At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial performance of projects, ensuring effective cost control and risk management.
- Company: VolkerHighways, a leader in highways and street lighting maintenance.
- Benefits: Company car, competitive leave, private medical care, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Join a culture of fairness, inclusion, and respect while driving innovation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with strong career growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or similar, with extensive commercial experience.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 € per year.
VolkerHighways is a market leader in the delivery of highways and street lighting term maintenance contracts. We build strong collaborative relationships with our clients to drive improvements and efficiency in all our activities. We have the capability to deliver major surfacing and public realm infrastructure projects. Our specialist in-house traffic management division provides expert advice and support across the industry, whilst assisting with our own, in-house contracts.
Working closely with the Commercial Director, the Commercial Manager has overall responsibility for the commercial performance of projects and frameworks across Luton and West Berkshire, providing leadership and assurance across work winning, pre‑construction and delivery. The role ensures robust commercial control, risk management and profitable outcomes while developing teams and maintaining strong client and supply‑chain relationships.
Key Responsibilities- Lead all commercial and contractual aspects of projects and frameworks, ensuring effective cost control, forecasting, change management, cash flow, WIP and profitability.
- Provide commercial leadership across work winning, tenders and bids, including contractual risk review, pricing strategy and TUPE considerations.
- Oversee pre‑construction activities, ensuring contracts align with tender submissions, commercial strategies are agreed and teams are fully briefed.
- Maintain accurate reporting in line with Group systems, governance and financial reporting requirements.
- Carry out regular commercial health checks, ensuring compliance with contracts, notifications and internal policies.
- Ensure projects are cash positive and risks, disputes and opportunities are proactively managed.
- Build and maintain strong client, supplier and subcontractor relationships to maximise commercial opportunities.
- Lead, develop and resource commercial teams, including mentoring, succession planning and performance management.
- Promote a strong culture of safety, quality, collaboration, inclusion and right‑first‑time delivery.
- Support business improvement, continuous development and external representation of VolkerHighways.
You will be an experienced commercial professional with a strong track record of delivering successful Highways Maintenance contracts. Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying or similar, with extensive post‑qualification experience in a commercial role. Proven expertise in commercial and contractual management on Highway Maintenance frameworks, including risk, change control, reporting and forecasting. Strong problem‑solver, able to manage complex or ambiguous issues through effective relationship building. Confident decision‑maker who leads by example and supports, coaches and develops others. Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to drive improvement and change. Clear communicator with the desire to make a positive impact on projects, teams and the wider business.
If your past experience doesn’t match perfectly with every requirement of the job description, we still encourage you to apply. You may be just the right candidate for us.
Why work with us?VolkerHighways is under the umbrella of VolkerWessels UK which is a multidisciplinary contractor that delivers innovative engineering solutions across the civil engineering and construction sectors including rail, highways, airport, marine, energy, water, and environmental infrastructure. By utilising the specialist skills of each business unit within VolkerWessels UK, VolkerHighways are able to ensure our staff provide unrivalled resources and expertise to our clients. We offer competitive rewards and benefits, recognising the value we place on our employees.
We offer a range of benefits, including:- Company car or car allowance options.
- Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday.
- Option to buy additional annual leave.
- Private medical care.
- Pension.
- Life Assurance.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Shopping and restaurants vouchers, rewards, and discounts.
- Training and development opportunities - comprehensive skills‑based training.
- Family friendly policies including enhanced maternity benefit.
- Flexible working opportunities.
- Employee Assistance programme.
- Mental health, physical health, and financial support.
- 24/7 Virtual GP service.
Fairness, inclusion and respect. We believe in pushing boundaries in the pursuit of fairness, inclusion and respect. So, our teams can be comfortable that, whatever their background, VolkerWessels UK is a place where they can be themselves and thrive.
Commercial Manager employer: VolkerFitzpatrick Limited
VolkerHighways is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. With a strong focus on employee development, competitive benefits, and a commitment to fairness and inclusion, we empower our teams to excel in their roles while maintaining a healthy work-life balance. Located in Luton and West Berkshire, our team enjoys the advantages of working within a leading multidisciplinary contractor, ensuring access to unrivalled resources and expertise in the civil engineering and construction sectors.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Commercial Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching VolkerHighways and understanding their projects. Show them you’re not just another candidate; you’re genuinely interested in what they do and how you can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your experience aligns with their needs. Highlight your commercial management skills and how you’ve successfully navigated similar challenges in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen. Plus, it shows you’re serious about joining the team at VolkerHighways.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your experience in commercial management, especially in highways maintenance. We want to see how your skills align with our needs, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Commercial Manager, you’ll be leading teams and driving improvements. Use your application to demonstrate your leadership style and any successful projects where you’ve made a positive impact. We love to see examples of mentoring and team development!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key points stand out. This will help us quickly see why you’re a great fit for the role!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at VolkerFitzpatrick Limited
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of cost control and profitability. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to highways maintenance contracts, such as cash flow and WIP. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed these in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership, so think of examples where you've led teams or driven improvements. Prepare to share specific instances where your decision-making made a positive impact, especially in complex situations. Highlight your mentoring experience too!
✨Understand the Client's Needs
VolkerHighways values strong client relationships, so research their recent projects and understand their approach to collaboration. Be prepared to discuss how you would build and maintain these relationships, ensuring that you align with their goals and values.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, particularly in risk management and change control. Think through potential scenarios you might face in this role and how you would handle them. This will show your proactive approach and readiness to tackle challenges head-on.
