Commercial Manager

Sphere Solutions; West of England; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Sphere Solutions is seeking a Commercial Manager to lead the commercial function on civil engineering, groundworks and infrastructure projects in the Bristol area. You will own commercial performance, support operations and drive profitable growth across the project portfolio.

You will oversee tendering, contract administration, cost reporting and final accounts, while managing risk and ensuring contractual compliance. Strong leadership and stakeholder engagement are essential.

Qualifications

• Proven experience in a Commercial Manager or senior commercial role within civil engineering, groundworks or infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts, commercial procedures and contract administration.
• Experience managing project costs, cash flow, forecasting and financial reporting.

Responsibilities

• Oversee commercial performance of multiple civil engineering and groundworks projects.
• Manage contract administration, valuations, variations and change control.
• Lead applications for payment, cost reporting, forecasting and cash flow.
• Direct subcontract procurement, package management and commercial negotiations.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities with strategies to protect margins.
• Collaborate with project teams and senior management to drive performance.
• Review terms and ensure compliance with obligations and regulations.
• Negotiate final accounts with clients and subcontractors.
• Support tender reviews, estimating and pre-construction activities.
• Build relationships with clients, suppliers and subcontractors.

Skills

Commercial management

Civil engineering

Groundworks

Contract administration

Job description

Commercial Manager

Civil Engineering & Groundworks Bristol Permanent

Are you an experienced Commercial Manager looking for your next move within a growing civil engineering contractor?

This is an excellent opportunity to join an established business delivering civil engineering, groundworks and infrastructure projects across the South West and South Wales. With a strong reputation for quality, collaborative working and practical, commercially focused project delivery, the business is looking to strengthen its commercial function with an experienced professional who can make a real impact.

Working across a varied portfolio of projects, you will take ownership of commercial performance, support operational teams and help drive profitable growth.

The Role

As Commercial Manager, you will be responsible for overseeing the commercial management of civil engineering contracts from tender through to final account, ensuring effective cost control, risk management and contractual compliance.

Key responsibilities will include:

• Managing the commercial performance of multiple civil engineering and groundworks projects.
• Overseeing contract administration, valuations, variations and change control.
• Managing applications for payment, cost reporting, forecasting and cash flow.
• Leading subcontract procurement, package management and commercial negotiations.
• Identifying commercial risks and opportunities, implementing strategies to protect margins.
• Working closely with project managers, site teams and senior management to drive project performance.
• Reviewing contractual terms and ensuring compliance with relevant obligations.
• Managing and negotiating final accounts with clients and subcontractors.
• Supporting tender reviews, estimating and pre-construction activities.
• Developing strong relationships with clients, suppliers and subcontractors.
• Providing commercial leadership, guidance and support to the wider project team.

About You

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Proven experience in a Commercial Manager or senior commercial role within civil engineering, groundworks or infrastructure.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts, commercial procedures and contract administration.
• Experience managing project costs, cash flow, forecasting and financial reporting.
• A track record of negotiating variations, managing subcontractors and agreeing final accounts.
• The ability to identify commercial opportunities while managing contractual and financial risks.
• Strong leadership, communication and negotiation skills.
• A proactive, commercially minded approach, with the confidence to challenge and influence where necessary.
• The ability to build effective working relationships with operational teams and external stakeholders.

The Opportunity

This is a chance to join an established civil engineering contractor with a broad technical capability spanning groundworks, earthworks, drainage, utilities, highways, reinforced concrete and substructures.

The business places real emphasis on integrity, collaboration, quality and finding practical solutions for its clients. You will have the opportunity to play a key role in commercial decision-making, influence project outcomes and contribute to the continued development of the business.