Senior Commercial Manager in London

Senior Commercial Manager in London

London Full-Time 63000 - 77000 £ / year (est.) Home office (partial)
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead major infrastructure projects, shaping commercial strategies and managing risks.
  • Company: Join Jacobs, a global leader in solving critical problems for thriving cities.
  • Benefits: Flexible working, professional development, and a supportive community.
  • Other info: Collaborative environment with clear career progression opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while developing your career.
  • Qualifications: Experience in commercial management and strong negotiation skills required.

The predicted salary is between 63000 - 77000 £ per year.

At Jacobs, we're challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world's most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission-critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting-edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good.

Your impact

You'll help major transportation programmes make better commercial decisions, manage risk earlier and deliver stronger outcomes for clients, communities and project teams. Your commercial judgement will influence projects from mobilisation through to final account. You'll give project leaders the confidence to act, protect commercial performance and find practical solutions when contractual or delivery challenges arise. Just as importantly, you'll help develop the people around you. By sharing your experience and setting clear commercial standards, you'll strengthen the capability of a wider team working across some of the UK's most complex highways, rail and aviation programmes.

About the opportunity

Our Transportation business supports clients across the full project lifecycle, from strategic planning and business case development through design, delivery and operational support. We're looking for a Senior Commercial Manager who can provide clear, commercially grounded leadership across a portfolio of major infrastructure projects. You'll work closely with project managers, technical teams, clients, delivery partners and suppliers. You'll shape commercial strategies, improve forecasting, protect margin and cash performance, lead contract change and negotiations, and make sure risks and opportunities are understood early enough to take meaningful action. You'll also support procurement, supply-chain relationships and the resolution of complex contractual issues. This is broader than a reporting or contract-administration position. You'll be trusted to influence important decisions, challenge constructively and improve how projects are commercially managed. Success will mean accurate forecasts, stronger commercial outcomes, well-managed contractual risk, trusted client relationships and a capable, engaged commercial team.

Here's what you'll need

  • Substantial commercial or contract management experience gained on major infrastructure, engineering, construction or similarly complex programmes.
  • Practical experience managing commercial performance across several stages of the project lifecycle.
  • Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts and their commercial mechanisms.
  • Experience managing change, commercial risk and contractual entitlements.
  • Confidence providing commercial advice to project leaders, clients and other senior stakeholders.
  • Strong forecasting, financial management and commercial reporting capability.
  • The judgement and communication skills to lead negotiations and resolve challenging commercial issues.

Why join us?

  • Diverse, High-Profile Project Work: Work across major highways, rail and aviation programmes at different stages of the project lifecycle. You'll gain exposure to varied clients, commercial challenges and delivery models, rather than being limited to one project or a narrow contract-administration remit.
  • Clear Career Progression: This role gives you the opportunity to influence projects, develop commercial teams and contribute to the wider growth of our Commercial and Contract Management capability. As your impact grows, you can progress towards larger portfolio, functional or senior commercial leadership roles.
  • Trusted to Lead and Influence: You'll have the opportunity to shape commercial strategy, advise senior project leaders and clients, and influence important decisions. You'll be trusted to challenge constructively, manage complex commercial issues and improve how projects perform.
  • Flexibility, Support and Shared Expertise: You'll join a collaborative commercial community where experienced colleagues share knowledge, support professional development and help each other solve complex problems. Flexible working is supported where compatible with project and client requirements, with specific arrangements discussed during the recruitment process.

Joining Jacobs not only connects you locally but globally. Our values stand on a foundation of safety, integrity, inclusion and belonging. We put people at the heart of our business, and we truly believe that by supporting one another through our culture of caring, we all succeed. We value positive mental health and a sense of belonging for all employees. With safety and flexibility always top of mind, we've gone beyond traditional ways of working so you have the support, means and space to maximize your potential. You'll uncover flexible working arrangements, benefits, and opportunities, from well-being benefits to our global giving and volunteering program, to exploring new and inventive ways to help our clients make the world a better place. No matter what drives you, you'll discover how you can cultivate, nurture, and achieve your goals – all at a single global company. Find out more about life at Jacobs.

We aim to embed inclusion and belonging in everything we do. We know that if we are inclusive, we're more connected and creative. We accept people for who they are, and we champion the richness of different perspectives, lived experiences and backgrounds in the workplace, as a source of learning and innovation. We are committed to building vibrant communities within Jacobs, including through our Jacobs Employee Networks, Communities of Practice and our Find Your Community initiatives, allowing every employee to find connection, purpose, and belonging.

