At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial governance on live construction projects and manage contract administration.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm focused on innovative residential and mixed-use projects.
- Benefits: Competitive contract rates, hands-on experience, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by stabilising project performance and driving commercial success.
- Qualifications: Strong background in Quantity Surveying with proven commercial delivery experience.
- Other info: Fast-paced environment with opportunities to work under pressure and develop leadership skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 Β£ 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
- 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
Apply with your CV or get in touch for a confidential contract discussion.
Senior Commercial Manager employer: Key Talent Solutions
Contact Detail:
Key Talent Solutions Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice π€«
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager
β¨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 thatβs not even advertised yet.
β¨Tip Number 2
Get your LinkedIn game on point! Make sure your profile showcases your experience in Quantity Surveying and commercial management. Engage with relevant content, join industry groups, and connect with hiring managers or recruiters who focus on construction roles.
β¨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your knowledge of JCT contracts and NEC exposure. Be ready to discuss how you've managed commercial issues and driven cashflow performance in past projects. Show them youβre the calm, decisive leader they need!
β¨Tip Number 4
Donβt forget to apply through our website! Weβve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you a leg up. Plus, it shows youβre serious about joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application π«‘
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the specific skills and experiences that match the Senior Commercial Manager role. Highlight your background in Quantity Surveying and any relevant project management experience to show us youβre the right fit.
Showcase Your Achievements: When writing your application, donβt just list your responsibilities. We want to see your achievements! Use quantifiable results to demonstrate how you've successfully managed commercial delivery on live projects.
Be Clear and Concise: Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so make sure your narrative is easy to follow and directly addresses the key requirements of the role.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you donβt miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Key Talent Solutions
β¨Know Your Contracts Inside Out
Make sure youβre well-versed in JCT and NEC contracts. Be ready to discuss specific clauses and how they apply to real-life scenarios. This shows youβre not just familiar with the theory but can also navigate the practicalities of contract administration.
β¨Demonstrate Your Commercial Acumen
Prepare examples that highlight your experience in managing cashflow, CVRs, and change management. Use metrics and outcomes to illustrate your success in stabilising projects and driving commercial performance under pressure.
β¨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
Be prepared to talk about how youβve coached teams in the past. Share specific instances where your guidance improved commercial records or resolved disputes. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and influence effectively within project teams.
β¨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Expect questions that test your decision-making in high-pressure situations. Think of examples where you had to make tough calls or manage conflicts. Showing that you can remain calm and credible will reassure them of your capability in a delivery-critical role.