Commercial Manager

Astute People; Bridgwater; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

25 days’ annual leave plus 8 bank holidays

Enhanced employer pension contributions

Private medical insurance

Performance-related pay scheme

Gym discounts up to 40%

Job summary

A leading engineering-led logistics provider in the UK seeks a proactive Commercial Manager to oversee governance and financial performance across key projects. You will develop strategies to maximize project value, manage forecasting and cash flow, and ensure compliance with contracts. The ideal candidate has experience in construction or infrastructure, strong knowledge of NEC contracts, and effective stakeholder management skills. Benefits include annual leave, private medical insurance, and a performance-related pay scheme.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a commercial management role within construction or infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of NEC contracts and commercial obligations.
• Ability to manage project finances including forecasting and cash flow.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial function ensuring financial control and governance.
• Develop commercial strategies to maximize project value.
• Manage forecasting and cash flow for relevant projects.
• Identify risks and opportunities with mitigation plans.
• Oversee contract administration ensuring compliance.

Skills

Commercial management

Contract administration

Financial management

Stakeholder management

Risk awareness

Job description

A leading engineering‑led logistics provider is transforming how critical UK infrastructure projects are delivered through innovative, precision‑driven transport solutions across land and water. They are now seeking a proactive Commercial Manager to oversee commercial governance and financial performance across key projects, ensuring strong cost control, accurate reporting and effective contract management. Acting as the link between project teams, clients and the supply chain, you will provide clear commercial guidance, resolve contractual matters and support high‑quality project delivery across complex infrastructure environments.

Responsibilities And Duties Of The Commercial Manager Role

• Lead the commercial function across assigned projects ensuring strong governance, financial control and best practice commercial standards
• Develop and implement commercial strategies that maximise project value, profitability and overall commercial performance
• Take full ownership of forecasting, cash flow management and cost‑to‑complete (CTC) reporting for relevant projects
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities, implementing mitigation plans to protect and enhance project outcomes
• Oversee contract administration across NEC and other contract frameworks, ensuring full compliance with all obligations
• Lead discussions on contractual matters with clients and subcontractors
• Provide clear commercial guidance to project teams and identify scope changes, ensuring they are recorded, costed and approved

Professional Qualifications

• Proven experience in a commercial management role within construction, infrastructure, utilities or related project‑based environments
• Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts (e.g., ECC, PSC) and other major contract forms, including their commercial processes and obligations
• Demonstrated ability to manage project finances, including forecasting, cash flow, cost control and CTC reporting

The Commercial Manager Role Would Suit Someone Who Is

• Skilled in preparing, negotiating and agreeing applications for payment, variations and final accounts
• Strong commercial risk awareness with the ability to identify issues early and develop effective mitigation strategies
• Confident communication and stakeholder management skills, with experience working closely with project managers, contract leads and finance teams

Salary and Benefits of the Commercial Manager Role

• 25 days’ annual leave, plus 8 bank holidays
• Enhanced employer pension contributions and salary sacrifice schemes
• Private medical insurance
• Income protection insurance
• Life insurance cover
• Performance‑related pay scheme
• Enhanced parental leave benefits
• Cycle to work scheme
• Family friend policies
• Access to our Employee Assistance Programme
• Get Active from Aviva – Gym discounts up to 40% off
• Support your career development through our success management process

EmploymentAgencyStatement

We do not discriminate on the grounds of age, race, gender, disability, creed or sexual orientation and comply with all relevant UK legislation. We encourage applications from individuals from all backgrounds but candidates must be able to demonstrate their ability to work in the UK. Astute is also committed to the government’s Disability Confident Employer initiative.