Commercial Manager in Preston

Part of the VolkerWessels UK Group, VolkerStevin is an industry-leading civil engineering business, providing complex and innovative engineering solutions across a wide range of sectors including maritime, flood risk management, defence, energy, water and regeneration. Collaborating with, and drawing on the specialist skills of the group's business units we deliver a truly integrated, multidisciplinary service.

VolkerStevin are looking to appoint a Commercial Manager out of the Preston area to take responsibility for our C2V Lake District portfolio. The Commercial Manager (CM) is accountable for the successful delivery of the business, covering business development, work winning, resourcing, project delivery, and client/subcontractor relationships. They provide high-level commercial and contractual support and report to, and are supported by, the Sector Commercial director (SCD).

Role Overview

• Demonstrate a commitment to collaborative behaviour including developing effective client relationships.
• Support, advise, develop and train all members of the team on commercial matters.
• Mentor and develop the surveyors within the project/framework team/s.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships to drive repeat and framework opportunities.
• Provide commercial input to bids, reducing risk and maximising opportunities.
• Review contract terms, pricing strategies, and scope for accuracy and competitiveness.
• Support and lead bid teams, taking ownership of commercial and contractual elements.
• Obtain and incorporate legal advice on tender terms where required.

Pre-construction

• Review and ensure alignment of the main contract with the tender and confirm execution.
• Establish the commercial structure and strategy for project delivery.
• Ensure teams fully understand contractual obligations, pricing, risks, and scope.
• Review initial P&L forecasts and set margin improvement plans.
• Oversee procurement strategy, including subcontracting and self-delivery split.

Construction - Procurement

• Implement and monitor procurement strategy and schedule.
• Ensure timely placement of subcontract orders and maximise value opportunities.

Reporting & commercial control

• Oversee forecasting, cost/value reporting, cash flow, and risk management.
• Manage change control and resolve unagreed variations promptly.
• Ensure accurate reporting, WIP control, and adherence to company policies.

Commercial oversight

• Conduct monthly project health checks.
• Ensure projects remain cash positive and financially compliant.
• Support dispute resolution and reporting to senior leadership.

Project Controls

• Ensure alignment between forecasts, contracts, and programmes.
• Promote strong programme awareness and contract compliance.

Post-construction

• Close out contracts and final accounts in a timely manner.
• Capture lessons learned and feed back into the business.

About you

• An accredited course by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) or the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES). Alternatively, a degree with some numerical or technical is advantageous.
• Relevant HND subjects include building/construction, urban and land studies, civil engineering and structural engineering.
• Adequate experience as a MQS or CM level.
• Essential: A degree in QS and relevant experience obtained.

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?

VolkerStevin 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, VolkerStevin 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:

• Competitive salary
• 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 benefits
• Employee Assistance
• Flexible working opportunities 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.

If you need support with your application, please contact us at.

Additional information

Note for Recruitment Agencies: Our preference is to hire directly, and we will reach out to our Preferred Supplier List (PSL) agencies if this particular role qualifies for release. We kindly request that you refrain from sending speculative CVs. In the event of speculative CV submissions, no fees will be applicable, and we kindly ask that all inquiries to be directed.

VolkerWessels UK is committed to maintaining healthy, safe and productive working conditions for its entire staff and therefore a drugs & alcohol screening is mandatory for all.