Commercial Manager

ZipRecruiter; Cambridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading design & build business in Cambridge is seeking a Senior Commercial Manager to lead their commercial function and team. This senior role involves managing contract negotiations and shaping strategies for profitable delivery of projects. Ideal candidates have solid experience in the fit-out sector and possess strong technical knowledge, particularly of JCT contracts.

Benefits

Wellbeing programs

Development opportunities

Collaborative culture

Qualifications

• Solid experience as a Commercial Manager or Senior QS in the fit-out/refurb sector.
• Strong technical and contractual knowledge, particularly JCT contracts.
• Skilled at leading teams and mentoring.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of the commercial function.
• Lead a team of Quantity Surveyors and Estimators.
• Shape the commercial strategy to ensure profitable project delivery.

Skills

Commercial leadership

Contract negotiations

Team leadership

Supplier/client relationship building

Job description

Overview

Commercial Manager Fit Out & Refurb | Cambridge | Permanent | Sep 2025 Start

The Role: This is a senior commercial leadership role where you'll take ownership of the commercial function. You'll lead a team of Quantity Surveyors and Estimators, steer contract negotiations, and shape the commercial strategy to ensure projects are profitable, well-managed, and delivered with minimal risk. It's perfect for someone who enjoys being at the sharp end of decision-making, thrives on responsibility, and wants to influence both project success and wider business growth.

The Projects

• Office and laboratory fit outs across Cambridge, Oxford, and surrounding regions
• High-spec refurbishments in live environments with tight access/logistics
• Design & build and traditional contracts for private and public sector clients
• Schemes typically ranging £1m–£20m, from bespoke workspaces to complex labs

What they're looking for

• Solid experience as a Commercial Manager (or a Senior QS ready to step up) in the fit-out/refurb sector
• Strong technical and contractual knowledge particularly JCT contracts
• Skilled at leading teams, mentoring, and building strong supplier/client relationships
• Comfortable balancing detail (CVRs, risk, forecasting) with strategic commercial decision-making

The Company

They're a leading Cambridge-based design & build business specialising in office and lab fit outs. Established, ambitious, and values-driven, they focus on creating inspiring spaces while supporting their people with wellbeing programs, development opportunities, and a collaborative culture.

You'll join a professional but down-to-earth leadership team, where your input will shape both project delivery and the future of the business.

Also known as: Head of Commercial, Senior Commercial Manager, Lead QS

Interested?

Let's talk no pressure.

Michael Ogunyankin | (phone number removed) | michael @ borne .com