Commercial Manager

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Commercial Manager – Construction & Engineering Projects (NEC Contracts)

Location: Bolton
Salary: Competitive Salay and Benefits 
Working arrangement: Office-based, with regular visits to project sites, clients, suppliers and other offices

Overview:

• Are you an experienced Commercial Manager or Senior Quantity Surveyor looking to take ownership of commercial performance across construction or engineering projects?
• We are seeking a commercially astute professional with a strong background in main contracting or project delivery, extensive knowledge of NEC contracts and experience managing project costs, profitability, cash flow and contractual risk.
• This is a senior commercial leadership opportunity where you will work closely with Project Managers, Planners and senior stakeholders to protect margins, improve commercial performance and ensure projects are delivered in line with contractual, financial and business objectives.
• You will also lead and develop the commercial team, providing clear direction, strengthening commercial controls and ensuring the business has the capability to meet its current and future project requirements.

The Role:

• As Commercial Manager, you will be responsible for the commercial and contractual management of projects, ensuring effective cost control, accurate financial forecasting and the identification and management of commercial risks and opportunities.
• You will act as a key commercial adviser to project teams and the wider business, supporting informed decision-making while maintaining strong contractual discipline and a focus on profitability and cash recovery.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial and Financial Management

• Take ownership of project commercial performance, working to achieve agreed profit, margin and cash flow targets.
• Prepare, review and challenge cost forecasts, turnover projections, cash flow forecasts and anticipated final contract costs.
• Ensure robust Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) processes and accurate, timely monthly commercial reporting.
• Monitor work in progress (WIP), manage outstanding debtors and support effective cash collection.
• Monitor interim applications for payment, payment notices, cash receipts and the resolution of financial exceptions.
• Identify, manage and report commercial risks and opportunities throughout the project lifecycle.

Contract and Subcontract Management

• Provide contractual advice and guidance to Project Managers and the wider business.
• Manage contractual change control, ensuring variations and changes to scope are identified, notified, valued and agreed in a timely manner.
• Oversee subcontractor accounts, variations, payment assessments and final account settlements.
• Support the preparation and placement of subcontract orders, ensuring appropriate back-to-back contractual protection.
• Monitor compliance with customer and subcontract agreements, mitigating commercial exposure and protecting the company’s interests.
• Apply sound commercial judgement across relevant NEC contracts and other contractual forms.

Leadership and Stakeholder Management

• Lead, manage and develop the commercial team, setting priorities and supporting the professional development of team members.
• Work collaboratively with Project Managers, Planners, Finance and operational teams to improve project delivery and commercial outcomes.
• Provide clear commercial advice to senior management and the main board, communicating performance, risks and opportunities.
• Build effective relationships with clients, suppliers, subcontractors and internal stakeholders.
• Promote consistent commercial procedures, accurate reporting and continuous improvement across the business.
• Ensure team members have the appropriate skills, knowledge and support to meet current and future business requirements.

About You

You will be an experienced commercial professional with the confidence to challenge assumptions, negotiate effectively and make sound commercial decisions in a project-driven environment.

You will ideally bring:

• A degree-level qualification in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline.
• Significant experience in quantity surveying and commercial management, with experience operating at Business Senior Quantity Surveyor or equivalent senior commercial level.
• A background in main contracting or project delivery.
• Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts and experience managing contractual obligations, variations and change control.
• Experience across construction, civil engineering and/or mechanical and electrical (M&E) installations.
• A proven understanding of project cost control, CVRs, forecasting, cash flow, margin management and financial reporting.
• Experience managing subcontractor accounts, interim applications for payment, final accounts and commercial negotiations.
• The ability to lead, develop and motivate a commercial team.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, negotiation and decision-making skills.
• The ability to interpret engineering specifications, technical drawings and project programmes.
• Excellent communication skills, with the confidence to influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong IT skills, including Microsoft Office and spreadsheet-based reporting.

You will be organised, commercially focused and comfortable working to deadlines, taking ownership of issues and balancing detailed financial analysis with the wider objectives of the business.

Why Apply?

This is an opportunity to play a key role in project and business performance, combining hands-on commercial management with team leadership and senior stakeholder engagement.

If you are a Senior Quantity Surveyor ready to take the next step into a Commercial Manager position, or an established Commercial Manager looking for a broader leadership role, we would welcome your application.

Apply today to discuss the opportunity and find out more about the projects, team and business.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.
In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included.

7205537 – Lee Elwell

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