Commercial Manager (PR/007220)
Location: Northampton
Role Type: Hybrid, 3 days per week onsite
Salary: £65,000 – £100,000
Job Details
We are seeking a high-calibre Senior Commercial Manager to take a leading role in the commercial delivery of major infrastructure and construction projects. This is a senior position at Commercial Manager level, offering significant ownership across projects, with a strong focus on NEC and JCT contract management.
You will be responsible for driving commercial performance, managing contractual risk, and acting as a key interface between project delivery teams, clients, and senior stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Leadership & Project Ownership
* Take full commercial responsibility for projects or key work packages (£20m–£100m+)
* Act as the commercial lead within the project team, supporting strategic decision-making
* Provide robust commercial guidance to Project Managers and operational leads
* Ensure commercial governance and best practice is embedded across delivery
Contract Management (NEC & JCT Specialist)
* Lead the administration and management of NEC3/NEC4 and JCT contracts
* Take ownership of early warnings, compensation events, variations, and change control processes
* Provide expert contractual advice to internal stakeholders and project teams
* Support dispute avoidance and, where required, contribute to claims strategy and resolution
Cost & Value Management
* Own project cost reporting, forecasting, and financial performance
* Drive margin improvement, cost efficiencies, and value engineering opportunities
* Lead on valuations, applications for payment, and agreement of final accounts
Risk & Opportunity Management
* Proactively identify and manage commercial risks and opportunities
* Maintain and drive commercial input into risk registers and mitigation strategies
* Support and lead on the preparation and negotiation of claims and variations
Stakeholder & Client Engagement
* Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and key stakeholders
* Lead commercial discussions and negotiations with confidence
* Act as a key point of contact for commercial matters on assigned projects
Team Support & Development
* Provide guidance and mentoring to Quantity Surveyors and junior commercial staff
* Support the development of commercial capability within the team
* Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and commercial awareness
Key Requirements
* Strong experience in a Commercial Manager or Senior Quantity Surveyor role within construction or infrastructure
* Extensive working knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 and JCT contracts (essential)
* Proven experience managing complex, high-value projects (£20m+)
* Demonstrated ability to lead commercial activities with a degree of autonomy
* Strong understanding of cost control, change management, and contract administration
* Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills
* Ability to operate confidently in a fast-paced, project environment
Desirable
* Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or similar
* Chartered status (RICS or working towards)
* Experience within regulated sectors (e.g. infrastructure, utilities, energy, rail)
Key Competencies
* Strategic commercial thinking
* Contractual expertise (NEC & JCT)
* Influencing and negotiation
* Leadership and mentoring
* Risk management and problem-solving
If this role aligns with your experience, please get in touch with Rebecca Bennett at Rebecca.Bennett@arguilesearch.com