Commercial Manager
We are seeking a highly analytical and process‑driven Commercial Manager to join our growing infrastructure and energy transition business. This role is pivotal in managing the commercial performance of a diverse portfolio of civil engineering and utilities projects delivered under NEC frameworks. You will take ownership of commercial strategy, financial performance and contractual compliance across multiple live projects, ensuring robust cost control, value recognition and sustainable profitability. This position is ideally suited for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced, data‑rich environment and can confidently translate complex commercial data into clear, actionable insight. You will complement an established on‑site commercial presence by bringing a more structured, forecasting‑led, and process‑oriented approach.
Department: Regulated Power
Primary Location: Ruislip (Full‑time office‑based, 1 day hybrid)
Site Travel: Required across project locations (Oxford, Swindon, Reading and surrounding areas)
Key Responsibilities
* Develop and implement commercial strategies that drive profitability while ensuring compliance with NEC contractual frameworks
* Lead the commercial management of a live project portfolio, overseeing budgets ranging from £400k to £9m
* Produce accurate Cost Value Reconciliations (CVR) and end‑of‑life forecasts to ensure financial transparency and control
* Manage and administer NEC contracts (A/B/C), including the effective handling of Compensation Events (CEs)
* Oversee tendering and pricing activities, including cost planning for substations, trenching and civil engineering works
* Establish and enhance internal processes for value recognition, cost forecasting and WBS (Work Breakdown Structure) implementation
* Monitor project cash flow, WIP and debt, ensuring timely recovery and financial optimisation
* Lead procurement activities including supplier selection, subcontract negotiation and contract administration
* Conduct detailed cost analysis and value engineering exercises to improve project efficiency
* Collaborate closely with project managers, engineers and stakeholders to proactively identify and mitigate commercial risks
* Prepare and present detailed commercial reports, financial forecasts and performance insights to senior leadership
* Build strong client relationships through professional, confident and solutions‑focused engagement
* Support and guide the wider commercial function, promoting consistency, accountability and best practice
Skills & Experience
* Degree‑qualified in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline
* Professional accreditation (e.g. MRICS, CICES) desirable but not essential
* Proven experience in commercial management within civil engineering, utilities or infrastructure frameworks (non‑new build focus)
* Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts and change control mechanisms (Compensation Events)
* Demonstrable experience producing CVRs, cost forecasting and managing financial performance across multiple projects
* High level of commercial acumen with strong analytical and problem‑solving capability
* Advanced Excel skills and confidence working with large volumes of financial and project data
* Experience in procurement, subcontractor management and contract negotiation
* Excellent organisational skills with the ability to prioritise and manage competing data streams effectively
* Strong interpersonal and client‑facing skills, with the ability to influence and build relationships at all levels
* A proactive, detail‑oriented mindset with a focus on continuous improvement and process optimisation
To ensure that everyone has a fair opportunity to join our team, please inform us if you require any reasonable adjustments to our recruitment and interview process by emailing recruitment@ocugroup.com.
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