Commercial Manager | Tier 2 Principal Contractor
Location: Central London (City Office with Site Visits)
Project Portfolio: £40m – £60m (High-Spec Commercial & Heritage Refurb)
Sector: Principal Contracting
The Opportunity Are you a Senior QS looking for the step up, or a Commercial Manager feeling like a small cog in a massive Tier 1 machine? We are looking for a commercially astute powerhouse to take the lead for one of London’s most respected mid-market Principal Contractors. This isn't just about overseeing CVRs; it’s about becoming a strategic partner to the Construction Director, identifying project risks before they hit the ledger, and maximizing margin through intelligent procurement and robust contract management.
The Role You will be responsible for the commercial health of a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from £10m to £30m each. You’ll lead a team of 3–4 Surveyors, providing the mentorship and technical oversight needed to ensure every project is delivered profitably. You will be the "safe pair of hands" during high-stakes client negotiations and the final word on sub-contractor appointments.
Key Responsibilities * Strategic Oversight: Managing the P&L for a £50m+ division, ensuring accurate cash flow forecasting and budget management.
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Risk & Contract: Navigating complex JCT/NEC forms of contract to protect the business from claims and ensuring robust change management is in place.
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Leadership: Mentoring and developing the junior commercial team, fostering a culture of accuracy and accountability.
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Procurement: Overhauling and managing a high-performance supply chain to ensure value for money without compromising on the quality our clients expect.
The Candidate You’ll likely be RICS qualified (though experience is king) with at least 10 years of experience within a UK Principal Contractor. You need to be someone who can walk into a boardroom and hold your own with developers, then head to a site cabin and talk shop with a Project Manager. We need a problem solver, not a box-ticker.
The Reward * Salary: £110,000 – £125,000 (Experience dependent)
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Package: £7.5k Car Allowance or Executive Electric Vehicle
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Bonus: Highly competitive performance-related bonus (discretionary & project-based)
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Perks: Private Medical (Bupa), 27 days holiday, and a clear, documented path to Commercial Director