Commercial Manager

At STRABAG, around 86,000 people worldwide work together on progress. Our projects are characterised by uniqueness and individual strengths, just as each of our employees is. Whether in building construction, civil engineering, infrastructure, or specialist services, we deliver innovative and sustainable solutions that create lasting value for our clients and communities.

Why STRABAG UK:

This is an opportunity to join STRABAG UK at an exciting stage of growth within our Water Sector. As part of the Infrastructure subdivision, you will have the opportunity to help establish and develop the commercial function of a new team, while contributing to the successful delivery of major water and wastewater infrastructure projects across the UK.

The role offers significant scope for career development and the opportunity to work closely with senior leadership as STRABAG UK continues to expand its capabilities and presence within the UK water market.

About the Role:

The Commercial Manager will take responsibility for the commercial management of water and wastewater projects from preconstruction through to completion, ensuring projects are delivered in accordance with contractual, commercial and financial requirements. Working closely with Project Managers, Commercial Directors, Quantity Surveyors, Procurement teams and clients, you will provide strong commercial leadership and ensure effective management of costs, risk, change and contractual obligations.

Requirements:

• Efficiently manage all commercial aspects of the Portfolio of projects and maintain regular liaison with all stakeholders
• Manage the recruitment and staffing structure/ utilisation for direct reports.
• Build team, manage the development of personal plans, establishment of objectives/targets for all direct reports and monitor on an ongoing basis - maintain performance
• Delegation of appropriate work to all staff, whilst maintaining accountability.
• Encourage and develop a culture of contractual & commercial awareness on all projects.
• Assist with the development and training of Commercial Practitioners including supervisor / mentor / counsellor role for staff undertaking their APC or equivalent.
• Ensure the site teams adheres to group procedures and governance.
• Lead Team Meetings on a regular scheduled basis.
• Contribute to the production of Business Plan and strategy
• Collate, analysis & challenge Cost/Value Reports and forecasts as required, then implement required actions.
• Design and implement a commercial strategy for their portfolio and tenders with the assistance of their functional manager.
• Ensure that the Commercial Practitioners administer the contracts correctly in a timely and professional manner.
• Identify, mitigate and manage risk & opportunities for the portfolio of work.
• Be responsible, where required, to ensure that a review of all of the contractual obligations and commercial risks is carried out prior to the submission of tenders.
• Maximising of cash position, including WIP control, cash flow production & improvement plans for all projects.
• Identification and advice upon of insurance related issues, including PI.
• Ensuring a margin improvement plan exists on each project.
• Assist in work winning duties as required, including proactive release of team members and attendance at Client Presentations for Tender Interviews.
• Assist in development of Joint Venture Agreements and arrangements where appropriate.
• Assist in the procurement of PCG’s, Bonds and Warranties.
• Negotiation of simple contract with the Client, including highlighting of business risk parameters.
• Ensuring optimum performance of commercial team for the portfolio of work, undertaking constant reviewing for margin gains in efficiency and timely resource forecasting.
• Ability to handle Client disputes, including issues outside of the contract.Ensure that the outturn costs on the projects are monitored on a monthly basis through a detailed bottom up resourced and costed forecast maintained.
• Undertake any other work as required of you by the Commercial Director, including assistance in emergency situations for peers and manager.
• Attend client engagement events for equivalent level customer feedback, alignment and future pipeline of work.
• Assist in preparation, development and implementation of new Group Commercial Procedures.
• Carry out commercial audits on other areas of the business as and when required.
• Assist in Functional leadership, bringing best practice into the business, involvement in Business Improvement Initiatives.

Skills & Qualifications:

Required:

• A relevant degree or professional qualification in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline.
• Chartered Quantity Surveyor (MRICS) or equivalent.
• Strong knowledge of NEC contracts.
• Commercially astute with substantial proven experience within a commercial role in the Construction Industry.
• Water Sector Experience – Ideally from Main Contractor delivering on Frameworks or Projects within the water sector.
• Expert knowledge of Standard Forms of Contract and Standard Methods of Measurement.
• Understanding of programming techniques and project controls.
• Computer literate with strong skills in Microsoft Office Applications (Word/Excel/Outlook/PowerPoint).
• Chartered Quantity Surveyor Status (member)
• Behavioural training experience.

What you stand to gain:

• Opportunity to work and have a lasting impact on landmark UK infrastructure projects.
• Collaborative and innovative working environment.
• Professional development and career progression.
• Competitive salary and benefits package including private health cover, 9% pension, professional membership and 25 days holiday
• We stand for respect, partnership, and sustainability, creating a work environment that promotes safety, health, and development. Our committed and healthy employees are our most valuable asset – the foundation for sustainable growth and innovation. With our "People. Planet. Progress." strategy and the motto "WORK ON PROGRESS", we drive change forward – with the goal of climate neutrality by 2040.