Commercial Manager

VolkerWessels UK

Preston

On-site

GBP 65,000 - 95,000

Full time

14 days+

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Benefits offered by this job

Private medical care

Pension

Life assurance

Cycle to work scheme

Training and development opportunities

Family-friendly policies

Job summary

VolkerStevin, part of VolkerWessels UK, is recruiting a Commercial Manager for the Preston area to lead commercial delivery across the C2V Lake District portfolio. You will own bid strategy, contract reviews, and client/subcontractor relationships to drive value and minimise risk.

You will mentor the project team on commercial matters, oversee procurement, and ensure alignment of forecasts, margins and cash flow with the programme.

Qualifications

RICS/CIOB/ICES accreditation or QS degree with relevant numerical/technical background
MQS/CM level experience is advantageous

Responsibilities

Support bid teams and lead commercial and contractual elements
Review contracts, pricing and scope for accuracy and competitiveness
Oversee procurement strategy and subcontracting
Monitor forecast alignment with programme and cash flow
Close out contracts and final accounts post-construction

Skills

Client relationships

Commercial awareness

Bid management

Procurement strategy

Forecasting

Education

RICS/CIOB/ICES accreditation

QS degree

Job description

Part of the VolkerWessels UK Group, VolkerStevin is an industry-leading civil engineering business, providing complex and innovative engineering solutions across a wide range of sectors including maritime, flood risk management, defence, energy, water and regeneration. By collaborating with the specialist skills of the group’s business units, we deliver a truly integrated, multidisciplinary service.

VolkerStevin is looking to appoint a Commercial Manager out of the Preston area to take responsibility for our C2V Lake District portfolio. The Commercial Manager (CM) is accountable for the successful delivery of the business, covering business development, work winning, resourcing, project delivery, and client/subcontractor relationships. They provide high‑level commercial and contractual support and report to, and are supported by, the Sector Commercial director (SCD).

Role Overview

Demonstrate a commitment to collaborative behaviour including developing effective client relationships
Support, advise, develop and train all members of the team on commercial matters
Mentor and develop the surveyors within the project/framework team

Tender

Build and maintain strong client relationships to drive repeat and framework opportunities
Provide commercial input to bids, reducing risk and maximising opportunities
Review contract terms, pricing strategies, and scope for accuracy and competitiveness
Support and lead bid teams, taking ownership of commercial and contractual elements
Obtain and incorporate legal advice on tender terms where required

Pre‑construction

Review and ensure alignment of the main contract with the tender and confirm execution
Establish the commercial structure and strategy for project delivery
Ensure teams fully understand contractual obligations, pricing, risks, and scope
Review initial P&L forecasts and set margin improvement plans
Oversee procurement strategy, including subcontracting and self‑delivery split

Construction – Procurement

Implement and monitor procurement strategy and schedule
Ensure timely placement of subcontract orders and maximise value opportunities
Reporting and commercial control
Oversee forecasting, cost/value reporting, cash flow, and risk management
Manage change control and resolve unagreed variations promptly
Ensure accurate reporting, WIP control, and adherence to company policies
Commercial oversight
Conduct monthly project health checks
Ensure projects remain cash positive and financially compliant
Support dispute resolution and reporting to senior leadership

Project controls

Ensure alignment between forecasts, contracts, and programmes
Promote strong programme awareness and contract compliance

Post‑construction

Close out contracts and final accounts in a timely manner
Capture lessons learned and feed back into the business

About You

Accomplished course by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) or the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES)
Alternatively, a degree with some numerical or technical background is advantageous
Relevant HND subjects include building/construction, urban and land studies, civil engineering and structural engineering
Adequate experience as an MQS or CM level

Essential