At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial management of civil engineering projects and develop the Quantity Surveying team.
- Company: Specialist civil engineering contractor with a focus on innovation and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, annual bonus, pension, private healthcare, and flexible working.
- Other info: Opportunity for hybrid work and travel across the UK.
- Why this job: Join a key leadership role and make a significant impact on project success.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in commercial management and team development within construction.
The predicted salary is between 90000 - 100000 € per year.
A specialist civil engineering and infrastructure contractor is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to join the business as the senior commercial lead, translating commercial strategy into operational delivery and supporting profitable, well-governed project outcomes. This position is a key management role within the business, sitting below Director level but with significant responsibility and influence over commercial performance.
As the Commercial Manager, you will be responsible for the day-to-day commercial management of several civil engineering projects. The role also focuses on leading and developing the Quantity Surveying (QS) function, ensuring robust cost control, contract administration, cash flow management, and commercial risk management across live projects. The role is based from head office in Devon; however, it requires travel to project sites across the UK, so candidates working remote/hybrid with the ability to be in the office in Devon 1 or 2 days a week when needed are welcome.
Key Responsibilities:
- Taking ownership of the commercial performance of projects from contract award through to final account.
- Ensure effective cost management, cost forecasting, and change control processes are applied consistently across all projects.
- Monitor project margins, cash flow, and financial risks, taking early action where performance deviates from plan.
- Line manage and lead the QS team, setting clear expectations, objectives, and performance standards.
- Allocate QS resources across projects to ensure appropriate commercial coverage.
- Coach, mentor, and develop QSs to strengthen technical capability, commercial awareness, and consistency of approach.
- Take lead responsibility for contract administration, including payment applications, variations, compensation events, and final accounts.
- Oversee commercial input into subcontract procurement, including commercial reviews, negotiations, and contract awards.
- Prepare and present regular commercial reports to the Managing Director, covering cost, margin, cash flow, risk, and opportunities.
- Identify commercial and contractual risks at project and portfolio level, implementing mitigation strategies.
To be suitable for this opportunity, you will have:
- Strong commercial management experience within construction or marine civil engineering.
- Proven experience managing and developing Quantity Surveyors or commercial staff.
- Sound knowledge of standard construction contracts (e.g. NEC, JCT).
- High level of commercial acumen, including cost control, cash flow, and risk management.
- Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- The ability to work collaboratively with operational, finance, and senior leadership teams.
- Comfortable with UK wide site travel.
- Safety led mindset aligned to HSE critical operations.
This role would suit an Experienced Commercial Manager or a Senior Commercial Manager willing to step into a key business-wide leadership role.
Offering a competitive salary of circa £90,000 - £100,000 (negotiable depending on experience) plus package including:
- Car or Car Allowance
- Annual Bonus Scheme
- Company pension and private healthcare
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements (office/site/home)
If you are interested in this fantastic opportunity, please get in touch for immediate consideration.
Navartis are an equality and diversity recruitment agent and employer. Service advertised by Navartis are that of an Employment Agency/Business.
Locations
Commercial Manager in Dawlish, Devon employer: Navartis
Join a leading civil engineering and infrastructure contractor that values its employees and fosters a collaborative work culture. With a focus on professional development, you will have the opportunity to lead and mentor a team of Quantity Surveyors while enjoying a competitive salary and benefits package, including flexible working arrangements and a strong emphasis on work-life balance. Based in Devon, this role offers the unique advantage of being part of a dynamic team that prioritises safety and innovation across projects nationwide.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Dawlish, Devon
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the civil engineering and construction sectors. Attend industry events or webinars, and don’t be shy about introducing yourself. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their commercial strategies and challenges. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in contributing to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commercial Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong negotiation abilities. Role-play with a friend or mentor to refine your approach and build confidence before those crucial discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got some fantastic opportunities waiting for you. Plus, it’s a great way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Let’s get you that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Dawlish, Devon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Commercial Manager. Highlight your experience in commercial management, especially within construction or civil engineering, and showcase any leadership roles you've had with Quantity Surveyors.
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 position. Mention specific projects where you've successfully managed costs and risks, and how you can contribute to our team's success.
Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your negotiation and stakeholder management skills. These are crucial for the role, so provide examples of how you've effectively communicated and collaborated with various teams in past projects.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Navartis
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strong grasp of financial metrics. Brush up on key figures related to cost management, cash flow, and project margins. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading a team of Quantity Surveyors, so be prepared to share examples of how you've developed and mentored staff in the past. Highlight your experience in setting clear objectives and managing performance to show you can lead effectively.
✨Understand the Contracts Inside Out
Familiarise yourself with standard construction contracts like NEC and JCT. Be ready to discuss how you've navigated contract administration, payment applications, and variations in previous roles. This will show your depth of knowledge and readiness for the responsibilities ahead.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills, especially around commercial risks and financial deviations. Think of specific scenarios where you've identified risks and implemented successful mitigation strategies, as this will demonstrate your proactive approach.
