Commercial Manager

Octavius Infrastructure Ltd.; London Borough of Hammersmith and Fulham; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car scheme

Private healthcare

Pension and life assurance

25 days' annual leave + birthday

Job summary

Octavius Infrastructure Ltd. is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to take ownership of a defined rail framework and lead a high-performing commercial team in London and the surrounding region.

You’ll oversee commercial performance, governance, and risk management, working closely with operations, clients and suppliers to deliver safe, sustainable and profitable outcomes. London-based with three days on-site, hybrid work where possible.

Qualifications

• Experience leading commercial teams in civil engineering or infrastructure projects.
• Strong knowledge of cost management, forecasting, CVRs and contract administration.
• Ability to manage commercial risk, change and opportunities within complex projects.
• Proven capability to build trusted relationships with clients, teams and senior stakeholders.
• Degree or equivalent in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial performance of the defined rail framework, including forecasting, cost control, cash flow and reporting.
• Manage the monthly CVR process, identify variances and drive remedial actions.
• Provide commercial insight and advice to support decision-making.
• Manage contractual risk, change and commercial opportunities.
• Support pre-delivery activity, including estimates, contract reviews and supply chain considerations.
• Maintain strong governance, compliance and audit standards.
• Build relationships with clients, project teams and supply chain partners.
• Support resolution of commercial issues and disputes.

Skills

Commercial leadership

People management

Forecasting

CVR process

Financial reporting

Risk management

Contract administration

Stakeholder management

Analytical thinking

Rail industry experience

Education

QS/CM degree

RICS/CICES membership desirable

Tools

Cost management systems

CVR tooling

Job description

Are you an experienced commercial leader who knows how to get the best from people while maintaining strong commercial control?

We're recruiting for a Commercial Manager to join us here at Octavius, taking commercial responsibility for a defined framework and leading the team supporting its delivery across London and the surrounding region.

We are a leading civil engineering organisation delivering safe, sustainable and efficient transport solutions across the UK.

You’ll be working on…

You’ll lead the commercial management of a defined rail framework, working closely with our operational teams and clients to support successful, profitable and sustainable delivery.

Taking ownership of the framework's commercial performance, you’ll provide clear direction, robust governance and trusted commercial advice. You’ll ensure risks and opportunities are understood, financial information is accurate, and appropriate action is taken to keep delivery on track.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Leading the commercial performance of the framework, including forecasting, cost control, cash flow and reporting
• Managing the monthly CVR process, identifying variances and ensuring remedial actions are progressed
• Providing commercial insight and advice to support effective decision-making
• Managing contractual risk, change and commercial opportunities
• Supporting pre-delivery activity, including estimates, contract reviews and supply chain considerations
• Maintaining strong commercial governance, compliance and audit standards
• Building effective relationships with clients, project teams and supply chain partners
• Supporting the resolution of commercial issues and disputes

Most importantly, you’ll lead and develop a capable commercial team, creating an environment where people are supported, challenged and able to perform at their best. This will include setting clear expectations, holding effective one-to-ones, supporting development plans, coaching team members and ensuring resources are aligned to the needs of the framework.

You’ll work with…

A collaborative team of commercial and operational professionals delivering work for rail clients across the London region.

You’ll work closely with project and programme colleagues, providing the commercial leadership needed to support delivery. You’ll also build trusted relationships with clients and other key stakeholders, bringing clarity, challenge and sound judgement to commercial decisions.

The role is London-based, with an expectation that you’ll work from London locations around three days per week, depending on project and client requirements.

You’ll receive…

We offer a competitive rewards package, including:

• Company Car scheme
• Private Healthcare
• Pension and Life Assurance
• 25 days' Annual Leave, plus a day off for your birthday
• Hybrid working where possible
• Enhanced maternity and paternity packages
• Opportunities to develop personally and professionally

About you…

You’ll be an experienced commercial professional with the confidence to take ownership of a framework and provide clear commercial leadership.

You’ll be a strong and supportive people manager, able to set direction, build capability and create accountability across your team. You’ll combine this with sound commercial judgement, an analytical mindset and the ability to influence people at all levels.

You’ll be comfortable operating in a fast-paced project environment, balancing changing priorities while maintaining high standards and a clear focus on performance.

You’ll bring…

• Proven commercial management experience within civil engineering, infrastructure or a similarly complex project environment
• Demonstrable experience of leading, managing and developing commercial teamsStrong knowledge of cost management, forecasting, CVRs and contract administration
• Experience of managing commercial risk, change and opportunities
• The ability to build trusted relationships with clients, operational teams and senior stakeholders
• Strong analytical skills and the confidence to make and influence commercially sound decisions
• A degree or equivalent experience in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline
• Rail experience would be highly beneficial, although we’re also open to experienced commercial leaders from other complex infrastructure environments
• Professional membership of a relevant body, such as RICS or CICES, would be desirable

If you’re looking for an opportunity where you can combine commercial ownership with genuine people leadership, this is a chance to shape the performance of a rail framework and help develop the team delivering it.

Inclusion and diversity are important to us, we are an equal opportunities employer and value difference. We want and will continue to build an inclusive environment where our people thrive. We firmly believe constantly striving to build a truly diverse workforce is what makes us a strong business and will enable us to continue to solve important problems and deliver unrivalled value to both our customers and clients. If you need any specialist support throughout your application, we will work with you where we can to support your journey with us.

• Commercial Manager.pdf