A specialist civil engineering and infrastructure contractor is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to join the business act as the senior commercial lead within the business (below Director level), translating commercial strategy into operational delivery and supporting profitable, well-governed project outcomes.
This position is a key management role within the business, sitting below Director level but with significant responsibility and influence over commercial performance.
As the Commercial Manager you will be responsible for the day-to-day commercial management of several civil engineering projects. The role also focuses on leading and developing the Quantity Surveying (QS) function, ensuring robust cost control, contract administration, cash flow management, and commercial risk management across live projects.
The role is based from head office in Devon however requires travel to project sites across the UK so they open to candidates working remote / hybrid with the ability to be in the office in Devon 1 or 2 days a week when needed.
Key Responsibilities for the Commercial Manager include;
* Taking ownership of the commercial performance of projects from contract award through to final account.
* Ensure effective cost management, cost forecasting, and change control processes are applied consistently across all projects.
* Monitor project margins, cash flow, and financial risks, taking early action where performance deviates from plan.
* Line manage and lead the QS team, setting clear expectations, objectives, and performance standards.
* Allocate QS resources across projects to ensure appropriate commercial coverage.
* Coach, mentor, and develop QSs to strengthen technical capability, commercial awareness, and consistency of approach.
* Take lead responsibility for contract administration, including payment applications, variations, compensation events, and final accounts.
* Oversee commercial input into subcontract procurement, including commercial reviews, negotiations, and contract awards.
* Prepare and present regular commercial reports to the Managing Director, covering cost, margin, cash flow, risk, and opportunities.
* Identify commercial and contractual risks at project and portfolio level, implementing mitigation strategies
To be suitable for this Commercial Manager opportunity you will have;
* Strong commercial management experience within construction or marine civil engineering.
* Proven experience managing and developing Quantity Surveyors or commercial staff.
* Sound knowledge of standard construction contracts (e.g. NEC, JCT).
* High level of commercial acumen, including cost control, cash flow, and risk management.
* Strong negotiation, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
* The ability to work collaboratively with operational, finance, and senior leadership teams.
* Comfortable with UK wide site travel
* Safety led mindset aligned to HSE critical operations
This role would suit an Experienced Commercial Managers or a Senior Commercial Manager willing to step into a key business wide leadership role
Offering a competitive salary of circa £90,000 - £100,000 (negotiable dependant on experience) plus package including;
- Car or Car Allowance
- Annual Bonus Scheme
- Company pension and private healthcare
- 26 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Hybrid and flexible working arrangements (office/site/home)
If you are interested in this fantastic Commercial Manager opportunity, please get in touch for immediate consideration
Navartis are an equality and diversity recruitment agent and employer.
Service advertised by Navartis are that of an Employment Agency/Business