Commercial Manager

ZipRecruiter; Barrow-in-Furness; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment platform in Barrow-in-Furness is seeking a Commercial Manager to lead a commercial team. This hands-on leadership role requires strong NEC contract knowledge and the ability to motivate teams in a challenging project environment. The ideal candidate will have experience in cost auditing and team management. This position offers a dynamic work atmosphere where collaboration and performance are key.

Qualifications

• Strong track record as a Commercial Manager in complex projects.
• Experience managing commercial teams effectively.
• Familiarity with NEC Option C contracts and their application.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 4–5 commercial professionals.
• Ensure all commercial obligations are delivered.
• Motivate and develop the team for better results.

Skills

NEC contracts knowledge

Leadership skills

Team management

Cost auditing

Emotional intelligence

Job description

Overview

We are seeking a Commercial Manager with strong NEC experience to lead and develop a commercial team. This is a hands-on leadership role, responsible for providing direction, motivation, and commercial expertise to a team delivering within a challenging project environment. The successful candidate will bring both technical NEC knowledge and strong people skills to inspire and support the team, while ensuring commercial outcomes are achieved.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage a team of 4–5 commercial professionals (QS, cost engineering, project controls).
• Ensure delivery of all commercial obligations including change control, subcontractor management, risk management, forecasting, and reporting.
• Oversee NEC contracts (primarily NEC Option C), including cost audits and payment applications.
• Provide hands-on support and direction, while ensuring the team executes day-to-day deliverables.
• Motivate and develop the team, fostering collaboration, resilience, and accountability.
• Address challenging contracts, identifying solutions to improve performance and compliance.
• Support the ongoing restructuring and strengthening of the commercial function.

Candidate Profile

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong track record as a Commercial Manager, ideally in a complex project environment.
• Proven knowledge of NEC contracts (particularly Option C) and their practical application.
• Experience managing commercial teams and delivering through others.
• Demonstrated success in cost auditing, applications for payment, and change control.
• Strong leadership, with the ability to motivate and support teams to achieve results.
• High emotional intelligence; able to engage with individuals and understand team dynamics.
• Resilient, confident, and capable of managing difficult contract situations.
• Eligible for or already holding SC Clearance (previous clearance strongly ).

Desirable

• Experience within defence, nuclear, or other regulated industries.
• Familiarity with large, complex infrastructure or engineering projects.