At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial activities for high-impact projects in Storm Overflows or Coastal & Partnerships.
- Company: Join Yorkshire Water, a purpose-driven organisation providing essential water services.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, company car scheme, private healthcare, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Hybrid working model with excellent career growth opportunities.
- Why this job: Shape the future of water services while driving value and managing risks.
- Qualifications: Strong commercial acumen and experience with complex contracts are essential.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 80000 £ per year.
We have two exciting opportunities for Commercial Managers focusing on 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.
Benefits
- Competitive salary £65,000 - £80,000
- Company car lease/allowance scheme £500 per month/£6,000 per year; optional EV Car Salary Sacrifice Scheme available after 6 months
- Annual incentive bonus up to 10% of salary, increasing to 15% in 26/27 performance year
- Private health care (self only)
- Attractive pension scheme up to 12% company contribution
- Life assurance cover 4 times pensionable salary
- 25 days annual leave + bank holidays, plus 2 extra wellness days
- Other benefits: health cash plan, critical illness insurance, dental insurance, life assurance flex, partner cover, retail savings scheme, online GP service, cycle to work scheme, gym discounts and more
Location
This role will initially be based in Bradford but we’re 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.
What we do
Yorkshire Water provides essential water and wastewater services to every corner of the Yorkshire region, ensuring clean and safe drinking water and reliable wastewater removal for over 5.4 million residents and visitors. We look after communities, protect the environment, and plan to provide Yorkshire’s water for today and tomorrow. New environmental legislation, unprecedented investment and changing customer expectations create exciting opportunities within the water industry.
Where you fit in
As a Commercial Manager, you will 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. You will collaborate with talented teams and deliver tangible impacts while developing your career in a forward‑thinking, purpose‑driven organisation.
Responsibilities
- Lead and shape all commercial activity across a high‑profile capital delivery sub‑programme, driving success from inception 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.
Closing date
The closing date for this role is 1st July 2026.
Commercial Manager - Infrastructure / Coastal & Partnerships in Leeds employer: Yorkshire Water
Yorkshire Water is an exceptional employer, offering a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package that includes private healthcare, an attractive pension scheme, and generous annual leave. With a strong focus on employee growth and a collaborative work culture, you will have the opportunity to lead impactful projects in a forward-thinking organisation dedicated to providing essential water services while prioritising environmental sustainability. The upcoming move to Leeds Valley Park enhances the work environment, making it an exciting time to join a purpose-driven team committed to making a difference in the community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Infrastructure / Coastal & Partnerships in Leeds
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Commercial Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Yorkshire Water and their projects. Understand their values and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your answers to show how your skills align with their needs, especially in managing complex contracts and driving value.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commercial Manager, you'll need to influence stakeholders and manage contracts effectively. Role-play scenarios with friends or colleagues to build your confidence and refine your approach.
✨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 their job search. So, get that application in and let’s make it happen!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Infrastructure / Coastal & Partnerships in Leeds
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience with commercial strategies and contract management, as these are key aspects of the job. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Showcase Your Achievements:When detailing your past roles, focus on specific achievements that demonstrate your financial acumen and ability to drive value. Use numbers and examples to illustrate your impact, as this will help us see the tangible benefits you can bring to Yorkshire Water.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application clear and to the point. Avoid jargon and ensure your writing is easy to read. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make it easy for us to understand your qualifications and motivations.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! This ensures we receive all your details correctly and helps us keep track of your application. Plus, it’s the best way to stay updated on your progress with us.
How to prepare for a job interview at Yorkshire Water
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Manager, you'll need to demonstrate strong financial acumen. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've driven cost control and maximised value in previous roles. Use specific examples to showcase your impact.
✨Master the NEC Contracts
Familiarise yourself with NEC3/NEC4 contracts, as they are crucial for this role. Be prepared to discuss your experience with these contracts, including any challenges you've faced and how you navigated them. This will show your confidence and expertise in complex environments.
✨Showcase Your Strategic Thinking
This position requires a strategic mindset. Think about past projects where you identified opportunities or mitigated risks. Be ready to share these stories, highlighting your attention to detail and sound commercial judgement. It’s all about demonstrating your ability to think ahead!
✨Build Relationships
Strong relationships are key in this role. Prepare to discuss how you've collaborated with internal teams, suppliers, and stakeholders in the past. Highlight your communication skills and how you've acted as a trusted advisor to influence decisions and drive performance.
