Commercial Manager - Groundworks & Civil Engineering

Henley Chase; Sunderland; On-site; GBP 50,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent civil engineering contractor in Sunderland seeks an experienced Commercial Manager to oversee commercial operations across various projects. You will lead a team, manage project costs, ensure compliance, and enhance client relationships. The ideal candidate has proven experience in commercial management, understanding of civil engineering methodologies, and a degree in Quantity Surveying or similar. The position offers competitive salary, car allowance, and growth opportunities in a collaborative environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary and benefits package

Company car or car allowance

Opportunities for progression

Supportive working environment

Qualifications

• Proven experience in commercial management or senior quantity surveying.
• Strong understanding of civil engineering methodologies.
• In-depth knowledge of NEC/JCT contract administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the commercial team.
• Oversee tender preparation, submission, and negotiation.
• Monitor project costs and cash flow.
• Ensure compliance with standard forms of contract.
• Identify commercial risks and implement strategies.

Skills

Commercial Management

Negotiation

Communication

Leadership

Project Management

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management

Job description

Commercial Manager - Groundworks & Civil Engineering

Location: Sunderland

Salary: Competitive + Car Allowance + Benefits

Employment Type: Full-time, Permanent

About the Company

Our client is a well-established civil engineering and groundworks contractor operating across the North East. With a strong pipeline of residential, commercial, and infrastructure projects, they are now seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to lead their commercial function and support the continued growth of the business.

Role Overview

As Commercial Manager, you will oversee all commercial operations across multiple projects, ensuring financial performance, contractual compliance, and strong commercial governance. You will work closely with the senior leadership team, project managers, and clients to drive profitability and maintain high standards in cost management and risk control.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the commercial team, including Quantity Surveyors and commercial support staff.
• Oversee the preparation, submission, and negotiation of tenders, bids, and contract documents.
• Review and manage subcontractor procurement, valuations, and payments.
• Monitor project costs, cash flow, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Ensure compliance with NEC, JCT, and other standard forms of contract.
• Identify commercial risks, implement mitigation strategies, and support dispute resolution.
• Attend client meetings, fostering strong relationships and ensuring client satisfaction.
• Drive continuous improvement across commercial processes and reporting systems.

Skills & Experience Required

• Proven experience as a Commercial Manager or Senior QS within groundworks, civil engineering, or infrastructure.
• Strong understanding of excavation, drainage, roads, foundations, utilities, and general civils methodologies.
• In-depth knowledge of NEC/JCT contract administration.
• Excellent negotiation, communication, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or similar (preferred).

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• Company car or car allowance.
• Opportunities for progression within a growing business.
• Supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Involvement in a strong pipeline of diverse civil engineering projects