Commercial Manager

Thomas Gray Ltd; Loughton; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Thomas Gray Ltd is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to take ownership of commercial operations on prominent London-based projects, including new build and refurbishment schemes. You will lead a team of surveyors and drive profitability from pre-construction through to final account.

You will oversee procurement, CVR reporting, cash flow forecasting and robust contract negotiations, with a focus on value engineering and risk management.

Qualifications

• Proven track record within UK main contracting for new build and refurbishment.
• Experience as Commercial Manager or Senior Quantity Surveyor aiming for leadership.
• Experience leading and mentoring surveying teams.
• Strong understanding of standard forms of contract (e.g. JCT and NEC).
• Financial modelling, CVR reporting and analytical capabilities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor the commercial team of quantity surveyors to drive profitability.
• Oversee commercial management across live projects from pre-construction to final account.
• Direct procurement strategies and supply chain negotiations to protect margins.
• Lead monthly commercial reporting, CVR reviews, cash flow projections and budgets.
• Identify contractual risks and ensure compliance with contracts.
• Collaborate with operational/design teams to champion buildability and VE.
• Manage client relationships, variations and major commercial negotiations.

Skills

Team leadership

Financial modelling

CVR reporting

Contract negotiation

Mentoring

Job description

We are currently working on behalf of an established main contractor delivering high-profile new build and refurbishment schemes across London and the surrounding areas.

They are looking to onboard an experienced Commercial Manager to take ownership of commercial operations, driving financial performance and leading a dedicated team of surveyors. This role would suit an established Commercial Manager or an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor / Managing Quantity Surveyor ready to make a career-defining step into departmental leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and manage the commercial team of quantity surveyors, instilling best practice and driving project profitability.

• Oversee commercial management across a portfolio of live new build and refurbishment developments from pre-construction through to final account resolution.

• Direct procurement strategies, trade contractor negotiations and supply chain management to protect margins and secure optimal terms.

• Lead the monthly commercial reporting process, reviewing Cost Value Reconciliations (CVRs), cash flow projections and budget forecasts for board presentation.

• Identify, mitigate and manage contractual risks, ensuring robust compliance with main contract and subcontract agreements.

• Partner closely with operational, pre-construction and design teams to champion buildability, value engineering and risk mitigation.

• Oversee client relationships, dispute resolution, variations and major commercial negotiations.

About You

• Proven track record within UK main contracting, with experience delivering new build, major refurbishment or structural schemes.

• Current experience operating as a Commercial Manager, Managing Quantity Surveyor or Senior Quantity Surveyor looking for advancement.

• Demonstrable experience leading, developing and mentoring teams of surveying professionals.

• Thorough understanding of standard forms of contract (e.g. JCT and NEC) alongside strong contractual negotiation skills.

• Commercially astute with excellent financial modelling, CVR reporting and analytical capabilities.