Commercial Lead

Jonathan Lee Group; Bolton; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Jonathan Lee Group is seeking an experienced commercial leader to drive profitability across engineering and project-based contracts in Bolton. You will influence high-value bids, negotiate terms and protect margins throughout the contract lifecycle.

Collaborate with Sales, Estimating, Finance and Delivery teams to secure profitable business, manage risk and optimise cash flow while supporting successful project delivery.

Qualifications

• Significant commercial management or senior Quantity Surveying experience in engineering/manufacturing/construction or project-based settings.
• Proven contract negotiation, tendering, pricing and risk management.
• Strong understanding of contract terms, payment mechanisms, variations, claims and administration.
• Experience forecasting cash flow, margins and final accounts on live contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial activities from tendering and contract negotiation through to project delivery and final account.
• Review and negotiate customer contracts, identifying risks and securing favorable terms.
• Support bids, pricing strategies and estimates to ensure commercial viability and competitiveness.
• Manage a portfolio of live contracts, monitoring costs, revenue, margins, cash flow and working capital.
• Oversee payment applications, variations, claims, contractual notices and final accounts.
• Collaborate with project teams to manage risks and maximise profitability.
• Develop payment schedules and strategies to improve cash flow and reduce exposure.
• Provide commercial reporting and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• Build relationships with customers, suppliers and internal teams to support delivery.
• Drive continuous improvement in commercial processes and governance.

Skills

Contract negotiation

Tendering

Commercial risk management

Forecasting cash flow

Final accounts

Education

Degree in relevant field

Tools

NEC contracts

OEM manufacturing environment

Job description

The Opportunity

Take the lead in driving commercial success across a portfolio of engineering and project-based contracts. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced commercial professional to influence high-value bids, negotiate favourable contract terms and protect profitability throughout the full contract lifecycle.

Working closely with Sales, Estimating, Finance and Project Delivery teams, you’ll play a pivotal role in securing profitable business, managing contractual risk, improving cash flow and maximising commercial performance.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead commercial activities from tendering and contract negotiation through to project delivery and final account.

• Review and negotiate customer contracts, identifying risks and securing favourable commercial terms.

• Support bids, pricing strategies and estimates to ensure projects are commercially viable and competitive.

• Manage a portfolio of live contracts, monitoring costs, revenue, margins, cash flow and working capital.

• Oversee payment applications, variations, claims, contractual notices and final accounts.

• Work with project teams to manage risks, resolve commercial challenges and maximise profitability.

• Develop effective payment schedules and strategies to improve cash flow and minimise financial exposure.

• Provide clear commercial advice, reporting and recommendations to senior stakeholders.

• Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal teams to support successful project delivery.

• Drive continuous improvement in commercial processes, governance and contract management.

About You

• Significant commercial management or senior Quantity Surveying experience within engineering, manufacturing, construction or a project-based environment.

• Proven experience in contract negotiation, tendering, pricing and commercial risk management.

• Strong understanding of contract terms, payment mechanisms, variations, claims and contract administration.

• Experience managing live contracts, forecasting, cash flow, margin and final accounts.

• Commercially astute, with confident negotiation, influencing and decision-making skills.

• Able to interpret engineering specifications, drawings, programmes and project schedules.

• Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

• Proactive and results-driven, with the confidence to challenge risk, protect profitability and take ownership of commercial outcomes.

A relevant degree or professional qualification, membership of a relevant professional body, and experience with NEC contracts or OEM manufacturing environments would be advantageous.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially driven professional to shape contract strategy, influence business performance and make a tangible impact on profitability and growth.