Commercial Manager - Infrastructure / Coastal & Partnerships

Commercial Manager - Infrastructure / Coastal & Partnerships

Full-Time 65000 - 80000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
Yorkshire Water

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead commercial activities on impactful 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 - 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.

Commercial Manager - Infrastructure / Coastal & Partnerships 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 flexible working arrangements. Our vibrant work culture fosters collaboration and innovation, providing ample opportunities for professional growth while making a meaningful impact on the communities we serve. With our upcoming move to Leeds Valley Park, employees will enjoy a modern workspace in a thriving location, all while contributing to vital environmental initiatives.

Yorkshire Water

Contact Details:

Yorkshire Water Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Infrastructure / Coastal & Partnerships

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the water industry or related fields. Attend events, webinars, or even local meet-ups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you!

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your skills. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of Yorkshire Water's mission.

Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commercial Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to negotiate contracts and manage relationships. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build confidence before those crucial discussions.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining Yorkshire Water and contributing to our mission of providing top-notch services to the community.

We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Infrastructure / Coastal & Partnerships

Commercial Acumen
Financial Acumen
Cost Control
Forecasting
UK Contract Forms (NEC3/NEC4)
Negotiation Skills
Stakeholder Influence

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience with UK contract forms and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about working with Yorkshire Water and how you can contribute to our mission. Keep it engaging and relevant to the role.

Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven value and managed risks in previous roles. We love seeing tangible results!

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets into the right hands quickly. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining us!

How to prepare for a job interview at Yorkshire Water

Know Your Contracts

Familiarise yourself with UK contract forms, especially NEC3 and NEC4. Be ready to discuss how you've applied these in previous roles, as this will show your understanding of the complexities involved in managing contracts.

Showcase Your Financial Acumen

Prepare examples that highlight your ability to drive cost control and maximise value. Think about specific instances where your financial strategies led to successful outcomes, as this is crucial for the Commercial Manager role.

Demonstrate Strategic Thinking

Be prepared to discuss how you approach strategic decision-making. Share examples of how you've identified and mitigated risks while capitalising on opportunities in past projects, showcasing your proactive mindset.

Build Relationships

Highlight your experience in building strong relationships with stakeholders. Prepare to discuss how you've acted as a trusted advisor in previous roles, as collaboration is key in this position at Yorkshire Water.