At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and improve profit performance across exciting construction projects.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm focused on growth and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Join a supportive leadership team and drive meaningful change.
- Why this job: Shape the future of commercial performance and make a real impact in a growing business.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial background in construction and proven 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.
Commercial Manager in Surrey employer: Waverley
Join a dynamic and forward-thinking company as a Commercial Manager, where you will have the opportunity to lead the commercial function and make a significant impact on our growth and profitability. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and encourages professional development, ensuring that you are supported in your career journey. With a focus on strong commercial standards and a commitment to employee success, we offer a rewarding environment for those looking to excel in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Surrey
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts, attend events, and engage on platforms like LinkedIn. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Commercial Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. We want you to showcase your knowledge of their commercial strategies and how you can improve gross profit performance. Tailor your answers to reflect their needs!
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commercial Manager, you’ll need to demonstrate strong negotiation abilities. Role-play with a friend or mentor to get comfortable with challenging pricing assumptions and managing risks.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team and contributing to our commercial success.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Surrey
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in construction, especially with main contractors or Tier 1 subcontractors, and showcase your achievements in improving gross profit and managing risks.
Craft a Compelling Covering Note:Your covering note is your chance to shine! Keep it brief but impactful. Outline 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 your application, emphasise your problem-solving abilities. Give examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles, particularly in relation to commercial outcomes and margin protection. We love a candidate who can think on their feet!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother process. It helps us keep track of applications and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join 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 and margin management. Brush up on key financial metrics relevant to the construction industry, and be ready to discuss how you've improved these in past roles.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect questions that challenge your problem-solving skills. Prepare examples where you've successfully navigated contract negotiations or managed risks. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
This role requires strong negotiation and stakeholder management abilities. Be prepared to share specific instances where you've effectively communicated with internal teams and external stakeholders to achieve commercial success.
✨Demonstrate Process Improvement Experience
Highlight any experience you have in driving process improvements within commercial functions. Discuss how you've implemented changes that led to better estimating, tender processes, or cash flow forecasting, as this will resonate well with the interviewers.
