At a Glance
- Tasks: Oversee commercial performance of multiple infrastructure projects and ensure compliance with company standards.
- Company: Join a leading civil engineering contractor with a focus on innovative infrastructure solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company vehicle, pension scheme, and 25 days annual leave.
- Other info: Opportunity for professional development and progression in a dynamic industry.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on major projects while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field; significant experience in commercial management required.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Jones Bros Ruthin (Civil Engineering) Co Ltd is a leading civil engineering contractor delivering complex infrastructure projects across the United Kingdom, including Energy and Renewables, Highways, Rail, Water, Waste Management, Reservoir Construction, and Coastal Defence.
We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to support the Head of Commercial in overseeing the commercial performance of a portfolio of live projects. This role is critical in ensuring that project commercial teams operate effectively, consistently, and in line with company standards and contractual requirements. The role will be based from our Cardiff office, with regular travel to project sites nationwide.
Role Overview
This is a portfolio-level commercial role, focused on oversight, assurance, and performance management, rather than day-to-day project quantity surveying. The Commercial Manager will:
- Provide independent oversight of commercial performance across multiple projects.
- Challenge and support Senior Quantity Surveyors and Managing Quantity Surveyors.
- Ensure consistent application of commercial processes and contract management.
- Intervene where projects are at risk or underperforming.
The role provides a key link between strategic commercial leadership and project delivery, ensuring strong governance, cost control, and protection of the company's commercial position.
Key Responsibilities
- Commercial Assurance & Governance
- Oversee the commercial performance of a portfolio of live projects.
- Ensure project teams maintain accurate cost and value records.
- Monitor compliance with contractual and company commercial procedures.
- Undertake regular commercial reviews and audits across projects.
- Identify gaps, inconsistencies, and risks, and drive corrective action.
- Performance Monitoring & Financial Control
- Review and challenge project CVRs, forecasts, and margin positions.
- Ensure forecasts are robust, evidence-based, and aligned with delivery progress.
- Identify emerging risks and opportunities across the portfolio.
- Support improvement in forecasting accuracy and commercial reporting.
- Contract Management
- Ensure consistent and compliant use of NEC contracts.
- Provide guidance on contractual entitlement and commercial strategy.
- Support dispute avoidance and resolution of complex commercial issues.
- Supply Chain Oversight
- Ensure procurement and subcontract management processes are being applied effectively.
- Review key subcontract commercial arrangements where required.
- Monitor subcontract performance, change management, and final account progression.
- Promote consistency in supply chain approach across projects.
- Leadership & Accountability
- Provide leadership and direction to the commercial teams.
- Set clear expectations for commercial standards and reporting.
- Hold project teams accountable for performance and outputs.
- Support development of commercial staff, particularly in NEC contract management and forecasting.
- Risk Management
- Ensure risks are identified early and managed proactively.
- Challenge project teams on risk allowances, contingencies, and exposure.
- Promote a consistent and structured approach to commercial risk management.
- Reporting & Escalation
- Provide clear commercial insight and reporting to the Head of Commercial.
- Highlight key risks, trends, and areas of concern across the portfolio.
- Act as a key escalation point for high-risk or complex commercial issues.
Key Requirements
- Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Chartered status (MRICS or equivalent) desirable but not essential.
- Significant experience in a Senior Quantity Surveyor, Managing Quantity Surveyor, or Commercial Manager role within civil engineering or infrastructure, typically gained over 10 years, with demonstrable experience operating at a portfolio or multi-project level.
- Strong working knowledge and practical application of NEC contracts.
- Demonstrable experience overseeing multiple projects or supporting commercial governance across a portfolio.
- Strong capability in commercial reporting and CVR processes, cost forecasting and financial control, risk identification and management.
- Proven ability to challenge, influence, and support project teams at a senior level.
- Strong contractual awareness, including change management, compensation events, and dispute avoidance.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
- Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites nationwide.
What We Offer
- Company vehicle or car allowance
- Company-contributed pension scheme
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Opportunity to work on major infrastructure projects across the UK
- A supportive environment focused on professional development and progression
Commercial Manager (Cardiff / Nationwide Projects) employer: Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK Ltd
Contact Detail:
Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager (Cardiff / Nationwide Projects)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. 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. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in what they do and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role of Commercial Manager. Highlight your skills in overseeing multiple projects and managing commercial performance.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager (Cardiff / Nationwide Projects)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in overseeing multiple projects and your knowledge of NEC contracts. We want to see how your skills align with what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of how you've managed commercial performance and tackled challenges in previous positions.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: As a Commercial Manager, leadership is key. In your application, emphasise your experience in guiding teams and setting clear expectations. We love to see candidates who can inspire and drive their teams towards success!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team at Jones Bros Ruthin!
How to prepare for a job interview at Jones Bros Civil Engineering UK Ltd
✨Know Your Contracts
Make sure you brush up on NEC contracts and their application. Being able to discuss specific clauses and how they relate to project performance will show your expertise and readiness for the role.
✨Showcase Your Portfolio Experience
Prepare to talk about your experience managing multiple projects. Highlight specific examples where you've overseen commercial performance, tackled risks, or improved forecasting accuracy. This will demonstrate your capability in a portfolio-level role.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Think of instances where you've led a team or influenced senior stakeholders. Be ready to share how you set expectations and held teams accountable, as this is crucial for the Commercial Manager position.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that ask how you'd handle underperforming projects or complex commercial issues. Practise articulating your thought process and decision-making strategies to show you're proactive and solution-oriented.