Commercial Contract Administrator

JAM Recruitment Ltd; Reading; Hybrid; GBP 24,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Generous Pension Scheme

Annual Leave 24–30 days

Employee benefits package

Job summary

Thames Water in Reading is seeking a Commercial Administrator to join the Quantity Surveying Team on a hybrid basis. This entry-level role supports major project commercial administration, processes payments, and helps ensure contract delivery with guidance from senior staff.

You will compile forecasts, manage POs, and assist with performance reporting while developing key skills in a professional environment within Thames Water. Reading base with hybrid pattern.

Qualifications

• Practical work experience in a commercial or administrative role.
• A Level Maths or equivalent qualification.
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy.
• Experience with data and learning new systems/processes.
• Customer service awareness relevant to commercial environments.

Responsibilities

• Support commercial administration for major projects and programmes.
• Raise and track POs and payments to ensure timely settlements.
• Compile and submit cashflow forecasts for assigned areas.
• Assist with contract activities under guidance from senior staff.
• Support compliance reviews and assurance of systems (e.g., SAP, CEMAR).
• Contribute to monthly commercial performance reports.
• Highlight potential risks or quality issues in team activities.

Skills

Practical work experience

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Time management

Clear communication

Relationship management

Data handling

Customer service awareness

Education

A Level Maths or equivalent qualification

Job description

The Commercial Contract Administrator position in Reading supports a network of suppliers on Capital Delivery Frameworks. Working alongside experienced Quantity Surveyors, this full-time role processes payment applications and assures project delivery processes. The position suits those who enjoy commercial administrative work, offering development of key skills through independent and collaborative working. Responsibilities include supporting commercial administration for major projects and programmes, with senior staff guidance. The salary ranges from £24,000 to £28,000 per annum, dependent on experience. This entry-level role provides a solid foundation for career progression within a professional commercial environment. We have an exciting opportunity for a Commercial Administrator to become part of our growing Quantity Surveying Team, supporting a network of suppliers on our Capital Delivery Frameworks. You will work closely with experienced Quantity Surveyors playing an important role in processing payments applications and helping to assure the processes we use to delivery our projects.

What you’ll be doing as a Commercial Administrator

This entry-level role is perfect for anyone who enjoys commercial administrative work, offering the change to develop key skills while working both independently and as part of a supportive team.

• Supporting the Commercial Administration of Major Projects and Programmes Contracts.
• Providing support on Contract Activities with support from Senior Staff for assigned Areas.
• Compiling and submitting Cashflow Forecasts for assigned Areas.
• Supporting Contract and Commercial Compliance Reviews including assurance of CEMAR and SAP Systems.
• Responsible for raising and tracking POs and payments to ensure they are made on time and in accordance with the Contract for your given Delivery Area and / or Contractors.
• Highlighting any potential risk or quality issues with Team commercial activities.
• Supporting the production of the Monthly Commercial Performance Reports.

Base Location: Reading – Hybrid Working Pattern or hours: 36 hours

What you should bring to the role

• Practical Work Experience.
• A Level Maths or equivalent qualification.
• Sharp Eye for Detail and strong focus on accuracy.
• Experience of working with data and learning new systems and tools.
• Customer service experience awareness.
• Organisational and Time Management Skills.
• Clear communication skills both in writing and in person.
• Be good at maintaining relationships.
• Awareness of commercial environment and requirements to manage contracts.
• Experience of working independently and managing tasks that support business processes.
• Ideally, some awareness of utilities and / or water sector.

What’s in it for you?

Competitive salary from £24,000 to £28,000 per annum, depending on experience Annual Leave - 24 days holiday per year increasing to 30 with the length of service (plus bank holidays) Performance-related pay plan directly linked to company performance measures and targets Generous Pension Scheme through AON Access to lots of benefits to help you take care of you and your family’s health and wellbeing, and your finances – from annual health MOTs and access to physiotherapy and counselling, to Cycle to Work schemes, shopping vouchers and life assurance. Find out more about our benefits and perks (Please note different T&Cs apply if on secondment)

Who are we?

We’re the UK’s largest water and wastewater company, with more than 16 million customers relying on us every day to supply water for their taps and toilets. We want to build a better future for all, helping our customers, communities, people, and the planet to thrive. It’s a big job and we’ve got a long way to go, so we need help from passionate and skilled people, committed to making a difference and getting us to where we want to be in the years and decades to come. Learn more about our purpose and values

Working at Thames Water

Thames Water is a unique, rewarding, and diverse place to work, where every day you can make a difference, yet no day is the same. As part of our family, you’ll enjoy meaningful career opportunities, flexible working arrangements and excellent benefits. If you’re looking for a sustainable and successful career where you can make a daily difference to millions of people’s lives while helping to protect the world of water for future generations, we’ll be here to support you every step of the way. Together, we can build a better future for our customers, our region, and our planet. Real purpose, real support, real opportunities. Come and join the Thames Water family.

Why choose us?

Learn more. We’re committed to being a great, diverse, and inclusive place to work. We welcome applications from everyone and want to ensure you feel supported throughout the recruitment process . If you need any adjustments, whether that’s extra time, accessible formats, or anything else just let us know , we’re here to help and support . When a crisis happens, we all rally around to support our customers. As part of Team Thames, you’ll have the opportunity to sign up to support our customers on the frontline as an ambassador. Full training will be given for what is undoubtedly an incredibly rewarding experience. It’s also a great opportunity to learn more about our business and meet colleagues.