At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the commercial function in construction and infrastructure projects, managing contracts and risks.
- Company: Growing construction and infrastructure business with a focus on innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, autonomy in workload, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with regular travel and a chance to lead a commercial team.
- Why this job: Shape commercial processes and make a real impact in a senior role.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and significant experience in a senior commercial role.
SLR Recruitment is currently seeking a Senior Commercial Manager.
Location: Fareham (M3 Corridor) | Full-time | Competitive Salary + Package
To lead the commercial function of a growing construction and infrastructure business. We're looking for an experienced Senior Commercial Manager to take ownership of the commercial function across our demolition, construction, and infrastructure projects. You'll be the primary point of contact for all commercial matters, both internally and with external stakeholders and will play a central role in how the business manages risk, protects margin, and delivers projects successfully. This is a senior appointment for someone who brings genuine commercial authority: a safe pair of hands on contract strategy, tender governance, and dispute resolution, and a credible leader for the wider commercial team. Based primarily from our Fareham head office, with regular travel to sites and projects along the M3 corridor, this role carries real autonomy to manage your own time and priorities.
Key Responsibilities
- Undertake contract reviews at tender stage and negotiate contract amendments
- Provide tender governance, identifying and assessing risk to the business
- Manage quantity surveying requirements across the business, supporting Project Managers and providing external QS resource where required
- Oversee monthly reporting of works in progress, and design and implement the CVR process
- Oversee and manage contract change control
- Deliver internal and external commercial training to project management staff
- Prepare Activity Schedules, Forecasts, and Applications for Payment
- Prepare sub-contracts, ensuring terms are correctly flowed down from main contracts
- Lead the commercial response to disputes, claims, and recovery actions
What We're Looking For
- Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, or a related discipline
- Professional membership of RICS, CIOB, ICES, or equivalent (preferred)
- Significant experience in a senior commercial role within the construction industry
- Strong working knowledge of NEC, JCT, and bespoke contracts
- Proven track record managing large-scale demolition, construction, or infrastructure projects
- Strong commercial acumen and financial management skills
- Experience leading and developing commercial teams
- Full driving licence and willingness to travel regularly to sites, projects, and tenders across the M3 corridor
What's on Offer
- Genuine autonomy to manage your own time and workload
- A senior, high-visibility role at the heart of the business
- The opportunity to shape commercial process and capability across a growing project portfolio
- Based three days/week at our Fareham office, with the remainder spent on site and project travel
Senior Commercial Manager in Fareham employer: SLR Recruitment
SLR Recruitment offers an exceptional work environment for a Senior Commercial Manager, providing genuine autonomy and the opportunity to lead the commercial function within a dynamic construction and infrastructure business. Located in Fareham, employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises professional growth, with access to training and development opportunities while working on impactful projects along the M3 corridor. The competitive salary package and high-visibility role ensure that you will be recognised for your contributions as you shape the future of the company's commercial processes.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Manager in Fareham
✨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 SLR Recruitment, 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 Senior Commercial Manager at SLR Recruitment.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Manager in Fareham
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 SLR Recruitment
✨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!
