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 developing Quantity Surveyors.
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 they are open to candidates working remote/hybrid with the ability to be in the office in Devon 1 or 2 days a week when needed.
Key Responsibilities for the Commercial Manager include:
- Taking ownership of the commercial performance of projects from contract award through to final account.
- Ensuring effective cost management, cost forecasting, and change control processes are applied consistently across all projects.
- Monitoring project margins, cash flow, and financial risks, taking early action where performance deviates from plan.
- Line managing and leading the QS team, setting clear expectations, objectives, and performance standards.
- Allocating QS resources across projects to ensure appropriate commercial coverage.
- Coaching, mentoring, and developing QSs to strengthen technical capability, commercial awareness, and consistency of approach.
- Taking lead responsibility for contract administration, including payment applications, variations, compensation events, and final accounts.
- Overseeing commercial input into subcontract procurement, including commercial reviews, negotiations, and contract awards.
- Preparing and presenting regular commercial reports to the Managing Director, covering cost, margin, cash flow, risk, and opportunities.
- Identifying commercial and contractual risks at project and portfolio level, implementing mitigation strategies.
To be suitable for this Commercial Manager 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 dependent 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 Commercial Manager opportunity, please get in touch for immediate consideration.
Commercial Manager in 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 safety. Based in Devon, this role offers the perfect blend of office and site work, ensuring a dynamic and rewarding career path.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in 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 a Commercial Manager role!
✨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
Showcase your leadership skills! As a Commercial Manager, you'll need to lead teams effectively. Be ready to discuss your experience in managing Quantity Surveyors and how you've driven successful project outcomes in the past.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it’s super easy to keep track of your applications with us!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in 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 civil engineering, and showcase your skills in cost control and contract administration.
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 projects you've managed and how your leadership has positively impacted commercial performance.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:Since this role involves leading the QS team, be sure to highlight your experience in managing and developing teams. Share examples of how you've coached or mentored others to success in previous roles.
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!
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 cost management and financial performance. Brush up on key metrics related to project margins, cash flow, and risk management. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these aspects in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role involves leading and developing a Quantity Surveying team, so be prepared to share examples of how you've coached and mentored others. Highlight specific instances where your leadership made a difference in project outcomes or team performance.
✨Familiarise Yourself with Contracts
Since the position requires a sound knowledge of standard construction contracts like NEC and JCT, make sure you can discuss these confidently. Prepare to explain how you've navigated contract administration and managed variations or compensation events in past projects.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills and commercial acumen. Think of scenarios where you've had to take early action on financial risks or deviations from project plans. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses effectively.
