At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial management for exciting engineering projects and shape the future of the company.
- Company: Established engineering firm with over 40 years of experience in complex projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, professional development, and travel expenses covered.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with excellent career progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Join at a pivotal moment and influence business growth while working on major projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in Commercial Management or Quantity Surveying in engineering or construction.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Commercial Manager | Newton Abbot, Devon or Stoke-on-Trent | Full Time | £50,000 - £70,000 DOE + Career Progression + Discretionary Bonus
Our client is an established engineering and construction business with over 40 years' experience delivering complex material handling, heavy engineering and structural steelwork projects across the UK.
Working across the quarrying, mining, industrial processing, infrastructure and construction sectors, they provide complete design, fabrication, installation and commissioning services, supporting clients from concept through to project completion.
Their reputation has been built on delivering high-quality engineering solutions, long-term client relationships and technically challenging projects.
Due to continued growth, they are now looking to recruit their first dedicated Commercial Manager.
This is an exciting opportunity to join the business at a pivotal stage, taking ownership of the commercial function and helping shape how commercial and contractual processes are managed as the company continues to expand.
The role can be based from either the Newton Abbot, Devon office or the Stoke-on-Trent office.
During your first 3-6 months, you should expect to spend approximately 2-3 days per week in Devon for onboarding, relationship building and familiarisation with the business.
Any required accommodation and travel expenses will be covered.
What will your role look like?
- Taking ownership of the commercial management of multiple engineering and construction projects from pre-contract through to final account
- Reviewing, interpreting and administering both standard and bespoke forms of contract
- Negotiating contract terms and protecting the company's commercial interests
- Preparing and submitting applications for payment
- Identifying, pricing and negotiating variations, compensation events and commercial claims
- Preparing and managing Extension of Time (EOT), disruption, loss and expense claims
- Administering both main contracts and subcontract agreements
- Procuring, appointing and commercially managing subcontractors and suppliers
- Producing Bills of Quantities (Bo Qs), drawing take-offs and project measurements
- Monitoring project costs, forecasting commercial performance and supporting final account agreements
- Managing commercial risk throughout the project lifecycle
- Supporting Project Managers with contractual and commercial matters
- Helping prevent disputes through effective contract administration and proactive commercial management
- Working across a range of contract forms including NEC4, JCT, FIDIC, MF1 and bespoke contracts
- Collaborating closely with Directors, Project Managers and engineering teams to strengthen commercial processes across the business
Are you the right person for the job?
- Significant experience within Commercial Management or Quantity Surveying in engineering or construction environments
- Experience managing commercially complex engineering or construction projects
- Strong understanding of standard and bespoke construction contracts
- Experience with contract forms such as NEC4, JCT, FIDIC, MF1 or similar
- Excellent knowledge of the Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 (as amended)
- Confident preparing applications for payment, variations, claims and final accounts
- Experience procuring and managing subcontractors
- Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline is desirable but not essential
- Commercial experience within sectors such as heavy engineering, quarrying, mining, bulk material handling, industrial process plants, mechanical engineering or steelwork would be highly advantageous
- Excellent communication, negotiation and analytical skills
- Able to challenge contractual risk and negotiate commercially favourable outcomes
- Comfortable working independently while supporting multidisciplinary project teams
- Organised, proactive and capable of managing multiple projects simultaneously
- A pragmatic, confident and commercially minded approach
What's in it for you?
- Competitive salary of £50,000 - £70,000, depending on experience
- Opportunity to build and shape a brand-new commercial management function
- Work directly alongside senior leadership and influence business growth
- Flexible long-term base from either Devon or Stoke-on-Trent
- Travel and accommodation expenses covered during onboarding
- NEST Pension Scheme
- 20 days annual leave plus Bank Holidays
- Flexible management working hours
- On-site parking
- Professional development and long-term career progression
- Supportive, collaborative and innovative engineering environment
- Opportunity to work on major engineering and infrastructure projects across the UK
- Types of projects you'll work on
- Quarrying and aggregates
- Mining
- Bulk material handling systems
- Cement and industrial processing facilities
- Rail unloading and materials handling infrastructure
- Heavy industrial engineering projects
Whats next? Its easy! Click APPLY now! Our cant wait to hear from you!
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Commercial Manager in Exeter employer: Talent Finder
Join a vibrant and supportive bakery team in Fenstanton, where your passion for baking can flourish. With 32 days of annual leave, employee discounts, and ample opportunities for career growth, this role as Assistant Head Baker offers a rewarding environment that values quality and teamwork. Be part of a dedicated group committed to producing exceptional baked goods while enjoying a positive work culture that encourages creativity and collaboration.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Exeter
✨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 Talent Finder, 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 Commercial Manager at Talent Finder.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Exeter
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 Talent Finder
✨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!