Commercial Manager

Benjamin Grace; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A recruitment agency is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager in Tonbridge. This role involves full commercial accountability for major projects, leading a team, and ensuring contract performance. The ideal candidate will have strong leadership skills, commercial acumen, and extensive experience in construction or rail sectors. A degree and relevant qualifications are preferred. This is a permanent position offering a significant career opportunity.

Qualifications

• Extensive commercial experience, ideally within construction or rail.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites/offices.
• Computer literate with strong attention to detail.

Responsibilities

• Take full commercial accountability for contract management and financial performance.
• Develop, lead, and manage the commercial team.
• Monitor and assure contract performance, including monthly reconciliations.
• Negotiate and manage complex change control items and claims.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships.

Skills

Leadership

Commercial acumen

Negotiation skills

Problem-solving

Communication

Education

Degree or equivalent professional experience

Recognised professional management qualification

Chartered Surveyor or equivalent professional membership

Job description

We are seeking an experienced and highly motivated Commercial Manager to lead and manage the commercial aspects within the major projects division.

This is an exciting opportunity for a seasoned professional with a strong commercial acumen and proven leadership experience within the construction, rail or FM sectors.

Key Responsibilities:

• Take full commercial accountability for contract management, financial performance, and business optimisation.

• Develop, lead, and manage the commercial team, ensuring high performance, professional development, and succession planning.

• Set and review budgets, capital expenditure proposals, and contract forecasts in conjunction with senior leadership.

• Monitor and assure contract performance, including monthly reconciliations, turnover forecasts, cash flow, and reporting.

• Administer contracts in line with contract conditions, commercial manuals, and client requirements.

• Negotiate and manage complex change control items, claims, disputes, and subcontractor agreements.

• Build and maintain strong client relationships and support business development initiatives, including tenders, quotes, and PQQs.

• Ensure robust communication, reporting, and information management across the business area.

• Deputise for the Commercial Director and Operational Leads when required.

• Ensure all health, safety, and welfare responsibilities are met and actively contribute to a positive HSE culture.

Skills and Competencies:

• Strong leadership, team development, and people management skills.

• Exceptional commercial acumen with a proven track record of optimising contract profitability and performance.

• Excellent communication, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.

• Commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, and integrity in all aspects of work.

• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver results in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Degree or equivalent professional experience.

• Recognised professional management qualification desirable.

• Chartered Surveyor or equivalent professional membership advantageous.

• Extensive commercial experience, ideally within construction or rail.

• Knowledge of rail industry processes and systems is desirable.

• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel to sites/offices.

• Computer literate with strong attention to detail.

This permanent vacancy is being advertised on behalf of Benjamin-Grace Limited who are operating as an Employment Agency.