At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategies and build strong client relationships in civil engineering projects.
- Company: Join VolkerStevin, a leader in innovative engineering solutions.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private medical care, and flexible working options.
- Other info: Embrace a culture of fairness, inclusion, and respect.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in diverse sectors while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or relevant experience required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
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.
- 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.
- Implement and monitor procurement strategy and schedule.
- Ensure timely placement of subcontract orders and maximise value opportunities.
- 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.
- Conduct monthly project health checks.
- Ensure projects remain cash positive and financially compliant.
- Support dispute resolution and reporting to senior leadership.
- Ensure alignment between forecasts, contracts, and programmes.
- Promote strong programme awareness and contract compliance.
- 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.
Commercial Manager in Preston employer: VolkerWessels UK
VolkerStevin, part of the VolkerWessels UK Group, is an exceptional employer located in the Preston area, offering a dynamic work environment that fosters collaboration and innovation in civil engineering. With a strong commitment to employee development, competitive benefits, and a culture of fairness and inclusion, we empower our team members to thrive while delivering complex engineering solutions across diverse sectors. Join us to be part of a supportive team that values your contributions and prioritises your professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Preston
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
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✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Commercial Manager at VolkerWessels UK.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Preston
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at VolkerWessels UK
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
