Commercial Manager

Kenton Black Ltd; Stoke-on-Trent; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading civil engineering consultancy in the UK is looking for a Commercial Manager who will lead commercial operations on significant infrastructure projects. The role requires strong expertise in contract management, particularly NEC contracts, along with great communication and leadership skills. The company offers a competitive salary starting from £95,000, hybrid working options, and opportunities for career growth in a supportive team environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Performance incentives

Career growth opportunities

Flexible working arrangements

Professional development support

Qualifications

• Experience in civil engineering, construction, or infrastructure essential.
• Professional accreditation (RICS, CICES, etc.) advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead or support commercial operations on major infrastructure projects.
• Manage NEC and other standard contracts effectively.
• Oversee cost management, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Provide commercial advice to project teams and clients.
• Support procurement and subcontractor management.

Skills

Experience as a Commercial Manager or Senior Commercial Manager

Strong knowledge of NEC contracts

Proven expertise in cost management

Excellent communication skills

Negotiation skills

Client engagement skills

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or related discipline

Job description

Sector: Civil Engineering – Highways, Rail, Water & Power
Location: Midlands / Hybrid
Employment Type: Full-time
Salary: Starting from £95,000 (plus benefits)

About Our Client

We are proud to be representing a highly regarded civil engineering consultancy with a strong track record across the highways, rail, water, and power sectors. Our client delivers technical excellence and supports nationally significant infrastructure projects.

A unique aspect of their business is that they second their commercial professionals to some of the UK’s top 250 contractors, giving individuals direct exposure to client-side operations, high-profile projects, and opportunities to influence major infrastructure programmes.

The Roles

Our client is seeking commercially astute professionals capable of providing robust contractual, financial, and strategic leadership across complex projects. Successful candidates will be seconded to leading contractor teams, providing invaluable experience and career development opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead or support commercial operations on major civil engineering and infrastructure projects
• Manage NEC and other standard contracts, ensuring compliance and effective risk management
• Oversee cost management, forecasting, and project financial reporting
• Provide commercial advice to project teams, contractors, and clients
• Support procurement and subcontractor management
• Identify risks, opportunities, and value‑improvement initiatives
• Drive change management and dispute resolution processes where required
• Build and maintain strong client relationships at all levels

What Our Client Is Looking For

• Experience as a Commercial Manager or Senior Commercial Manager in civil engineering, construction, or infrastructure
• Strong knowledge of NEC contracts (essential)
• Proven expertise in cost management, commercial strategy, and risk mitigation
• Exposure to at least one sector: highways, rail, water, or power
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and client engagement skills
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or related discipline
• Professional accreditation (RICS, CICES, etc.) advantageous, particularly for senior roles

What Our Client Offers

• Salary starting at £95,000, plus benefits and potential performance incentives
• Opportunities to work on nationally significant, high-profile infrastructure projects
• Offering client-side exposure and career growth
• Flexible and hybrid working arrangements
• Clear progression pathways
• A supportive and collaborative team culture with ongoing professional development

How to Apply

To explore these opportunities, please send your CV by simply applying or contact Ben Symonds at Kenton Black Midlands for a confidential discussion.