Lead Commercial Manager - Contract in Reading

Position

Lead Commercial Manager – Large Scale Office Block

Location: Reading

Salary: £400 – £450

Contract Type: Contract

Project: £40m Large-Scale Office Block (JCT Design & Build)

Start Date: ASAP

A leading UK main contractor delivering high-value commercial refurbishment and design & build projects is seeking an experienced Lead Commercial Manager to oversee the commercial delivery of a major £40 million Large Scale Office Block in Reading. This is a key strategic role covering pre-construction, delivery, and final account.

Role Purpose

The Lead Commercial Manager will take full commercial ownership of a large-scale office block delivered under JCT Design & Build. Responsibilities include cost management, procurement, change control, supply chain management, commercial reporting, and contractual oversight. This role is suited to a commercially strong, detail-driven individual with experience delivering significant refurbishment projects for reputable main contractors.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Leadership & Governance

• Lead all commercial activity on a £40m office refurbishment project.
• Implement commercial controls, governance, and financial reporting processes.
• Drive margin protection and commercial risk mitigation.
• Provide strategic commercial input to the project and senior leadership teams.

Cost Management & Budget Control

• Lead cost plans, forecasts, cashflows, and overall budget management.
• Oversee procurement strategies, subcontract tendering, and package awards.
• Maintain cost certainty via proactive change control and value engineering.
• Deliver accurate monthly CVRs and commercial progress reports.

Contract Administration

• Administer all commercial duties under JCT D&B.
• Manage payment applications, variations, compensation events, and claims.
• Lead final account negotiations and subcontract settlement.
• Recognise and mitigate contractual and commercial risks early.

Stakeholder & Client Engagement

• Act as the primary commercial contact for the client, PM, and consultants.
• Attend and lead commercial sections in progress, design, and coordination meetings.
• Build strong working relationships to support smooth project delivery.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Commercial Manager or Senior Quantity Surveyor within a main contractor.
• Proven commercial leadership on large-scale office refurbishment projects, ideally £50m+.
• Strong background in JCT Design & Build contract administration.
• Experience delivering complex refurbishment and structural alteration packages.
• Excellent negotiation, commercial reporting, and risk management abilities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or similar (RICS beneficial).
• Experience on office CAT A/CAT B refurbishment schemes.
• Understanding of complex MEP and structural refurbishment interfaces.

What This Role Offers

• Lead the commercial function on a landmark £40m refurbishment in Reading.
• Competitive package: £90k-£110k + benefits.
• Strategic role with influence over commercial direction and project outcome.
• Long-term opportunity with a respected main contractor.
• Career progression into senior commercial leadership.

For an experienced Lead Commercial Manager seeking a role with greater responsibility, autonomy, and long-term growth, this opportunity offers the platform to elevate your career. Interested in discussing a strategic move? Forward your CV to .