Commercial Manager – Project Controls (Major Infrastructure Project)
Location: Bridgwater, Somerset
Department: Infrastructure
Type: Permanent
Salary: Negotiable
A leading UK construction and engineering contractor is delivering a major multi‑gigawatt battery manufacturing facility, forming a central part of the UK’s green industrial transition. This nationally significant programme includes the design and construction of a large‑scale lithium‑ion battery production plant, extensive infrastructure works and high‑specification industrial buildings.
The facility will be one of the largest of its kind in the UK, supporting a substantial share of future demand for automotive and clean‑energy battery systems. To support this high‑value infrastructure scheme, the organisation is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager with strong Project Controls experience to play a key role in commercial delivery.
Why This Role Is a Strong Career Move
This position presents a rare opportunity to work on one of the UK’s most impactful industrial and infrastructure projects, using modern construction methods, digital delivery tools, and advanced project controls.
The employer is known for delivering complex construction projects and for fostering a supportive, people‑focused culture. You’ll be joining a high‑performing commercial team where you can influence large‑scale outcomes, develop professionally, and contribute to a programme that will shape the UK’s future manufacturing capability.
Role Overview
As Commercial Manager, you will play a central role in managing costs, contracts, risks and commercial performance across a multi‑disciplinary project environment. You’ll work closely with project controls, procurement, planning, engineering and delivery teams to ensure commercial success and contractual compliance throughout the lifecycle of the project.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead full commercial management activities including procurement, tendering, contract administration, change control, variations and subcontractor management from pre‑contract through to final account.
* Manage and negotiate compensation events under NEC contracts while maintaining strong client relationships and ensuring commercial clarity.
* Deliver commercial reporting, cost forecasting, earned‑value insight, budget tracking and financial governance aligned with project controls methodologies.
* Resolve issues relating to contract compliance, disallowed costs, payment applications, commercial queries and contractual interpretation.
* Support and deputise for senior commercial leadership, contributing to strategic commercial decisions and project‑wide profitability.
* Conduct detailed cost checking, benchmarking and value analysis across labour, plant, materials and supply chain activities to maximise commercial performance.
* Identify and mitigate commercial risks and opportunities, contributing to cost‑saving initiatives, commercial strategy improvements and project optimisation.
* Oversee procurement strategy, supplier engagement, subcontract documentation, contract drafting and negotiation activities.
* Ensure compliance with NEC contract requirements, procurement frameworks, construction law, commercial procedures and internal governance.
* Work collaboratively with project controls, planning and delivery teams to maintain alignment on change management, cost impacts and contractual obligations.
The ideal candidate will be a commercially focused construction professional with a strong background in major infrastructure or industrial projects. They would also have:
* Proven experience as a Commercial Manager on large‑scale construction or infrastructure projects.
* Strong commercial awareness with experience managing project profit, cost and cash‑flow.
* Significant experience with NEC contracts, ideally on CM/PM delivery frameworks.
* Strong negotiation skills, stakeholder management capability and client‑facing confidence.
* Extensive experience managing high‑value subcontract packages, procurement processes and commercial risk.
* Strong analytical insight with the ability to interpret and present complex commercial and financial data.
* Degree‑level qualification in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related construction/commercial discipline.
* Broad construction industry exposure with experience across industrial, energy, infrastructure or major project environments.
Rewards & Benefits
You will receive a competitive package designed to support both lifestyle and long‑term career development, including:
* Performance‑linked progression and continuous professional development opportunities.
* Flexible benefits tailored to individual needs and career goals.
* A collaborative, inclusive working culture that values diversity, empowerment and open communication.
This is an exceptional opportunity to join a large‑scale infrastructure programme with national visibility, offering long-term stability, technical challenge, and a platform for significant career progression