BES Senior Commercial Manager

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising; City Of London; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading architectural firm is seeking a Senior Commercial Manager in London to oversee contract compliance, guide project teams, and implement commercial management processes. This role involves significant collaboration with engineering teams and clients, requiring strong leadership and contract negotiation skills. Ideal candidates have extensive experience in the built environment and are committed to project success. The position is full-time with potential travel requirements.

Benefits

Employee ownership

Commitment to inclusion and diversity

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10 years' experience in Architecture/Engineering, Design-Build, or project management.
• Working knowledge of Architecture/Engineering/Construction industry contracting practices.
• Experience in claims resolution and administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial management processes across multiple projects.
• Assist in contract management and compliance.
• Prepare weekly and monthly reports.

Skills

Leadership

Contract negotiation

Risk management

Project management

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, business, law or equivalent

Tools

Primavera 6 (P6)

e-Builder

Job description

At HDR, our employee-owners are fully engaged in creating a welcoming environment where each of us is valued and respected, a place where everyone is empowered to bring their authentic selves and novel ideas to work every day. As we foster a culture of inclusion throughout our company and within our communities, we constantly ask ourselves: What is our impact on the world?

Watch Our Story: ' https://www.hdrinc.com/our-story'

Each and every role throughout our organization makes a difference in our ability to change the world for the better. Read further to learn how you could help make great things possible not only in your community, but around the world.

About the Role

The Senior Commercial Manager is responsible for working with the management team to review our work for compliance with the terms and conditions of prime and subcontracts, assisting in negotiating the terms and conditions of contracts, and documenting and agreeing to changes or amendments that may arise during the implementation or execution or other project duties as delegated by the Project Manager. The Senior Commercial Manager, working with the Project manager is responsible for staffing and commercial management implementation on the projects they are assigned. Senior Commercial Manager will provide guidance and assistance to Project Executives and Project Managers on contract matters. The following job description describes the responsibilities of the Senior Commercial Manger on projects on which they are assigned:

About You

We are looking for an experience Senior Commercial Manager that can lead from the front and be a collaborative team player, who has experience in the built environment arena and can show their capabilities in what they have delivered. Someone that can demonstrate drive and the ability to motivate others, someone who is adaptable to change and keen to add value in this key sector for us.

The candidate should be able to clearly demonstrate their ability to deal with our customers be it through project leadership or business development, client facing skill are a key consideration. You will be expected to lead a team of engineers across a number of projects, locations and ventures. You’ll be part of a dynamic, agile, forward-thinking team of individuals that are looking significantly to grow the business and the division’s portfolio and reach

Responsibilities

As a Senior Commercial Manager, we will count on you to:

• Trains and mentors other Commercial Managers
• Leads other commercial managers
• Manages a portfolio of projects and manages Commercial Managers on those projects
• Implements company processes for commercial management and adjusts processes for specific project needs
• Manages or collaborates with a project team consisting of schedulers, project analysts, document control manager, project accountants and project / commercial management coordinators. May perform these functions on smaller projects
• Implements procedures for contract management and administration in compliance with company policy
• Administers on-going contracts, including compliance with the contract documents for conformance such that the requirements of the contracts are implemented and maintained
• Assists in drafting of subcontracts for architecture, engineering and specialty services. Administers current prime contract and flow down to subcontractors, task orders and modifications. Administer and oversee contract performance by monitoring compliance documents, schedules and deliverables and requirements
• Reviews contract documents to minimize conflicts and ambiguities
• Assists in administering the project risk register
• Assists in contract awareness and change order training for key project staff
• Prepares correspondence and maintains records necessary to document the effective administration of contractual matters
• Makes amendments to contractual documents as required
• Reviews warranties, bonds, insurances, guarantees, etc. are maintained and updated in accordance with the contract and are in compliance with the client's requirements
• Assists Project Controls with respect to contractual implications of change orders, quality control.
• Assists in monitoring schedule for submission of deliverables and other contractual deliverables and certifications.
• Understands intricacies of major project delivery types and associated contracts.
• Trains others in relation to commercial risks
• Prepares weekly and monthly reports as required
• 50% travel may be required depending on the needs of the projects
• Collaborates with other business group Commercial Managers as requested to implement enterprise-wide alignment and delivery of commercial management services

