At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial management of major engineering projects and ensure compliance with contracts.
- Company: Join a leading organisation in the M&E engineering and infrastructure sector.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities to mentor junior team members.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on complex projects while developing your commercial expertise.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management and strong understanding of NEC contracts required.
The predicted salary is between 85500 - 104500 £ per year.
About the Opportunity
Westlakes Recruit is currently supporting a leading organisation with the appointment of an experienced Commercial Manager to support the delivery of major Mechanical & Electrical (M&E) engineering and infrastructure projects in Reading. This is an opportunity for a commercially focused professional with experience across M&E, engineering, construction or highly regulated infrastructure environments, taking responsibility for the commercial management of complex projects and work packages. You will work closely with project, engineering, procurement and delivery teams, providing commercial leadership throughout the project lifecycle while ensuring contractual, financial and governance requirements are maintained.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the commercial management of major M&E and engineering projects from tender and procurement through to completion.
- Manage NEC3/NEC4 contracts, including contractual compliance, change management and commercial reporting.
- Manage mechanical and electrical subcontract packages and supplier relationships.
- Review and administer compensation events, early warnings, variations and change control.
- Monitor project costs, budgets, forecasts and cash flow.
- Lead tendering activities, commercial evaluations and contract negotiations.
- Review subcontractor applications, valuations, payments and final accounts.
- Identify commercial risks and opportunities and implement appropriate mitigation strategies.
- Provide commercial advice to Project Managers, Engineers and senior stakeholders.
- Work closely with engineering teams to understand technical scope, programme requirements and commercial implications.
- Monitor project performance against budget, programme and contractual requirements.
- Support the preparation of commercial reports and forecasts for senior management.
- Ensure strong commercial governance and accurate project records throughout the project lifecycle.
- Support the resolution of commercial and contractual issues.
- Mentor and support junior members of the commercial team where required.
M&E / Engineering Experience
We are particularly interested in candidates with experience across:
- Mechanical and electrical installation
- Industrial M&E
- Process engineering
- Mechanical and electrical infrastructure
- Pipework and mechanical systems
- Electrical systems
- Plant and equipment installation
- Engineering construction
- Energy and utilities
- Defence, nuclear or other highly regulated environments
Experience managing complex M&E interfaces, subcontractors and engineering work packages would be particularly valuable.
About You
The successful candidate will be an experienced commercial professional who can operate confidently within a complex engineering environment. You will ideally have:
- Strong practical experience with NEC3 and/or NEC4 contracts.
- A background in commercial management across M&E, engineering, construction or infrastructure.
- Experience managing high-value projects and subcontract packages.
- Strong understanding of change control, compensation events, forecasting and cost management.
- Experience with procurement, tendering and commercial negotiations.
- Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
- The ability to work effectively with engineering, project management and procurement teams.
- Excellent commercial awareness and attention to detail.
- A structured and proactive approach to commercial risk management.
Qualifications & Security
A degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction, Engineering or a related discipline is desirable. Membership of RICS, CICES or an equivalent professional body would be advantageous. Due to the nature of the projects, candidates may be required to undergo security vetting and clearance and must meet the relevant eligibility requirements.
Commercial Manager/Commercial Lead in Reading employer: Westlakes Recruit
At Westlakes Recruit, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer that values technical expertise and innovation in the critical power sector. Our collaborative work culture fosters professional growth through continuous learning opportunities, while our flexible and hybrid working arrangements ensure a healthy work-life balance. Join us to be part of a team that is dedicated to making a meaningful impact in safety-critical environments.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager/Commercial Lead in Reading
✨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
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Westlakes Recruit, to express your interest!
✨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/Commercial Lead at Westlakes Recruit.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager/Commercial Lead in Reading
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 Westlakes Recruit
✨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!
