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For Companies 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 options, competitive salary, and opportunity to work on high-impact projects.
- Why this job: Shape best practices and drive commercial excellence in a fast-paced environment.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying with strong financial and analytical skills required.
- Other info: Join a respected team with opportunities for professional growth and development.
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
- 1st Stage: Online (Teams) with Hiring Manager & HR
- 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
Contact Detail:
The Thrive Team 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 hunt for a Commercial Lead role. You never know who might have the inside scoop on an opportunity.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company, understand their projects, and think about how your experience with NEC contracts and cost control can add value. Practise common interview questions and be ready to showcase your commercial acumen.
✨Tip Number 3
Follow up after interviews! A quick thank-you email can go a long way in keeping you top of mind. Mention something specific from your conversation to show you were engaged and are genuinely interested in the role.
✨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 projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Lead
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight your experience with NEC contracts and any relevant projects you've worked on, as this will show us you're the right fit for the role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re passionate about the role and how your background in quantity surveying makes you a perfect candidate. Don’t forget to mention your ability to work independently and manage risks effectively.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve successfully managed costs or improved processes in previous projects.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates during the process!
How to prepare for a job interview at The Thrive Team
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Quantity Surveyor, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've managed budgets in past projects. Prepare specific examples that showcase your ability to control costs and deliver projects within budget.
✨Master the NEC Contracts
Since NEC contracts are crucial for this role, make sure you understand their intricacies. Familiarise yourself with common clauses and be prepared to discuss how you've navigated contract administration in previous roles. This will show your potential employer that you can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
This position requires working closely with various teams. Be ready to share examples of how you've successfully collaborated with project managers, engineers, and contractors. Highlight your communication and negotiation skills, as these will be key in managing stakeholder relationships.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in previous projects, particularly around risk management and cost estimation. Prepare structured responses that outline the situation, your actions, and the outcomes to demonstrate your strategic thinking.
