Commercial Manager

Kenton Black Ltd; Leicester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering consultancy is seeking a Commercial Manager for major infrastructure projects in the UK. The role demands significant experience in managing contracts, financial oversight, and providing commercial guidance. Candidates should possess strong knowledge of NEC contracts and a degree in a relevant field. A competitive salary starting at £95,000 plus benefits is offered, alongside opportunities for career progression and client-side exposure.

Benefits

Potential performance incentives

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development opportunities

Qualifications

• Experience as a Commercial Manager or Senior Commercial Manager in civil engineering.
• Strong knowledge of NEC contracts is essential.
• Proven expertise in cost management and risk mitigation.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support commercial operations on major civil engineering projects.
• Manage NEC and other contracts ensuring compliance.
• Provide commercial advice to project teams and clients.

Skills

Commercial leadership

Contractual compliance

Cost management

Risk management

Communication skills

Negotiation skills

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management

Tools

NEC contracts

Job description

Sector: Civil Engineering – Highways, Rail, Water & Power
Location: Midlands / Hybrid
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: Starting from £95,000 (plus benefits)

About Our Client

We are proud to be representing a highly regarded civil engineering consultancy with a strong track record across the highways, rail, water, and power sectors. Our client delivers technical excellence and supports nationally significant infrastructure projects.

A unique aspect of their business is that they second their commercial professionals to some of the UK’s top 250 contractors, giving individuals direct exposure to client-side operations, high-profile projects, and opportunities to influence major infrastructure programmes.

The Roles

Our client is seeking commercially astute professionals capable of providing robust contractual, financial, and strategic leadership across complex projects. Successful candidates will be seconded to leading contractor teams, providing invaluable experience and career development opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or support commercial operations on major civil engineering and infrastructure projects
• Manage NEC and other standard contracts, ensuring compliance and effective risk management
• Oversee cost management, forecasting, and project financial reporting
• Provide commercial advice to project teams, contractors, and clients
• Support procurement and subcontractor management
• Identify risks, opportunities, and value‑improvement initiatives
• Drive change management and dispute resolution processes where required
• Build and maintain strong client relationships at all levels

What Our Client Is Looking For

• Experience as a Commercial Manager or Senior Commercial Manager in civil engineering, construction, or infrastructure
• Strong knowledge of NEC contracts (essential)
• Proven expertise in cost management, commercial strategy, and risk mitigation
• Exposure to at least one sector: highways, rail, water, or power
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and client engagement skills
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or related discipline
• Professional accreditation (RICS, CICES, etc.) advantageous, particularly for senior roles

What Our Client Offers

• Salary starting at £95,000, plus benefits and potential performance incentives
• Opportunities to work on nationally significant, high-profile infrastructure projects
• Offering client-side exposure and career growth
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Clear progression pathways
• A supportive and collaborative team culture with ongoing professional development

How to Apply

To explore these opportunities, please send your CV by simply applying or contact Ben Symonds at Kenton Black Midlands for a confidential discussion.