Jacobs partners with VERCIDA to help us attract and retain talent from a wide range of backgrounds. For greater online accessibility please visit to view and access our roles. As a disability confident employer, we will interview disabled candidates who best meet the criteria. We welcome applications from candidates who are seeking flexible working and from those who may not meet all the listed requirements for a role.

We value collaboration and believe that in-person interactions are crucial for both our culture and client delivery. We empower employees with our hybrid working policy, allowing them to split their work week between Jacobs offices/projects and remote locations enabling them to deliver their best work. Your application experience is important to us, and we're keen to adapt to make every interaction even better. If you require further support or reasonable adjustments with regards to the recruitment process (for example, you require the application form in a different format), please contact the team via Careers Support.

Senior Commercial Manager in London employer: Jacobs

At Jacobs, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and inclusive work culture that prioritises safety, integrity, and collaboration. Our Glasgow office provides flexible working arrangements and a wealth of opportunities for professional growth, allowing you to contribute to innovative maritime projects while being part of a supportive team that values diverse perspectives. Join us to make a meaningful impact in the world of civil and structural engineering, all while enjoying the benefits of a global network and a commitment to employee well-being.

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Contact Details:

Jacobs Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager in London

Tip Number 1: Get Involved in Consulting Case Competitions

Look for case competitions hosted by universities and consulting firms. They’re a fab way to showcase your problem-solving skills and meet industry players. Plus, winning one can seriously boost your CV, which we know is key when applying for roles like Senior Commercial Manager at Jacobs!

Tip Number 2: Leverage Alumni Networks

Tap into your university’s alumni network; many consultants love to help out new talent. Reach out to alumni who are working in management consulting, they might have insider knowledge about openings at firms like Jacobs or be willing to refer you for that Senior Commercial Manager position!

Tip Number 3: Attend Industry Events and Conferences

Keep an eye on management consulting events, workshops, or panels. These are prime opportunities to network with top professionals and get your name out there. You might even bump into someone from Jacobs who’s on the lookout for their next Senior Commercial Manager star!

Tip Number 4: Polish Your Consulting Skills Online

Engage with online platforms that offer consulting simulations or courses. Prove your chops by completing relevant projects — this not only beefs up your experience but also gives you concrete examples to chat about during interviews for that full-time Senior Commercial Manager role at Jacobs!

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager in London

Commercial Management
Contract Management
NEC Contracts Knowledge
Change Management
Risk Management
Financial Management
Forecasting

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Problem-Solving Skills:In management consulting, it's all about problem-solving—so make sure your CV highlights your analytical and critical thinking skills. Include examples from your studies or previous roles where you tackled complex issues or came up with innovative solutions. Quantify your achievements whenever possible to demonstrate your impact!

Tailor Your Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to explain why you're a perfect fit for the consulting world. Focus on your motivation for joining the industry and how your skills align with the requirements of the role at Jacobs. Remember to mention any relevant coursework or projects that showcase your understanding of strategic frameworks or business models!

Highlight Team Experience:Consultants often work in teams, so it's vital to showcase your collaborative skills. Include experiences where you've worked effectively with others, whether in academic group projects or internships. Discuss your role in the team and how you helped achieve common goals, demonstrating you can thrive in a consultancy environment.

Professionalise Your Online Presence:Make sure your LinkedIn and any other professional profiles are up to date, reflecting your career aspirations in management consulting. Connect with industry professionals and follow relevant groups—show you’re serious about entering this field. Applying through our website is a great way to get noticed, so showcase your personality and enthusiasm there!

How to prepare for a job interview at Jacobs

Master the Case Study Game

In management consulting, case study interviews are all the rage. Make sure to practice structuring your thoughts and analysing data on the fly. Use resources like example case studies to get comfortable with frameworks and solutions. Remember, it’s not just about getting the right answer but showcasing your thought process, so talk us through your reasoning!

Know Your Numbers

Be prepared for some numerical and analytical questions. Brush up on your mental math and be ready to interpret data from charts or graphs. We might throw some business scenarios at you that require a quick turnaround on numerical analysis, so practice these skills to feel confident and swift!

Show Your Leadership Flair

As this is a full-time role, we want to see your potential as a seasoned consultant. Be ready to discuss experiences where you've led a project or a team. Think about times you've influenced decisions or navigated challenges—this is your chance to show how you can thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

Be a Cultural Fit

We’re not just looking for brains; we want to see if you vibe with our company culture at Jacobs. Prepare to share how your values align with ours. Have a think about what makes a great team environment for you and how you can contribute to that. A good cultural fit goes a long way in management consulting!