At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial performance for a £100m portfolio, driving results and developing high-performing teams.
- Company: Join Murphy, a leading engineering and construction company with a global presence.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Be part of a collaborative team dedicated to delivering world-class infrastructure solutions.
- Why this job: Shape the future of infrastructure while making impactful commercial decisions.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in commercial leadership within construction or infrastructure sectors.
Murphy is a leading international, specialist engineering and construction company founded in 1951 with a purpose to improve life by delivering world-class infrastructure. Operating in the United Kingdom, Ireland, Canada and America, Murphy provides better engineered solutions to infrastructure sectors including transportation, natural resources, energy and water. Headquartered in London, Murphy has a number of related businesses: Ground Engineering, Utility Connections, Murphy Plant, Murphy Process Engineering, Pipeline Testing Services, Specialist Welding Services, and Electrical Services. Murphy is a specialist in delivering pipelines, design, structural steel, tunnelling, fabrication, bridges and piling, and has a substantial holding of plant, equipment and facilities. Murphy employs around 4,000 engineers, professional managers and skilled operatives around the world. Together, they work as ‘One Murphy’ - directly delivering the people, plant and expertise needed to make projects a success.
A senior commercial leadership opportunity with delegated accountability across our circa £100m Frameworks & Diversification portfolio, working directly with the Commercial Director across major frameworks, projects and emerging opportunities. You’ll shape the portfolio’s commercial performance, leading P&L, cash, margin, risk and opportunity while developing high-performing commercial teams and helping drive future growth.
A day in the life of a Murphy Senior Commercial Manager:
- Lead the commercial performance of a circa £100m portfolio, spanning major frameworks, projects and new opportunities, with genuine accountability for delivering results.
- Operate as a trusted senior partner to the Commercial Director, taking delegated ownership, making key commercial decisions and helping shape the direction and growth of the portfolio.
- Own the commercial health of the portfolio, driving P&L, cash, margin, forecasting, risk and opportunity while turning insight into action.
- Lead and develop a high performing commercial team, empowering Commercial Managers and senior commercial professionals to take ownership, perform at their best and build capability for the future.
- Build influential relationships with senior clients and stakeholders, leading key negotiations, strengthening strategic partnerships and helping convert opportunities into sustainable growth.
- Manage all commercial aspects of the Operational Unit and maintain regular liaison with all stakeholders.
- Build a high performing team, while continually improving.
- Monthly project reviews to analyse the business unit performance and take appropriate action.
- Attend the required reviews with the Executive Team to explain the business current and planned performance.
- Ensure the implementation of a commercial strategy for the operating unit including tenders.
- Maintain a schedule of Client engagement events for equivalent level customer feedback, alignment and future pipeline of work.
- In conjunction with the Operations Director, set the annual business plan, and create the strategy to achieve the elements therein.
- Active management of the work winning process, allocation of resource to commercial elements, liaison with the Regional pre-contract commercial resource.
- To lead on the development and training of Commercial Practitioners including supervisor / mentor / counsellor role for staff undertaking their APC or equivalent.
- Maximising of cash position, including WIP control, cash flow production & improvement plans for all projects.
- To be responsible in conjunction with the Operational Director and Estimating Manager to ensure that a review of all of the contractual obligations and commercial risks is carried out prior to the submission of all tenders within the BU and attend tender settlement meetings as required.
- Manage project controls including value, cost, production and supply chain.
- To ensure effective negotiations with prospective clients are carried out prior to signing contracts to minimise risk.
- Carry out commercial audits on other BU’s as and when required.
- Functional leadership, bringing best practice into the business, involvement in Business Improvement Initiative.
A proven senior commercial leader with experience of successfully managing multi project, framework or portfolio level commercial performance within the construction or infrastructure sector:
- Demonstrable experience of leading Commercial Managers and senior commercial professionals, creating accountability through others rather than directly managing every commercial detail.
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with experience overseeing P&L, cash, WIP, margin, forecasting, risk and opportunity across a substantial portfolio.
- The gravitas and judgement to operate with delegated authority, working directly with senior business leaders and confidently making commercial decisions across multiple contracts and projects.
- A strategic mindset with the ability to identify themes, risks and opportunities across a portfolio, while knowing when to challenge or intervene at individual project level.
- Strong senior client and stakeholder capability, with experience of commercial negotiation, conflict avoidance and building long-term strategic relationships.
- Proven experience contributing to work winning, tender strategy, commercial governance and pre-contract risk, connecting new opportunities with operational delivery.
- A strong people leader with a track record of developing commercial capability, succession and high-performing teams across multiple locations or projects.
- Excellent working knowledge of construction contracts and commercial risk, with the technical credibility to challenge and support project commercial teams when required.
- Degree qualified or equivalent relevant commercial experience, ideally with MRICS or equivalent professional accreditation, and comfortable operating in a mobile role across the portfolio.
Senior Commercial Manager employer: J. Murphy & Sons Ltd
Murphy is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Banniskirk or Inverness where innovation and sustainability are at the core of our operations. We prioritise employee growth through continuous training and development opportunities, fostering a collaborative culture that encourages best practices in health, safety, and environmental matters. Join us to be part of groundbreaking projects that not only secure energy for the future but also allow you to make a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager
✨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 J. Murphy & Sons Ltd, 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 J. Murphy & Sons Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager
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 J. Murphy & Sons Ltd
✨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!
