Commercial Contracts & Preconstruction Manager
If you've spent years doing the work, you're ready to lead the whole operation - this is the role to step into.
Salary & Package
Salary: From £42,000 (negotiable depending on experience) + performance bonus (OTE) + Car / Car Allowance
Contract: Permanent | Full-time
Location: New Ollerton, Nottinghamshire
Package includes:
20 days holiday + birthday day off + bank holidays + Christmas shutdown
Performance bonus in line with results
Car allowance (considered depending on candidate)
Standard workplace pension
About A1 Sheet Metal Flues
A1 Sheet Metal Flues is a specialist commercial contractor based in New Ollerton, Nottinghamshire. They design, manufacture, and install flue systems for a wide range of projects, from fast-turnaround jobs in the hundreds to multi-hundred-thousand-pound contracts. The business has its own in-house manufacturing operation, which sets it apart from most in the sector. They're now bringing their technical, estimating, and contracts functions together into one cohesive commercial team - and they need an experienced manager to lead it.
The Role
Reporting directly to the Managing Director, you'll take ownership of the full commercial department - a team of up to 22 people spanning customer service, estimating, application engineering, technical support, and installation. Your job is to make the operation run as one unit: the right projects in the right hands, margins protected, and contracts handled correctly from first enquiry through to handover.
The MD has done this role himself. You'll have experienced support around you - including a qualified contracts specialist and an HR manager - so you're not walking in cold. Over time, full people management responsibility comes with the role.
Key Responsibilities
You'll:
Allocate projects to the right people based on ability, experience, and capacity
Manage workflow across estimating, technical, contracts, and installation teams
Review and negotiate contracts with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers
Oversee the full preconstruction process from enquiry through to contract award
Monitor project margins and protect financial performance across the portfolio
Lead bid strategy, including pricing, risk assessment, and value engineering
Drive continuous improvement in commercial processes and documentation
Develop the team over time, supported by HR and the MD
What You'll Bring
Essential:
Solid background in commercial or contracts management within HVAC or MEP construction
Proven experience managing people and operational processes in a construction environment
Working knowledge of complex contracts such as JCT, NEC, or similar
Ability to interpret technical drawings and scope documents
Strong commercial acumen — you understand margin, risk, and how to protect both
Useful, not essential:
Degree or equivalent in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or Engineering
Professional membership such as RICS or CICES
Experience in the flue or ductwork sector
Background in bid writing or formal tender submissions
Benefits & Culture
Financial:
From £42,000 base salary, negotiable on experience. Performance bonus with potential to earn beyond the base. Car allowance / car considered depending on the candidate.
Flexibility:
Full-time, permanent role with a consistent schedule. The business shuts down over Christmas.
Leave:
20 days annual leave plus your birthday off as an additional day, plus all UK bank holidays.
Culture:
A business run by people who understand the work. The MD has done this role himself, so expectations are grounded in reality. You'll have proper support while you find your feet and genuine autonomy as you settle in.
Working Arrangements
Location: Systems House, Maun Way, Boughton Industrial Estate, New Ollerton, Nottinghamshire, NG22 9ZD
Contract: Permanent | Full-time
Working pattern: Office-based
Interested?
If this sounds like the step you've been looking for, apply now with your CV