Commercial Manager

Wates Group; Milton Keynes; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Wates Group is seeking a Commercial Manager to join a major construction project in Bedfordshire. You will provide strategic commercial oversight, drive performance, manage risk and ensure successful financial outcomes from inception to completion.

This leadership role requires experience in managing commercial teams, procurement strategies and strong stakeholder engagement with clients, consultants and supply chain partners.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a Commercial Manager within the construction industry.
• Strong track record on major construction projects.
• Excellent commercial and contractual knowledge, including cost management and risk principles.
• Experience leading, managing and developing commercial teams.

Responsibilities

• Leading the commercial management of the project and ensuring governance throughout the lifecycle.
• Managing and developing the commercial team with leadership and mentoring.
• Overseeing procurement strategies and subcontractor management activities.
• Managing project cost reporting, forecasting, cash flow and commercial performance.
• Ensuring effective management of variations, change control and commercial risk.
• Supporting contract administration and ensuring contractual compliance.
• Collaborating with operations, design and planning teams to maximise project performance.
• Building relationships with clients, consultants and supply chain partners.
• Providing commercial insight and reporting to senior stakeholders.

Skills

Commercial management

Leadership

Stakeholder management

Negotiation

Communication

Cost management

Risk management

Strategic thinking

Education

Commercial/Construction/Quantity surveying qualifications desirable

Job description

We are looking for a Commercial Manager to join our team on a major construction project in Bedfordshire. This is a key leadership role within the project, responsible for driving commercial performance, managing risk and ensuring successful financial outcomes across a significant and complex scheme. Working closely with project leadership, operational teams and the wider commercial function, you will provide strategic commercial oversight while supporting the successful delivery of the project from inception through to completion. This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a high-profile development, leading commercial activities within a collaborative and high-performing project environment.

What You'll Be Doing

• Leading the commercial management of the project and ensuring robust governance throughout the project lifecycle
• Managing and developing the commercial team, providing leadership, support and mentoring
• Overseeing procurement strategies and subcontractor management activities
• Managing project cost reporting, forecasting, cash flow and commercial performance
• Ensuring effective management of variations, change control and commercial risk
• Supporting contract administration and ensuring contractual compliance
• Working closely with operational, design and planning teams to maximise project performance
• Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants and supply chain partners
• Providing commercial insight and reporting to senior project and business stakeholders

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a Commercial Manager within the construction industry
• Strong track record of working on major construction projects
• Excellent commercial and contractual knowledge, including cost management and risk management principles
• Experience leading, managing and developing commercial teams
• Strong stakeholder management, negotiation and communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple priorities within a complex project environment
• A proactive, strategic and commercially focused approach
• Relevant commercial, construction or quantity surveying qualifications are desirable

Why Join Wates?

• Be part of a major, high-profile project in Bedfordshire
• Lead and develop a growing commercial team on a flagship scheme
• Work within a collaborative and high-performing project environment
• Opportunities for career development and progression
• Competitive salary and benefits package, with flexibility where possible

Our Commitments

Wates is proud to be an employer where anyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds.

We don't discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role.

Some roles may require additional checks, due to the nature of the work.

As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role and opt in to the Disability Confident scheme.

Reasonable adjustments are available, please contact us at [e-mail]