At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and improve profit performance across exciting construction projects.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm focused on growth and collaboration.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development, and a chance to shape business success.
- Other info: Join a collaborative leadership team and influence the future of the business.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on commercial performance and process improvement.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial background in construction and excellent negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 € per year.
We’re looking for an experienced and commercially driven Commercial Manager to lead and strengthen the commercial function across our business. This is a senior role with real influence, focused on improving gross profit performance from enquiry stage through to final account. You’ll work closely with estimating, pre-construction and project delivery teams to ensure projects are priced correctly, risks are managed, margins are protected, and commercial processes are consistently applied across the business.
The Role
- Lead commercial strategy and improve gross profit performance across projects
- Set and maintain strong commercial standards across estimating, pre-construction and delivery teams
- Review major tenders, challenge pricing assumptions and assess commercial risk
- Support contract negotiations and advise on high-risk opportunities
- Work with operational teams to monitor live project performance and reduce margin erosion
- Oversee applications, variations, cash flow forecasting and final accounts
- Provide clear commercial reporting and risk visibility to senior leadership
- Drive process improvements and strengthen commercial discipline throughout the business
What We're Looking For
- A strong commercial background within construction
- Experience working for a main contractor or Tier 1 specialist subcontractor
- Strong knowledge of:
- Tender review
- Contract risk
- Applications for payment
- Variations
- Final accounts
- A proven track record of improving commercial outcomes and protecting margin
- Strong negotiation, problem-solving and stakeholder management skills
- A practical, hands-on and detail-oriented approach
- The confidence to challenge both internal teams and external stakeholders professionally
Key Success Measures
- Improved gross profit and reduced margin erosion
- Better variation recovery
- Improved cash flow forecasting
- Stronger commercial reporting
- More accurate estimating and tender processes
- Reduced under-certification and commercial write-offs
Why Join us?
This is an opportunity to take ownership of the commercial function within a growing business and play a key role in shaping commercial performance, process improvement and long-term profitability. You’ll join a collaborative leadership team where your expertise and input will directly influence business success. To apply, please submit your CV and a brief covering note outlining your relevant experience.
Locations
Commercial Manager in Farnham, Surrey employer: Waverley
Join a dynamic and forward-thinking company as a Commercial Manager, where your expertise will be valued and your contributions will directly impact our growth and success. We foster a collaborative work culture that prioritises employee development, offering ample opportunities for professional growth and advancement within the construction sector. Located in a thriving area, we provide a supportive environment that encourages innovation and excellence, making us an exceptional employer for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Farnham, Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and join relevant online groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Commercial Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Be ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs, especially around improving gross profit and managing risks.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your negotiation skills! During interviews, share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated contract negotiations or improved commercial outcomes in past roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed and shows you’re serious about joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Farnham, Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to highlight your commercial experience in construction. Focus on your achievements in improving gross profit and managing risks, as these are key for the Commercial Manager role.
Craft a Compelling Covering Note:Your covering note should be concise but impactful. Use it to showcase your relevant experience and how it aligns with the responsibilities of the role. Don’t forget to mention your strong negotiation skills and hands-on approach!
Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills:In both your CV and covering note, emphasise your problem-solving abilities. Give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, especially in relation to contract negotiations and margin protection.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Waverley
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your understanding of gross profit performance and margin protection. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've improved these in past roles.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Prepare examples of successful contract negotiations you've led. Highlight your approach to managing risks and how you’ve navigated high-stakes discussions with stakeholders.
✨Understand the Full Project Lifecycle
Familiarise yourself with the entire process from tender review to final accounts. Be prepared to discuss how you’ve collaborated with estimating and project delivery teams to ensure commercial standards are met.
✨Be Ready to Challenge Assumptions
In this role, you'll need to confidently challenge pricing assumptions and assess risks. Think of instances where you've done this effectively and be ready to share your thought process during the interview.
