Job Description
Job Title
Senior Commercial Manager
Project
£180m MOD (Ministry of Defence) Project – Tier 1 Main Contractor
Location
Staffordshire (Project-based)
Salary & Package
Up to £105,000 per annum + comprehensive benefits package (car/car allowance, bonus, pension, private healthcare, etc.)
Role Overview
We are seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Manager to lead the commercial function on a major £180m MOD project for a Tier 1 main contractor. This is a high-profile public sector scheme requiring strong governance, stakeholder management, and robust commercial control.
The successful candidate will come from a Quantity Surveying background, with proven experience delivering large-scale public sector or defence projects. You will be responsible for protecting commercial interests, driving value, managing risk, and leading a high-performing commercial team while maintaining excellent client relationships.
Key Responsibilities
* Overall commercial leadership of a £180m MOD project from pre-construction through delivery and close-out
* Full responsibility for cost control, forecasting, reporting, and cash flow management
* Management of contracts, including NEC forms (or similar public sector frameworks)
* Leading and developing a team of Quantity Surveyors and commercial staff
* Overseeing procurement strategy, subcontractor negotiation, and package management
* Managing change control, variations, claims, and final accounts
* Ensuring compliance with MOD and wider public sector commercial and governance requirements
* Identifying and mitigating commercial risk while maximising project value
* Acting as a senior commercial interface with the client, consultants, and key stakeholders
* Supporting project and operational teams with commercial advice and strategic input
* Contributing to business improvement, best practice, and commercial strategy
Key Requirements
* Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying or a related commercial discipline
* Strong background as a Managing Quantity Surveyor or Senior Commercial Manager
* Proven experience delivering large-scale (£100m+) projects for a Tier 1 main contractor
* Public sector experience essential; MOD or defence sector experience highly desirable
* Strong knowledge of NEC contracts and public sector procurement routes
* Demonstrated team management and leadership capability
* Excellent client-facing and stakeholder management skills
* Commercially astute with strong negotiation and problem-solving abilities
* High level of professionalism, integrity, and attention to detail
* Eligible to work on MOD projects (security clearance or ability to obtain clearance)
What’s on Offer
* Salary up to £105,000 + attractive benefits package
* Opportunity to work on a flagship MOD project with a leading Tier 1 contractor
* Long-term career progression within a stable and well-established organisation
* High level of autonomy and influence at project and business level
This role is ideal for a senior commercial professional who thrives in a structured public sector environment, enjoys leading teams, and is confident operating at client and board-facing level on complex, high-value projects.