At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial activities for high-impact infrastructure projects, driving value and managing risks.
- Company: Join Yorkshire Water, a key player in providing essential water services to millions.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car scheme, private healthcare, and generous leave.
- Other info: Flexible working options available to support work-life balance.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in communities while developing your career in a purpose-driven organisation.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial acumen and experience with UK contract forms are essential.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 £ per year.
Company description: Water Utility Company based in Yorkshire region of England.
Hello! Thanks for stopping by. Let us tell you about all the great reasons to join us here at Yorkshire Water!
- We offer a competitive salary, depending on experience (£65,000 - £80,000).
- A company car lease/allowance scheme (£500 per month/£6,000 per year, based on full-time employment on joining the company). You can opt to sign up to the EV Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme 6 months after joining the company.
- Annual incentive related bonus (up to 10% of annual salary, increasing to 15% in the 26 to 27 performance year).
- Private health care (self only).
- Attractive pension scheme (up to 12% company contribution).
- Life assurance cover of 4 times pensionable salary.
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays plus 2 extra wellness days!
- A great benefits package choose from health cash plan scheme, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex and partner cover.
- Retail savings scheme.
- Online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym membership discounts and many more!
Location: This role will initially be based in Bradford but we are moving our office to Leeds Valley Park in summer 2026, so you'll be based there in the future - Hybrid Working (2 days in the office a week Bradford/Leeds).
Work type: Permanent. 37 hours per week, Monday to Friday.
We have two exciting opportunities for Commercial Managers, focusing on Infrastructure Storm Overflows, and Coastal & Partnerships to join Yorkshire Water and be a part of helping Yorkshire Water to provide the best service to our customers.
What we do: Everyone has an idea of what a water company does. Here in Yorkshire, we make sure that over 5.4 million people living in the region and the millions of people who visit our region each year can rely on our services, and have clean and safe drinking water on tap and that their wastewater is taken away. But for us, it's so much more than this. We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to look after Yorkshire's water, today, tomorrow 24/7, 365 days a year. We provide essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region and play a key role in the region's health, wellbeing, and prosperity.
New environmental legislation, unprecedented levels of investment and changing expectations from customers means that this is an exciting time to discover opportunities within the water industry. The Capital Delivery Commercial team are a key part of how we plan to meet the changing expectations of customers and regulators. Join us at a pivotal time as we invest in major infrastructure programmes that make a real difference to communities and the environment.
As a Commercial Manager, you'll play a key role in shaping and delivering high-impact projects across Storm Overflows or Coastal & Partnerships, driving value, managing risk, and influencing strategic decisions. This is an exciting opportunity to work on complex, large-scale programmes, collaborate with talented teams, and make a tangible impact while developing your career in a forward-thinking, purpose-driven organisation.
Where you fit in: As our Commercial Manager you will:
- Lead and shape all commercial activity across a high-profile capital delivery sub-programme, driving success from inception through to completion.
- Develop and deliver innovative commercial strategies that maximise value, enhance investment returns, and proactively minimise risk.
- Play a pivotal role in bid and tender processes, reviewing documentation and identifying opportunities and risks to strengthen submissions.
- Take ownership of contracts end-to-end, including preparing, negotiating, and managing agreements (NEC3/NEC4), ensuring robust and fair commercial outcomes.
- Partner closely with procurement and supply chain teams to drive performance, optimise supplier relationships, and unlock additional value.
- Proactively manage contractual obligations, ensuring compliance while confidently handling variations and resolving disputes.
- Drive strong financial performance through accurate forecasting, cost control, and insightful reporting across the programme.
- Identify and deliver cost-saving opportunities, both within and beyond budget, to enhance overall programme value.
- Actively identify, assess, and mitigate commercial risks while capitalising on emerging opportunities to strengthen delivery outcomes.
- Ensure all activities align with contractual, legal, and industry standards, maintaining excellence in governance and compliance.
- Provide clear, insightful performance reporting, influencing senior stakeholders and supporting strategic decision-making.
- Build and nurture strong relationships with internal teams, suppliers, and external partners, acting as a trusted commercial advisor.
- Act as a key commercial interface across stakeholders, supporting collaboration, successful delivery, and future business growth.
What skills & qualifications you will need:
- Strong commercial and financial acumen, with the ability to drive cost control, forecasting, and maximise value and return on investment.
- Solid understanding of UK contract forms (e.g. NEC) and confidence applying them in complex environments.
- Skilled negotiator with the ability to influence stakeholders and deliver strong commercial outcomes.
- Proficient in Excel and commercial/finance systems to support analysis and decision-making.
- Proven ability to lead, inspire, and collaborate across teams to drive performance.
- Strategic thinker with strong attention to detail and sound commercial judgement.
- Confident communicator, able to engage and influence both senior leaders and delivery teams.
- Resilient and adaptable, with a proactive, results-focused approach.
- Relevant degree in Business, Commercial Management, Quantity Surveying, Engineering, Finance, or similar discipline (desirable).
- Track record of managing complex, multi-million-pound contracts and commercial activity.
Although we operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, it's important to us that we support flexible working patterns and job share options (when we can), to help you make the best of both your work and home life. We know that juggling childcare responsibilities or getting that ideal work/life balance isn't always easy!
If you've got experience in UK Contract forms and have a strong commercial and financial acumen and want to help us deliver great service for our customers whilst looking after the environment, then be sure to apply today to find out what a career with Yorkshire Water can offer you.
The closing date for this role is the 1st of July 2026.
If successful for the role, you will be required to undergo pre-employment checks that will include a Basic Disclosure Check, carried out through a Third-Party Company, prior to commencing employment. Depending on the role, you may also be required to go through the security vetting process for either a Counter Terrorist Check or Security Check clearance. All our roles are subject to a medical questionnaire, and further medicals when required.
We are committed to removing barriers and ensuring our recruitment process is accessible to everyone. We offer a range of adjustments to make your application experience as comfortable and straightforward as possible. If you have an accessibility need, disability, or condition that requires changes to the recruitment process, please include this information in your application. We will then discuss any reasonable adjustments required.
Kelda Group reserve the right to close this position before the published closing date, should the need occur. We therefore advise that you complete and submit your application as soon as possible.
No agencies please.
Locations
Commercial Manager - Infrastructure / Coastal & Partnerships in Bradford, Devon employer: Yorkshire Water
At Yorkshire Water, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes private healthcare, generous pension contributions, and wellness days. Our supportive work culture fosters employee growth through exciting projects that make a real difference to communities and the environment, all while providing flexible working arrangements to help you achieve a healthy work-life balance in the vibrant Yorkshire region.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Infrastructure / Coastal & Partnerships in Bradford, Devon
✨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 Yorkshire Water, 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 - Infrastructure / Coastal & Partnerships at Yorkshire Water.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Infrastructure / Coastal & Partnerships in Bradford, Devon
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 Yorkshire Water
✨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!