Commercial Manager

Foresight Search Ltd; West of England; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Performance-related bonus

Benefits package

Career development opportunities

Progression opportunities

Job summary

The Commercial Manager role in Bristol is with a leading Tier 1 contractor. You will take overall commercial responsibility for major projects from pre-construction to final account, overseeing a team of Quantity Surveyors and Senior Quantity Surveyors to deliver on time and within budget.

You will report to the Commercial Director, drive financial performance, manage budgets and cost reporting, and help shape the commercial strategy for a strong regional pipeline in the South West.

Qualifications

• Proven experience working within a Tier 1 or major Tier 2 main contractor.
• Experience delivering major new-build construction projects, ideally valued at £20m+.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and leadership skills.
• Ability to lead and mentor commercial teams.

Responsibilities

• Take overall commercial responsibility for major construction projects from pre-construction through to final account.
• Lead, manage and develop a team of Quantity Surveyors and Senior Quantity Surveyors.
• Report directly to the Commercial Director with regular updates on project performance.
• Ensure targets, profitability and financial objectives are achieved.
• Oversee budgets, forecasts and cost reporting; manage CVRs and variations.

Education

Relevant construction or Quantity Surveying qualifications

Job description

Job Title: Commercial Manager

Location: Bristol

Salary: £80,000 - £90,000 + Car Allowance + Bonus + Package

Sector: Tier 1 Main Contracting - New Build Construction

Projects: £20m - £70m+

Start Date: Flexible

Commercial Manager - The Company

Our client is a highly respected Tier 1 main contractor with an established presence across Bristol, the South West and the wider UK construction market.

The business has an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality, large-scale construction projects across a diverse range of sectors, including student accommodation, private rented sector (PRS), build-to-rent, Ministry of Defence (MOD) and education.

With a strong pipeline of secured projects, an established regional management team and continued investment in the South West, the company offers excellent long-term career prospects.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a financially secure, forward-thinking contractor with a reputation for delivering major construction schemes and developing its people.

Commercial Manager - The Role

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Commercial Manager to join the regional commercial team based in Bristol.

Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, you will take responsibility for the commercial management of major construction projects, typically ranging from £20m to £70m and beyond.

You will oversee and support a team of Quantity Surveyors and Senior Quantity Surveyors, ensuring projects are delivered successfully from a commercial perspective.

The role will involve a combination of strategic commercial management, team leadership and hands‑on involvement with key projects.

This position would suit an established Commercial Manager or an ambitious Senior Quantity Surveyor ready to take the next step into a commercial leadership position.

Commercial Manager - Duties & Responsibilities

• Take overall commercial responsibility for major construction projects from pre‑construction through to final account.
• Lead, manage and develop a team of Quantity Surveyors and Senior Quantity Surveyors.
• Report directly to the Commercial Director, providing regular updates on project performance.
• Ensure commercial targets, profitability and financial objectives are achieved.
• Oversee the preparation and management of project budgets, forecasts and cost reporting.
• Manage and review Cost Value Reconciliations (CVRs), identifying commercial risks and opportunities.
• Oversee subcontractor procurement, negotiations and account management.
• Ensure effective management of contractual obligations, variations and change control.
• Work closely with operational and project management teams to ensure successful project delivery.
• Provide commercial input during pre‑construction, tendering and project mobilisation.
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and subcontractors.
• Mentor and support junior members of the commercial team, encouraging professional development.
• Ensure commercial procedures and reporting standards are maintained across all projects.
• Support the Commercial Director with wider commercial strategy and business objectives.

Commercial Manager - The Person

• Proven experience working within a recognised Tier 1 or major Tier 2 main contractor.
• Previous experience as a Commercial Manager or a strong Senior Quantity Surveyor ready to progress.
• Experience delivering major new‑build construction projects, ideally valued at £20m+.
• A strong understanding of commercial management, construction contracts and project financial control.
• Experience managing or mentoring commercial teams.
• A solid background in sectors such as student accommodation, residential, PRS, MOD, education or other large‑scale construction projects.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and leadership skills.
• Commercially astute, organised and capable of managing multiple priorities.
• Relevant construction or Quantity Surveying qualifications preferred.

Commercial Manager - Salary & Benefits

• Basic salary: £80,000 - £90,000
• Car allowance
• Performance‑related bonus
• Competitive company benefits package
• Long‑term career development opportunities
• Exposure to major construction projects across the South West
• Opportunity to work alongside an experienced regional leadership team
• Clear potential for further progression within the commercial management structure

Commercial Manager - The Opportunity

This is an excellent opportunity for an ambitious commercial professional looking to establish themselves within a leading Tier 1 contractor.

With a strong regional project pipeline, substantial financial backing and a highly experienced leadership team, the business offers both stability and the opportunity to progress.