Commercial Manager

BMC Recruitment Group; Moor Row; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

BMC Recruitment Group is seeking a seasoned senior commercial leader to shape and steer the commercial function of a major defence programme in mobilisation and delivery. You will collaborate with the Framework Director, Delivery Manager, and client teams to ensure robust commercial governance and financial visibility as the programme progresses into multiple task orders.

With 15+ years in defence or highly regulated sectors, you will lead pricing, supplier strategy, and commercial risk, while

Qualifications

• Senior commercial or quantity surveying experience in defence or regulated sectors.
• 15+ years of experience on complex, high-value projects.
• Strong NEC3/NEC4 knowledge including change control.
• Proven track record in pricing, forecasting, and risk management.
• Experience leading commercial teams and suppliers.
• Degree or professional qualification in QS/Commercial; Chartered preferred.

Responsibilities

• Take ownership of mobilisation through steady-state delivery.
• Own contract administration and governance across framework and project task orders.
• Lead task-order pricing, negotiation, and commercial agreements.
• Manage the commercial and financial position across the portfolio, including cost and value, revenue, margin, cash, accruals, forecasts and risk.
• Ensure NEC processes, notices, records, compensation events, and commercial decisions are timely and auditable.
• Lead supplier and subcontract commercial strategy, including terms and risk allocation.
• Develop the commercial team and provide clear advice to programme leadership.

Skills

Defence sector

NEC3/NEC4

Contract pricing

Team leadership

Supply chain

Education

Quantity Surveying degree

Chartered status preferred

Job description

Are you a seasoned commercial leader with a passion for the defence sector? This role offers a unique chance to shape and lead the commercial function of a major defence programme. As the programme enters its mobilisation phase, your expertise will be crucial in establishing the commercial model, governance, project pipeline, and supply chain arrangements. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact in a high-stakes environment.

In this senior commercial leadership role, you will work closely with a multidisciplinary programme team, including the Framework Director, Delivery Manager, Project Controls Manager, client commercial teams, and strategic suppliers. Your primary responsibility will be to ensure the commercial and financial position is robust, visible, and well-managed as the programme progresses into multiple project task orders and long-term execution.

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Take ownership of the commercial function through mobilisation and into steady-state delivery. - Own contract administration and commercial governance across the framework and project task orders.
• Lead task-order pricing, negotiation, and commercial agreement, ensuring a robust commercial proposition.
• Manage the commercial and financial position across the portfolio, including cost and value, revenue, margin, cash, accruals, commercial forecasting, and commercial risk.
• Ensure NEC3/NEC4 processes, notices, records, compensation events, and commercial decisions are timely, accurate, and auditable.
• Lead supplier and subcontract commercial strategy, including terms, risk allocation, and commercial performance.
• Maintain one reconciled position with Project Controls and Finance.
• Lead and develop the commercial team, providing clear commercial advice and challenge to programme and project leadership.

Skills and experience:

• Senior commercial or quantity surveying experience within defence, nuclear, infrastructure, energy, or another highly regulated sector.
• Typically 15+ years of relevant experience across complex, high-value projects, programmes, or frameworks.
• Strong practical knowledge of NEC3/NEC4, including change control, compensation events, and contract administration.
• Proven experience in task-order or project pricing, commercial forecasting, margin, cash, and commercial risk management.
• Experience leading commercial teams and managing major subcontract and supply chain packages.
• Relevant degree or professional qualification in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related discipline; Chartered status or equivalent professional accreditation is strongly preferred.

Security Requirements:

Due to the nature of the work, applicants must be eligible to obtain and maintain the appropriate level of UK Government security clearance. Regular attendance at secure client locations within the Reading area will be required. Initially, candidates will need to obtain SC level clearance, with the potential requirement for DV clearance.