Commercial Manager (Consultancy)

Mace; Birmingham; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm is seeking a Commercial Manager to support their initiative for four new prisons in England. You will be responsible for managing NEC4 contracts, ensuring compliance, and maintaining performance with contractors. Ideal candidates have a degree in quantity surveying and experience in commercial management within the construction sector. The role promotes safety, integrity, and client focus in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Flexible working options

Diverse workplace

Qualifications

• Professional membership or working towards MRICS/RICS or equivalent.
• Detailed knowledge of NEC forms of contract.
• Experience in most forms of contract.

Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with contractors.
• Support interim payment certification processes.
• Administer contract changes and manage CEMAR workflows.

Skills

Contract administration

Relationship management

Negotiation skills

Analytical skills

Knowledge of NEC contracts

Education

Degree in quantity surveying/cost management

Tools

CEMAR

Job description

At Mace, our purpose is to redefine the boundaries of ambition. We believe in creating places that are responsible, bringing transformative impact to our people, communities and societies across the globe. To learn more about our purpose, culture, and priorities, visit our strategy site.

Within our business we harness our unique combination of leading-edge practical expertise and project delivery to unlock the potential in every project.

The project: This role supports the Ministry of Justice’s initiative to deliver four new prisons as part of a broader programme creating 13,000 modern prison places across England. Delivered through an Alliance model involving Mace, designers, and major UK contractors, the project promotes collaborative working to drive efficiency, cost savings, and enhanced value for the MoJ.

Our values shape the way we consult, and define the people we want to join us on our journey, they are:

• Safety first - Going home safe and well
• Client focus - Deliver on our promise
• Integrity - Always do the right thing
• Create opportunity - For our people to excel

As Commercial Manager, you will integrate with the wider programme delivery team, providing expert contract administration and commercial support. You will assist Project Managers in managing NEC4 contracts, oversee CEMAR compliance, and offer strategic advice to ensure contractual obligations are met.

You’ll be responsible for:

• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with contractors and client teams.
• Monitor contractor performance and ensure compliance with contractual requirements.
• Support interim payment certification processes in collaboration with client cost consultants.
• Administer contract changes and manage CEMAR workflows to meet contractual deadlines.
• Contribute to benchmarking and monthly performance reporting.
• Participate in commercial meetings, reviewing early warnings and compensation events.
• Prepare recommendations for compensation events and client change board submissions.
• Conduct site visits to assess completed works and attend contractor progress meetings.
• Engage in client meetings to review proposed changes and entitlements.
• Provide commercial support and cost-effective solutions to internal teams and clients.

You’ll need to have:

• Professional membership or working towards i.e. MRICS/RICS or equivalent.
• Detailed knowledge of NEC forms of contract.
• Capex V Opex cost analysis/ advice.
• Knowledge of value engineering, life cycle costing, contract law and contractual frameworks relating to construction.
• A degree in quantity surveying/cost management (or equivalent).
• Proficient knowledge and expertise in specific sector/market of project/role.
• Relevant technical qualification/certification for project portfolio/s.
• Experience in most forms of contract.
• Sound knowledge and ability to undertake and advise on contract administration and contract management.
• Demonstrated success in commercial management within the construction sector.
• Interpersonal skills in creating, managing and maintaining relationships, able to converse to clients and peers to director level.
• Strong contractual knowledge (NEC), confident communicator, and collaborative team player.
• Accountable, results-driven, and committed to service excellence
• Proven experience in areas such as risk management and change control management.
• Understanding different types of contracts.
• Negotiation skills.
• Analytical skills.
• Digitally Competent.

You’ll also have:

• Ability to be effective communicator with all stakeholders.
• Ability to seek opportunities for implementing improved working practices.
• Manages relevant stakeholders for project/s.
• Develops effective working relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Good interpersonal skills to prepare reports, negotiate and build relationships with key stakeholders.
• Problem solving and analytical skills for resolving cost and contract administration and procurement issues within consult.

Mace is an inclusive employer and welcomes interest from a diverse range of candidates. Even if you feel you do not fulfil all of the criteria, please apply as you may still be the best candidate for this role or another role within our organisation.

We are also open to discussing part time, flexible, and hybrid working options if suitable within the role.