Commercial Manager

Thomas Gray; Loughton; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Thomas Gray is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to own the commercial operations across a portfolio of new build and refurbishment projects in London and surrounding areas. The role leads a team of surveyors, drives profitability, and shapes procurement and contractual strategy.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in JCT/NEC contracts, robust financial modelling, and a proven track record in managing complex commercial interfaces with design, pre-construction and

Qualifications

• Proven track record in UK main contracting within new build/refurbishment projects.
• Experience as Commercial Manager, Managing QS or Senior QS targeting advancement.
• Proven ability to develop and mentor surveying teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the commercial team of quantity surveyors.
• Oversee commercial management across live projects from pre-construction to final account.
• Direct procurement strategies and negotiate terms with trade contractors.
• Lead monthly CVR reporting, cash flow projections and budgets for board review.
• Identify and manage contractual risks in line with main contracts and subcontracts.
• Collaborate with operational teams to drive buildability and value engineering.
• Manage client relationships, variations and major commercial negotiations.

Skills

Commercial leadership

Team management

Contract negotiation

CVR reporting

Financial modelling

Budget control

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.