Commercial Lead

The Thrive Team Limited; Barrow-in-Furness; On-site; GBP 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Job summary

A growing engineering and manufacturing firm in Barrow-in-Furness is seeking an experienced Commercial Lead to oversee financial and contractual elements of projects. This role requires strong financial acumen, negotiation skills, and the ability to work independently. Ideal candidates will have a degree in Quantity Surveying and experience with NEC contracts. Join us to drive commercial excellence and support high-value projects in a respected environment.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Opportunity to work on high-impact projects

Qualifications

• Strong financial, analytical, and cost estimation skills.
• Excellent communication and negotiation abilities.
• Solid understanding of commercial and contractual mechanisms.

Responsibilities

• Oversee financial, contractual, and commercial elements of projects.
• Provide commercial support and ensure compliance.
• Manage NEC contracts and client terms.

Skills

Financial analysis

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Cost estimation

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying

Tools

Cost-estimating software

Project management software

Job description

We are seeking to appoint an experienced Commercial Lead to take ownership of the commercial and financial control of projects across our growing engineering and manufacturing portfolio. This is a key replacement hire, reporting directly to the General Manager, and requires someone who can confidently step into a role with autonomy, influence, and responsibility from day one.

If you're a commercially astute CL who thrives in complex environments—especially those involving NEC contracts, defence, manufacturing, or contractor-side project delivery—this is an opportunity to shape best practice, provide structure, and drive commercial excellence across the business.

The Role

You will oversee the financial, contractual, and commercial elements of projects, ensuring they are delivered on time, within budget, and aligned with customer and regulatory standards. Working closely with project managers, engineers, contractors, and the wider supply chain, you'll provide expert guidance on cost control, contract administration, forecasting, and risk management.

This is not a trainee or developmental role—you will be a trusted commercial lead, able to establish processes, manage risk, negotiate confidently, and support the business with strategic commercial insight.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide commercial support across projects, ensuring compliance with contractual terms and documentation.
• Work collaboratively with project teams to estimate, track, and forecast project costs throughout the lifecycle.
• Analyse specifications, identify risks, and develop mitigation strategies across cost, schedule, and commercial aspects.
• Manage and administer NEC contracts, client terms, CEs, early warnings, payment applications, and contract amendments.
• Produce accurate and timely cost/value reports at project and business level.
• Support monthly reporting, invoicing, client applications, and progress meetings.
• Engage with and manage the supply chain, ensuring appropriate contract terms are in place and adhered to.
• Support subcontract negotiation, letting, and change management.
• Assist with bids, tenders, pricing, and pre-contract reviews.
• Prepare estimates for new projects and time-cost impacts on existing contracts.
• Share best commercial practice, support process improvement, and strengthen commercial awareness across project teams.

What We're Looking For

Essential

• Degree in Quantity Surveying.
• Strong financial, analytical, and cost estimation skills.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management abilities.
• Solid understanding of commercial and contractual mechanisms.
• Ability to work independently and adapt within a fast-paced project environment.

Desirable

• NEC3 contract experience.
• Experience within defence, manufacturing, or contractor backgrounds.
• Proficiency in cost-estimating and project management software.

We welcome applications from senior QSs, commercial managers, or contractor-side professionals capable of hitting the ground running.

Working Pattern

• 37.5 hours per week
• Mon‑Thurs: 8am‑5pm
• Fri: 8am‑12pm (WFH available)
• Flexible working options, including consideration of a 4‑day week
• Opportunity to work across high‑value, high‑impact projects within a respected engineering/technical environment

Interview Process

1. 1st Stage: Online (Teams) with Hiring Manager & HR
2. 2nd Stage: Onsite meeting with Hiring Manager, HR, and Managing Director

If you feel you have the relevant skills and experience please apply online or get in touch to discuss