Commercial Manager - Pre-FID

Highview Power; Wythenshawe; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading energy storage company in the UK is seeking a Pre-FID Commercial Manager to lead the commercial development of Long Duration Energy Storage projects. The role involves managing investment readiness through CAPEX estimation, overseeing procurement strategies, and ensuring lender due diligence support. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in commercial project management within large-scale infrastructure or energy sectors and strong negotiation skills. This role offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Benefits

Private Medical and Dental Insurance

Financial Wellbeing Support Platform

Attractive salary package

Annual salary review

25 days of paid annual leave

5% Pension contribution

Season ticket loan

Opportunities for Learning and Development

Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in project commercial management within large scale infrastructure or energy sectors.
• Experience managing large FEED contracts and negotiating EPC delivery models.
• Proven capability in lender/investor due diligence.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial input into new project development prior to the FID gate.
• Prepare, validate, and benchmark CAPEX estimates.
• Manage contractor tender processes to support CAPEX development.

Skills

Project commercial management

Negotiation skills

Stakeholder communication

Contract management

Organizational skills

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or related field

Tools

Project management software

Cost management tools

Job description

The Pre-FID Commercial Manager will play a leading role in the commercial development of Highview's Long Duration Energy Storage (LDES) projects ahead of the Financial Investment Decision (FID) gate. The role ensures investment readiness through robust CAPEX estimation, procurement strategy, FEED contract oversight, and lender due diligence support. In addition, the position contributes to corporate reporting, governance, policy improvement, and commercial capability building across the organisation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead commercial input into new project development prior to the FID gate.
• Prepare, validate, and benchmark CAPEX estimates, leveraging market intelligence and supply chain engagement.
• Manage end-to-end contractor tender processes to support CAPEX development and investment case accuracy.
• Coordinate responses to lender and investor due diligence queries, ensuring timely and accurate submissions.
• Obtain and review inputs from other functions (such as Legal, Finance, Engineering, Project Controls, Procurement) and external advisers.
• Provide commercial support for LDES Cap & Floor submissions and other regulatory submissions.
• Lead the commercial management of a Tier 1 EPC contractor during the execution of the FEED contract.
• Monitor adherence to scope, deliverables, schedule, cost assumptions, and information requirements critical to the FID investment case.
• Negotiate and refine commercial positions, risk allocations, payment structures, and performance frameworks that underpin the FEED through to EPC.
• Support the development and agreement of EPC Heads of Terms and commercial principles during FEED.
• Establish the contractual framework enabling the same contractor to transition post-FID into full EPC execution under pre‑agreed terms.
• Capture learnings and cost drivers during FEED to improve CAPEX maturity and execution readiness.

Essential Qualifications

• A degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent).
• 15+ years of experience in a project commercial management role within the large scale Infrastructure or energy sectors, with experience managing large, complex projects.
• Demonstrable experience managing large FEED contracts and negotiating major project EPC delivery models.
• Proven capability supporting or leading lender/investor due diligence activities.
• Strong pre‑FID exposure including CAPEX modelling, contractor engagement, and procurement strategy.
• Strong grasp of contract forms and commercial frameworks (NEC experience desirable).
• Experience with the procurement and execution management of subcontracts for large‑scale projects.
• Strong commercial acumen and negotiation skills.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to interact with various stakeholders, including contractors, senior management, and suppliers.
• Ability to manage and resolve disputes and commercial challenges effectively.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficient in project management software and cost management tools.

Desirable Qualifications

• Chartered status with RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors) or another relevant professional body.

Benefits

• Private Medical and Dental Insurance
• Financial Wellbeing Support Platform, including hunting down lost pensions, access to Independent Financial Advisors, and retail discounts.
• Attractive salary package
• Annual salary review at management's discretion
• 25 days of paid annual leave
• 5% Pension contribution with the option for salary sacrifice
• Season ticket loan available
• Opportunities for Learning and Development