Commercial Lead

Commercial Lead

Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead commercial and financial control of engineering projects, ensuring timely and budget-compliant delivery.
  • Company: Dynamic engineering firm focused on innovation and excellence in project delivery.
  • Benefits: Flexible working hours, remote options, and opportunities for professional growth.
  • Why this job: Shape best practices and drive commercial success in high-impact projects.
  • Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying with strong financial and analytical skills required.
  • Other info: Join a collaborative team and influence key projects in a fast-paced environment.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are seeking to appoint an experienced Quantity Surveyor to take ownership of the commercial and financial control of projects across our growing engineering and manufacturing portfolio. This is a key replacement hire, reporting directly to the General Manager, and requires someone who can confidently step into a role with autonomy, influence, and responsibility from day one. If you’re a commercially astute QS who thrives in complex environments—especially those involving NEC contracts, defence, manufacturing, or contractor-side project delivery—this is an opportunity to shape best practice, provide structure, and drive commercial excellence across the business.

The Role

You will oversee the financial, contractual, and commercial elements of projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with customer and regulatory standards. Working closely with project managers, engineers, contractors, and the wider supply chain, you’ll provide expert guidance on cost control, contract administration, forecasting, and risk management. This is not a trainee or developmental role—you will be a trusted commercial lead, able to establish processes, manage risk, negotiate confidently, and support the business with strategic commercial insight.

Key Responsibilities

  • Provide commercial support across projects, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and documentation.
  • Work collaboratively with project teams to estimate, track, and forecast project costs throughout the lifecycle.
  • Analyse specifications, identify risks, and develop mitigation strategies across cost, schedule, and commercial aspects.
  • Manage and administer NEC contracts, client terms, CEs, early warnings, payment applications, and contract amendments.
  • Produce accurate and timely cost/value reports at project and business level.
  • Support monthly reporting, invoicing, client applications, and progress meetings.
  • Engage with and manage the supply chain, ensuring appropriate contract terms are in place and adhered to.
  • Support subcontract negotiation, letting, and change management.
  • Assist with bids, tenders, pricing, and pre-contract reviews.
  • Prepare estimates for new projects and time–cost impacts on existing contracts.
  • Share best commercial practice, support process improvement, and strengthen commercial awareness across project teams.

What We’re Looking For

Essential

  • Degree in Quantity Surveying.
  • Strong financial, analytical, and cost estimation skills.
  • Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
  • Solid understanding of commercial and contractual mechanisms.
  • Ability to work independently and adapt within a fast-paced project environment.

Desirable

  • NEC3 contract experience.
  • Experience within defence, manufacturing, or contractor backgrounds.
  • Proficiency in cost-estimating and project management software.

We welcome applications from senior QSs, commercial managers, or contractor-side professionals capable of hitting the ground running.

Working Pattern

  • 37.5 hours per week
  • Mon–Thurs: 8am–5pm
  • Fri: 8am–12pm (WFH available)
  • Flexible working options, including consideration of a 4-day week
  • Opportunity to work across high-value, high-impact projects within a respected engineering/technical environment

Interview Process

  1. 1st Stage: Online (Teams) with Hiring Manager & HR
  2. 2nd Stage: Onsite meeting with Hiring Manager, HR, and Managing Director

If you feel you have the relevant skills and experience please apply online or get in touch to discuss.

Commercial Lead employer: The Thrive Team Limited

Join a dynamic engineering and manufacturing firm that values autonomy and expertise, offering a collaborative work culture where your contributions directly impact high-value projects. With flexible working options, including the potential for a 4-day week, and a commitment to employee growth through continuous learning and best practice sharing, this role as Commercial Lead provides an exceptional opportunity to thrive in a supportive environment. Be part of a team that prioritises commercial excellence and innovation, ensuring you have the resources and backing to succeed from day one.
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Contact Detail:

The Thrive Team Limited Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Commercial Lead

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the industry, attend relevant events, and don’t be shy about letting people know you’re on the lookout for a new role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on opportunities.

✨Tip Number 2

Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and its projects, especially if they involve NEC contracts or the defence sector. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs and how you can bring value from day one.

✨Tip Number 3

Showcase your expertise! Bring along examples of your past work, like cost/value reports or successful contract negotiations. This will help demonstrate your commercial acumen and ability to manage complex projects effectively.

✨Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining our team and contributing to our commercial excellence.

We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Lead

Quantity Surveying
Financial Control
Contract Administration
Cost Estimation
Risk Management
NEC Contract Management
Stakeholder Management
Communication Skills
Negotiation Skills
Analytical Skills
Project Management Software Proficiency
Process Improvement
Commercial Awareness
Adaptability

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Commercial Lead. Highlight your experience with NEC contracts and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

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. Share specific examples of how you've driven commercial excellence in past positions, and don’t forget to show your enthusiasm for joining our team.

Showcase Your Analytical Skills: Since this role requires strong financial and analytical skills, make sure to include examples of how you've successfully managed costs and risks in previous projects. We love seeing numbers and results that back up your claims!

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep everything organised and ensures your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it’s super easy!

How to prepare for a job interview at The Thrive Team Limited

✨Know Your NEC Contracts

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of NEC contracts before the interview. Being able to discuss specific clauses and how they apply to project delivery will show that you're not just familiar with the theory but can also apply it in practice.

✨Showcase Your Financial Acumen

Prepare to discuss your experience with cost control, forecasting, and risk management. Bring examples of how you've successfully managed budgets in previous roles, as this will demonstrate your ability to take ownership of financial elements in projects.

✨Communicate Effectively

Since excellent communication is key for this role, practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Think about how you can convey complex information simply, especially when discussing stakeholder management and negotiation strategies.

✨Demonstrate Your Autonomy

Be ready to share instances where you've worked independently and made impactful decisions. Highlighting your ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment will reassure the interviewers that you can step into this role with confidence and responsibility from day one.

Commercial Lead
The Thrive Team Limited
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