Commercial Manager - Fixed Term Contract

Avove Utilities; East Midlands; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company pension scheme

Life assurance

Private GP Helpline & Health Cash Plan

Avove Discount Scheme

Family friendly policies

Lifestyle benefit options

Financial wellbeing programme

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Avove is seeking a Commercial Manager in Derby to lead our commercial team within the Severn Trent framework. The role combines office and site attendance with hybrid working. You will oversee day-to-day commercial duties, ensure contractual compliance, and guide the team in managing monthly client and subcontractor applications.

With 12-month fixed term terms, there is potential for permanency. A strong track record in quantity surveying and contract management is essential to deliver value and

Qualifications

• Strong commercial and financial acumen required.
• Knowledge of standard contracts, particularly within support services.
• Ability to build strong client relationships while protecting contractual entitlements.
• Experience leading a commercial team and managing monthly applications.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the commercial team within the framework.
• Ensure compliance with contractual and internal processes.
• Manage the Framework commercial team on day-to-day activities.
• Oversee the monthly application process to the client and to subcontractors.
• Manage and monitor change processes and framework risks & opportunities.
• Develop and maintain processes with the Head of Commercial.
• Mentor and coach team members to support professional development.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Financial acumen

Contract management

Client relationship management

Negotiation

Presentation skills

People management

Quantity surveying

Job description

Location:

Derby This role offers hybrid working, combining office and site attendance with home-based working.

Contract Type:

12 Month fixed term contract with the possibility of being permanent

Benefits:

Company car/allowance enhanced annual leave entitlement, and a range of family-friendly policies and benefits.

Due to continued growth on our Severn Trent framework, Avove is looking to appoint a Commercial Manager to lead and develop our commercial team. Working closely with the Framework Director and Head of Commercial, the successful candidate will take responsibility for the day-to-day management of the commercial team, ensuring the effective delivery of all contractual and commercial obligations.

Key Responsibilities:

• To play a leading role as part of a wider Commercial team in the delivery of all contractual and commercial duties
• Ensure compliance with contractual and internal Avove processes and procedures
• Manage the Framework commercial team
• Management of the monthly application process to the client
• Manage and monitor change process
• Management of the monthly application process to the subcontractors in line with current legislation
• Resolve client and subcontractor disputes
• Manage framework Risks & Opportunities Manage and minimise WIP
• Professional Development including mentoring and coaching of team members.
• Update and develop processes in conjunction with the Head of Commercial
• Manage Commercial Team Members

Skills and Experience:

• Strong commercial and financial acumen
• Knowledge of standard contracts, particularly within support services
• Good awareness of broader industry issues
• Ability to build strong client relationships while protecting contractual entitlements
• Skilled in negotiation and presentation
• Promotes and demonstrates an inclusive working environment
• Proven experience in quantity surveying/commercial management
• Successful track record in main contract management
• Experience in supply chain procurement, management, and financial oversight
• Understanding of recordkeeping requirements and dispute resolution approaches
• Competent in commercial budgeting and reporting
• Experience recruiting and managing a Commercial team

This role is not eligible for sponsorship under the Skilled Worker Visa process. Applicants must therefore have, and maintain, an alternative right to work for the duration of employment.[HP2]

What’s in it for you?

• Company pension scheme
• Life assurance
• Private GP Helpline & Health Cash Plan
• Avove Discount Scheme
• Family friendly policies
• A selection of lifestyle benefit options
• Financial wellbeing programme
• Employee assistance program for health and wellbeing and onsite mental health first aiders to support our colleagues
• We love to give back so we offer you volunteering days in your community and charity matched giving where we will boost your fundraising.

At Avove, we’re proud to create an environment where people can build meaningful careers, develop their skills and feel supported to reach their full potential. We invest in training and development, provide opportunities to grow, and are committed to a workplace where safety, wellbeing and collaboration are at the heart of everything we do. With a strong focus on supporting our people and their families through a broad range of benefits, Avove is a place where you can feel valued, make a real impact and take the next step in your career with confidence.

About Avove

Avove is a leading infrastructure services provider, delivering critical utility and energy solutions across the UK. With a strong focus on safety, sustainability, and innovation, we specialise in the design, maintenance, and renewal of essential infrastructure for water, energy, and telecoms networks. Our people are at the heart of everything we do, and we are committed to long-term investment in training, development, and modern equipment to support our teams in delivering high-quality, reliable services for our clients and communities.

We are an equal opportunities employer

At the heart of what we do is a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion. We celebrate what makes each of us unique and are building a workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and empowered to be their authentic selves. If you require any reasonable adjustments or support during the application or interview process, please let us know and we’ll be happy to discuss how we can support you.