At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and manage high-value projects in the construction sector.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company committed to diversity and inclusion.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to mentor teams and shape the future of commercial management.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on multi-million-pound projects while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and extensive experience in construction commercial roles.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to provide strategic commercial leadership across UK framework and project delivery, operating predominantly under JCT and NEC forms of contract on schemes typically valued between £10m and £50m.
The role is responsible for setting commercial direction, protecting margin, and ensuring robust contractual governance, change control, and risk management across the business.
You will support complex contractual decisions, early warning and compensation event strategy (NEC), variation management (JCT), and high‑value negotiations, while maintaining strong client relationships.
A key part of the role is leading and developing Senior Quantity Surveyors and their teams, embedding best practice, commercial discipline, and continuous improvement across framework environments.
- Set and oversee commercial strategy for projects, frameworks, or regions.
- Ensure profitability, margin protection, and commercial governance.
- Lead commercial planning from tender to final account.
- Support business development with commercial input into bids, pricing strategy, and client negotiations.
- Contract Management & Governance
- Act as the organisation’s authority on contract conditions (JCT, NEC, FIDIC, bespoke).
- Oversee contract compliance, notices, change control, and dispute avoidance.
- Manage high value or high risk claims, adjudications, or negotiations.
- Establish commercial procedures and ensure consistent application across teams.
- Own the P&L performance for projects, portfolios, or business units.
- Approve and challenge cost forecasts, CVRs, cash flow reports, and risk registers.
- Oversee revenue recognition, accruals, and commercial audit compliance.
- Provide monthly commercial commentary to senior leadership.
- Risk, Opportunity & Change Management
- Lead strategic risk workshops and implement risk mitigation plans.
- Drive identification and conversion of opportunities (value engineering, commercial leverage, alternative procurement solutions).
- Ensure robust change management, valuation, and evidence capture processes.
- Make commercial decisions balancing risk, value, and client relationship.
- Oversee procurement strategies, supply chain selection, and performance management.
- Negotiate major contracts, framework agreements, and commercial terms.
- Resolve escalated subcontract disputes and performance issues.
- Develop long‑term supply chain partnerships and cost efficiencies.
- Client & Stakeholder Management
- Act as senior commercial interface with clients, consultants, and partners.
- Lead commercial meetings, dispute resolution discussions, and negotiations.
- Influence client expectations around change, cost, contractual obligations, and programme impacts.
- Support key account management strategies.
- Lead and mentor a team of SQS, QS, AQS, and Commercial Administrators.
- Oversee resource planning, staff development, and commercial capability building.
- Support succession planning and recruitment within the commercial function.
- Uphold professional standards and promote a commercially aware culture.
Requirements
- Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
- Professional accreditations (e. g., MRICS, MCIOB).
- Extensive knowledge of UK contract frameworks.
- Typically 10+ years in construction commercial roles, with a minimum of 5–7 years in senior or managerial positions.
- Led commercial teams on multi‑million‑pound projects.
- Expertise in financial reporting.
- Proficiency in procurement, sub‑contractor management, and negotiation.
- Diversity & Inclusion
We advocate for difference and champion diversity to foster an inclusive environment that allows our people to bring their true selves to their work every day and enable our people to thrive by promoting health and preventing harm.
Keltbray welcomes everyone who shares our values, regardless of their age, belief, disability, ethnicity, gender identity, maternity status, marital status, pregnancy, religion, sex or sexual orientation.
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Commercial Manager employer: Keltbray
Keltbray is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in the Sellafield portfolio where health, safety, and well-being are at the forefront of our operations. We foster a culture of continuous improvement and inclusivity, providing employees with opportunities for professional growth and development while championing initiatives that promote both physical and mental health. Join us to make a meaningful impact in a highly regulated sector, supported by a team that values your contributions and prioritises safety.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 Keltbray, 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 Commercial Manager at Keltbray.
We think you need these skills to ace 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 Keltbray
✨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!
