Commercial Manager

Kenton Black Limited; Penrith; Hybrid; GBP 83,000 - 101,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Lodge Allowance

Job summary

Kenton Black Limited is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager for a major highways infrastructure project based in Penrith, Cumbria. The role focuses on commercial leadership, cost control, procurement and risk management within a multidisciplinary team.

You'll drive contract administration, support governance, and lead value engineering initiatives while mentoring junior team members on a challenging infrastructure programme. Hybrid working is offered with a competitive package.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in a commercial management role for a Tier 1 main contractor.
• Track record delivering major highways or civil projects.
• Strong contract administration, procurement and financial control.
• Professional accreditation in progress or achieved (RICS/ICES/CIOB).

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial management of the project from inception through to final account.
• Manage project costs, budgets, forecasts, cash flow and financial reporting.
• Oversee contract administration and ensure contractual obligations are met.
• Identify, assess and manage commercial risks and opportunities.
• Lead procurement activities, subcontract negotiations and commercial agreements.
• Support project governance, commercial reviews and reporting requirements.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering and cost optimisation.
• Collaborate with project managers, engineers, subcontractors and stakeholders.
• Manage change control, variations and contractual claims where applicable.
• Provide commercial leadership and mentor junior team members.

Skills

Negotiation

Stakeholder management

Communication

Leadership

Education

Quantity Surveying degree

RICS/ICES/CIOB membership or progress

CSCS card

Job description

Location: Penrith, Cumbria, UK
Working Arrangement: Hybrid
Salary: Up to £92,000 per annum
Benefits: Bonus + Lodge Allowance
Project: Major Highways Infrastructure Scheme

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Commercial Manager to join a major highways infrastructure project based in Penrith, Cumbria.

This role is suited to a commercially driven professional with a strong main contractor background and experience delivering complex highways or major infrastructure schemes. You will play a key role in the commercial management of the project, ensuring effective financial control, contract compliance, procurement and risk management throughout the project lifecycle.

Working closely with the wider project delivery team, you will contribute to successful project outcomes while supporting commercial governance, value engineering and the development of team members.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial management of the project from inception and tendering through to contract delivery, agreement and final account.
• Manage project costs, budgets, forecasts, cash flow and financial reporting.
• Oversee contract administration, ensuring contractual obligations are managed effectively.
• Identify, assess and manage commercial risks and opportunities.
• Lead procurement activities, subcontract negotiations and commercial agreements.
• Support project governance, commercial reviews and reporting requirements.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering, cost optimisation and improved commercial performance.
• Work collaboratively with project managers, engineers, subcontractors and other key stakeholders.
• Manage change control, variations, compensation events and contractual claims where applicable.
• Provide commercial leadership, guidance and mentoring to junior team members.

About You

To be considered for this opportunity, you should have:

• Significant experience in a commercial management role with a Tier 1 main contractor.
• A proven track record delivering major highways, road infrastructure or civil engineering projects.
• Strong knowledge of commercial management, contract administration, procurement and financial control.
• Experience managing commercial risk, change control and subcontractor relationships.
• A degree in Quantity Surveying or a relevant construction-related discipline.
• RICS, ICES or CIOB membership, Chartered status or demonstrable progress towards professional accreditation.
• A valid CSCS card.
• Excellent negotiation, stakeholder management and communication skills.
• The ability to lead commercial activities while working effectively within a multidisciplinary project team.

What's on Offer?

• Salary up to £92,000 per annum
• Hybrid working arrangements
• BonusThe opportunity to contribute to a major UK highways infrastructure programme
• A challenging commercial leadership role within a major infrastructure environment