Commercial Manager

We have an opportunity with a fast-growing fit-out and refurbishment contractor delivering high-quality projects across the leisure, commercial, and retail sectors throughout the UK.

Their projects range in value from £250,000 to £4 million and include restaurants, bars, hospitality venues, offices, retail environments, and other customer-facing commercial spaces. With a strong reputation for quality, service, and repeat business, they are entering an exciting phase of growth and are looking to appoint an experienced Commercial Manager to support their continued expansion.

The Role

The Commercial Manager will be responsible for leading the commercial function across the business, ensuring robust financial management, commercial governance, and profitability across all projects.

Working closely with the Managing Director, Operations Team, Pre-Con and Project Managers, you will oversee project commercial performance from tender through to final account while supporting the development and growth of the commercial team.

This is a key leadership position offering the opportunity to influence business strategy and play a pivotal role in the company's future success.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Leadership

• Lead and manage the commercial function across multiple fit-out and refurbishment projects.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies to maximise project profitability and minimise risk.
• Provide commercial support and guidance to project delivery teams.
• Establish and maintain robust commercial processes, controls, and reporting procedures.
• Mentor and develop Quantity Surveyors and junior commercial staff.

Project Delivery

• Oversee project budgets, forecasts, and cash flow management.
• Monitor project performance against commercial targets.
• Manage variations, change control, and contractual correspondence.
• Ensure timely applications, valuations, and invoicing.
• Lead negotiations relating to subcontractor accounts and client variations.
• Identify and mitigate commercial risks throughout project lifecycles.
• Support project teams in achieving programme and financial objectives.

Cost Financial Management

• Produce and review monthly CVRs and management reports.
• Monitor project margins and overall business profitability.
• Manage final account negotiations with clients and subcontractors.
• Ensure accurate financial forecasting and reporting to senior leadership.
• Support annual budgeting and business planning activities.

Client Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, and supply chain partners.
• Act as a key commercial point of contact for major projects.
• Support business development activities by maintaining a reputation for professional and commercially astute project delivery.
• Contribute to securing repeat business opportunities.

Experience Qualifications

Essential

• Proven experience in a Commercial Manager, Senior Quantity Surveyor, or similar leadership role within the construction or fit-out sector.
• Strong track record managing commercial aspects of projects valued between £250k and £4m.
• Experience within fit-out, refurbishment, interiors, commercial, retail, or leisure sectors.
• Excellent knowledge of JCT contracts and contract administration.
• Strong financial, commercial, and contractual acumen.
• Experience managing multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
• Proficient in commercial reporting, forecasting, and cost management.

Desirable

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management, or related discipline.
• Membership of RICS or equivalent professional body.
• Experience working within a growing SME contractor environment.
• Knowledge of design and build procurement routes.

Personal Attributes

• Commercially driven with a strong focus on profitability and business performance.
• Natural leader capable of influencing teams and stakeholders at all levels.
• Proactive, organised, and solutions-focused.
• Strong attention to detail with excellent analytical skills.
• Confident decision-maker capable of operating in a fast-paced environment.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to support business growth and continuous improvement.

If you are an experienced commercial professional looking for a leadership role within a growing fit-out contractor, we would be delighted to hear from you.