Commercial Manager

ODGroup.; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

OD Group, a leading office interiors contractor in the City of London, is seeking a talented Commercial Manager for the Major+ division. You will lead commercial strategy, oversee budgets and risk, and help ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget.

The role involves managing contracts under JCT/NEC or bespoke forms, guiding negotiations with clients and subcontractors, and mentoring junior commercial staff while reporting to senior leadership.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within commercial construction or fit-out.
• Proven experience managing projects up to £10m–£30m+.
• Strong knowledge of JCT contracts.
• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent financial acumen and analytical ability.
• Strong contractual knowledge.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• High attention to detail with strategic oversight capability.

Responsibilities

• Oversee commercial management of multiple projects (Cat A, Cat B, refurbishments).
• Support Commercial Director in delivering targets and margin protection.
• Provide commercial input during tender, value engineering and negotiations.
• Forecasting and financial planning for business units.
• Manage project budgets from award to final account.
• Prepare and review cost plans, cash flows, CVRs, profitability reporting.
• Administer contracts under JCT, NEC or bespoke forms; manage variations.
• Lead subcontractor procurement, payments, final accounts; resolve disputes.
• Lead and mentor Apprentice and Assistant Commercial Managers.
• Provide stakeholder reporting and attend client meetings.

Skills

Negotiation

Financial acumen

Contract management

Multi-project management

Analytical skills

Attention to detail

Leadership

Job description

OD Group is a leading office interiors company based in the City of London, with a dual focus on both traditional construction and design and build. We have firmly established our brand due to excellent service and a commitment to ongoing innovation, and despite the pandemic are on track for another successful year.

We are currently looking for a talented and driven Commercial Manager to join our Major+ division helping us to successfully delivery projects on time and on budget, maximising our GP and minimising our commercial risk.

Key Responsibilities

1. Commercial Leadership & Strategy

• Oversee the commercial management of multiple projects (Cat A, Cat B, refurbishment schemes).


• Support the Commercial Director in delivering financial targets and margin protection.


• Provide commercial input during tender, value engineering and negotiation stages.


• Contribute to business unit forecasting and financial planning.

2. Cost Management & Budget Control

• Manage project budgets from award through to final account.


• Prepare and review:


• Cost plans


• Cash flow forecasts


• CVRs (Cost Value Reconciliations)


• Profitability reporting


• Identify commercial risks and opportunities.


• Ensure early warning notices and compensation events are managed effectively.

3. Contract Administration

• Administer contracts under JCT, NEC or bespoke forms.


• Ensure contractual compliance across projects.


• Manage variations, change control and extension of time submissions.


• Lead negotiations with clients and subcontractors.

4. Subcontractor Management

• Oversee procurement strategy alongside Pre-Construction.


• Review and approve subcontract packages and appointments.


• Manage payment applications, valuations and final accounts.


• Resolve commercial disputes where required.


• Identify and mitigate commercial and financial risk.


• Ensure compliance with company governance and financial controls.


• Support audits and reporting requirements.


• Monitor insurance and bond requirements where applicable.

6. Team Management

• Lead and mentor Apprentice and Assistant Commercial Managers.


• Provide guidance on contract administration and commercial best practice.


• Support development and performance management of the commercial team.

7. Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with:


• Construction Directors


• Project Managers


• Design Managers


• Finance Team


• Provide clear commercial reporting to senior leadership.


• Attend client meetings as required.

Person Specification

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within commercial construction or fit-out.


• Proven experience managing projects up to £10m–£30m+.


• Strong knowledge of JCT contracts.


• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.


• Excellent financial acumen and analytical ability.


• Strong contractual knowledge.


• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.


• High attention to detail with strategic oversight capability.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Project profitability and margin protection.


• Accuracy of forecasting and reporting.


• Timely agreement of variations and final accounts.


• Subcontractor performance and commercial compliance.