Job Description: Commercial Manager
Location: Barrow-in-Furness (Hybrid working)
Contract Type: Permanent or Contract (Inside IR35)
Direct Reports: 4–5 (mix of QS, project controls, cost engineering, and cost control)
Clearance Requirement: SC Clearance (existing or ability to obtain)
Overview
We are seeking a Commercial Manager with strong NEC experience to lead and develop a commercial team. This is a hands-on leadership role, responsible for providing direction, motivation, and commercial expertise to a team delivering within a challenging project environment. The successful candidate will bring both technical NEC knowledge and strong people skills to inspire and support the team, while ensuring commercial outcomes are achieved.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead and manage a team of 4–5 commercial professionals (QS, cost engineering, project controls).
* Ensure delivery of all commercial obligations including change control, subcontractor management, risk management, forecasting, and reporting.
* Oversee NEC contracts (primarily NEC Option C), including cost audits and payment applications.
* Provide hands-on support and direction, while ensuring the team executes day-to-day deliverables.
* Motivate and develop the team, fostering collaboration, resilience, and accountability.
* Address challenging contracts, identifying solutions to improve performance and compliance.
* Support the ongoing restructuring and strengthening of the commercial function.
Candidate Profile
Essential Skills & Experience
* Strong track record as a Commercial Manager, ideally in a complex project environment.
* Proven knowledge of NEC contracts (particularly Option C) and their practical application.
* Experience managing commercial teams and delivering through others.
* Demonstrated success in cost auditing, applications for payment, and change control.
* Strong leadership, with the ability to motivate and support teams to achieve results.
* High emotional intelligence; able to engage with individuals and understand team dynamics.
* Resilient, confident, and capable of managing difficult contract situations.
* Eligible for or already holding SC Clearance (previous clearance strongly preferred).
Desirable
* Experience within defence, nuclear, or other regulated industries.
* Familiarity with large, complex infrastructure or engineering projects.