At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial performance of projects, ensuring effective cost control and risk management.
- Company: VolkerHighways, a market leader in highways and street lighting maintenance.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, company car options, private medical care, and flexible working opportunities.
- Other info: Join a culture of fairness, inclusion, and continuous development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a dynamic environment with strong client relationships.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or similar, with extensive commercial experience.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 € 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.
About you
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.
- Competitive salary
- 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 restaurant 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. VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff.
Commercial Manager employer: Volkerrail Group
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. Join us in Luton and West Berkshire, where your contributions will directly impact the success of major infrastructure projects and foster lasting client relationships.
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
Show off your skills! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to highlight your experience in managing commercial performance and risk management. Use real examples to demonstrate how you've driven improvements in past projects.
✨Tip Number 3
Be proactive! Don’t just wait for job openings to pop up. Reach out to companies you admire, like VolkerHighways, and express your interest. Sometimes, they might have opportunities that aren’t advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our 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 the role, so don’t hold back on showcasing relevant achievements!
Showcase Your Leadership Skills:As a Commercial Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong leadership abilities. Use your application to share examples of how you've led teams or projects in the past. We love seeing candidates who can inspire and develop others!
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 understand your 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 Volkerrail Group
✨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 projects. Prepare to share how you’ve mentored others and driven improvements. Highlight your ability to build relationships with clients and suppliers, as this is crucial for success.
✨Understand the Tender Process
Familiarise yourself with the tendering process and be prepared to discuss your experience with bids and pricing strategies. You might be asked about TUPE considerations, so have a clear understanding of how these impact commercial decisions.
✨Be Ready for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving skills. Think of complex situations you've faced in previous roles and how you navigated them. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your answers effectively.
