At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial governance on live residential and mixed-use construction projects.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm with a focus on innovative project delivery.
- Benefits: Competitive contract rates, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a hands-on role while driving commercial success.
- Qualifications: Strong background in Quantity Surveying and proven commercial delivery experience.
- Other info: Join a supportive team and thrive in a fast-paced environment.
The predicted salary is between 72000 - 108000 £ per year.
We are engaging an experienced Senior Commercial Manager on a contract basis to provide hands-on commercial leadership across live residential and mixed-use construction projects. This is a delivery-critical role for a commercially strong professional who has progressed through Quantity Surveying and is comfortable operating at senior level on active schemes. The focus is on commercial control, contractual discipline, cashflow, and risk management under real programme pressure. This is not an advisory or oversight role. You will be embedded within project teams, owning outcomes and stabilising commercial performance.
Scope of the Role
- Leading commercial governance across one or more live projects from award through final account
- Managing JCT contract administration (NEC exposure beneficial), including notices, correspondence, and contractual compliance
- Owning CVRs, forecasting, valuations, and monthly commercial reporting with clear narrative and variance control
- Controlling change through variation instruction, valuation, and substantiation
- Leading subcontract procurement strategy and negotiations, ensuring robust scopes and risk allocation
- Managing commercial issues early to avoid disputes and supporting claims where required (EOT, disruption, loss and expense)
- Driving cashflow performance, including applications, payment cycles, and pay-less notice support
- Coaching project and site teams to improve commercial records, substantiation, and discipline
- Interfacing with external parties while keeping commercial control in-house
- Maintaining strong audit trails, document control, and decision logs
Required Background
- Strong background in Quantity Surveying / Commercial Surveying, ideally contractor-side
- Proven experience leading commercial delivery on live construction projects
- Strong working knowledge of JCT contracts; NEC experience advantageous
- Confident managing contractual correspondence and notices
- Strong cost control capability across CVRs, forecasting, change management, and final accounts
- Commercially firm but delivery-aware when negotiating with subcontractors
- Comfortable working with Design Managers, Technical Leads, and Site Teams
- Calm, decisive, and credible under pressure
Desirable Experience
- Interim or contract senior commercial roles
- Exposure to claims-heavy or recovery environments
- Experience stabilising projects mid-delivery
- Familiarity with digital commercial reporting and document control
- MRICS, MCIOB, or equivalent beneficial but not essential
Interested? Apply with your CV or get in touch for a confidential contract discussion.
Senior Commercial Manager in London employer: Key Talent Solutions
Contact Detail:
Key Talent Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your contacts in the construction industry and let them know you're on the lookout for a Senior Commercial Manager role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity that’s not even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Get your LinkedIn game on point! Make sure your profile showcases your experience in Quantity Surveying and commercial management. Join relevant groups and engage with posts to increase your visibility among potential employers.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of JCT contracts and cashflow management. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past projects where you’ve successfully navigated commercial challenges.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for talented individuals like you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in commercial governance, JCT contract administration, and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your background aligns 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. Mention specific experiences that demonstrate your ability to manage commercial issues and drive cashflow performance. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use metrics where possible to show how you’ve improved commercial performance or managed risks effectively. We love seeing concrete examples of your impact!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it makes it easier for us to keep track of all the amazing candidates like you!
How to prepare for a job interview at Key Talent Solutions
✨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure you’re well-versed in JCT contracts and have a good grasp of NEC exposure. Be ready to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you’ve successfully managed contractual correspondence and compliance.
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare to talk about your experience with cashflow management, CVRs, and forecasting. Bring along examples of how you've driven commercial performance on live projects, especially under pressure, to demonstrate your capability.
✨Demonstrate Leadership Skills
Since this role involves coaching project teams, think of instances where you’ve led teams effectively. Highlight your ability to manage commercial issues early and how you’ve stabilised projects mid-delivery in the past.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that put you in hypothetical situations related to risk management and change control. Prepare your thought process on how you would handle disputes or claims, showcasing your calm and decisive nature under pressure.