Specific responsibilities include but are not limited to the items listed below:

Contract Management
1. Monitoring Compliance
2. Issuing Subcontracts
3. Change Management Negotiation and Processing Contract Change Orders
4. Implementation of change management procedures and driving procedures throughout project lifecycle
5. Development of project specific processes
6. Assistance in claims resolution
7. Contract Close-Out

Risk Management
1. Developing and Monitoring Risk Register and Attend Status Meetings
2. Identify Potential Risks
3. Develop mitigation plans with the project team
4. Participate in Monthly Project Reviews

Document Control
1. Verify Compliance
2. Develop procedures in accordance with contractual requirements
3. Onboard Team Members
4. Lead project process preparation

Dispute Resolution
1. Monitor and Report on any Claims
2. Develop Back Charges/Impacts for Firm Fixed Fee Consultants or Subcontractor Infractions
3. Assist in claim quantification/development
4. Coordinate with Legal Team on Discovery and Negotiations

Project Accounting
1. Review and Comment on Cost Model/Estimate Logic
2. Support Internal and External Invoicing
3. Update Chargeable Cost Exhibit
4. Identify Gaps Between Actual Cost and Projections and Reconcile with PM

Scheduling
1. Collaborate the Project Controls Manager on Schedule Issues/Impacts
2. Attend Weekly Schedule meetings and Identify Design Team Risks
3. Review Schedule Adjustments for Change Orders

Desirable Qualifications

• Alternative Delivery / Design build experience
• Experience working with Contractors
• Advanced degree in business or equivalent

Required Qualifications

• A minimum of 10 years' experience in Architecture/ Engineering, Design-Build, P3, project management, construction, project controls and/or staff leadership or equivalent
• A bachelor's degree in engineering, architecture, business, law or equivalent
• Working knowledge of Architecture/ Engineering/ Construction industry contracting practices in the country(ies) the Senior Commercial Manager works in, applicable government and commercial regulations and practices, policies, procedures and work practices
• Working knowledge of project controls, project management, and project estimating software tools such as: Primavera 6 (P6), e-Builder, Quick Base or Primavera Unifier
• Experience in development of fee estimates, drafting contracts, administration and negotiation of change orders, effective correspondence, planning and scheduling
• Experience in claims which may include claims defense, claim production, claim negotiation/resolution, and claim prevention
• Ability to work well in a high performing team structure in a fast-paced environment
• Experience and/or working knowledge of negotiation of contracts for architecture/engineering projects
• A positive professional reputation as one who can deliver quality, cost effective projects
• Self-starter; good communication and people skills
• Must be committed to quality and improvement and promoting HDR's values.
• Ability to teach, lead, and mentor others

What We Believe
HDR is our company. Together, we build on each other's life experiences and perspectives to make great things possible every day. This shapes our collaborative culture, encourages organizational trust and connects us closer to the clients and communities we serve.

Our Commitment
As employee owners, we all have a role in creating an inclusive environment where each of us is welcomed, valued, respected and empowered to bring our authentic selves to work every day.

Our eight Employee Network Groups (Asian Pacific, Black, Hispanic/Latino(a), LGBTQ+, People with Disabilities, Veterans, Women, Young Professionals) help create a sense of belonging and foster a supportive environment where everyone is empowered to engage and contribute. Each group has an executive sponsor and is open to all employees.

Primary Location

Primary Location

: United Kingdom-England-London

Industry

: Corporate/Support Services

Schedule

Schedule

: Full-time

Employee Status

Employee Status

: Regular

BusinessClass : Commercial Management

Job Posting

Job Posting

: Oct 3, 2025

At HDR, we are committed to the principles of employment equity.

We are an Affirmative Action and Equal Opportunity Employe r.

We consider all qualified applicants, regardless of criminal histories, arrest and conviction records.

Ready to learn more? Let's work together to make great thingspossible.

We design solutions to the world's greatest challenges. We'realways looking for great talent to join our global teams.