you stand out as a candidate who truly gets them.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Commercial Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to manage client relationships and lead negotiations. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! We make it easy for you to showcase your skills and experience directly to the hiring team. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining us and helps you get noticed faster.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager - Works in Coventry
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your experience in heavy civils and commercial management. Use keywords from the job description to show that you understand what we're looking for.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter should tell us why you're the perfect fit for the Senior Commercial Manager role. Share specific examples of your past successes and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: Since this role involves leading and developing a commercial team, be sure to emphasise your leadership experience. Talk about how you've mentored others and driven successful outcomes in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly and shows us you're serious about joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Hays
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you have a solid understanding of NEC contracts and any bespoke agreements relevant to the role. Brush up on key clauses, change control processes, and claims strategies. This will not only show your expertise but also demonstrate your readiness to tackle the commercial challenges head-on.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Senior Commercial Manager, you'll be leading a team, so be prepared to discuss your experience in mentoring and developing others. Share specific examples of how you've successfully led teams in the past, highlighting your approach to fostering collaboration and driving results.
✨Prepare for Commercial Negotiations
Expect questions around managing client relationships and leading negotiations. Think of scenarios where you've navigated complex discussions or resolved conflicts. Being able to articulate your negotiation strategy will set you apart as a candidate who can protect margins and manage risks effectively.
✨Align with the Company’s Growth Strategy
Research the contractor's current projects and growth plans. Be ready to discuss how your skills and experience align with their strategic goals. Showing that you understand their vision and can contribute to sustainable growth will make a strong impression during the interview.