Commercial Manager / Senior QS

Project Start Recruitment Solutions Limited; Bolton; On-site; GBP 75,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Project Start Recruitment Solutions Limited is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to lead the commercial function for a long-standing manufacturing client based in Bolton. The role focuses on delivering commercial leadership across projects, with emphasis on margins, cash flow and contractual compliance.

You will work closely with Project Managers and senior management, guiding commercial strategy, managing risks and opportunities, and developing the team to meet evolving business needs.

Qualifications

• Senior level commercial professional capable of leading project commercial delivery.
• Experience with complex manufacturing projects and NEC contracts.
• Proven ability to manage a commercial team and develop staff.
• Strong analytical and planning skills with focus on cash flow and margins.

Responsibilities

• Lead, manage and develop the commercial team with clear direction.
• Provide contractual and commercial guidance to Project Managers.
• Maintain financial and contractual control across projects and optimise cash flow.
• Manage changes, variations and final accounts.
• Identify and report commercial risks and opportunities.
• Monitor profitability, turnover and forecasts with timely reporting.
• Oversee subcontractor accounts and CVR process.
• Build relationships with stakeholders and drive process improvements.
• Ensure compliance with policies and procedures.

Skills

Commercial leadership

Contract management

Team leadership

Financial forecasting

Stakeholder management

Cash flow management

NEC contracts

IT literacy

Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Our long standing manufacturing client, based in Bolton, is looking for an experienced Commercial Manager to join their growing team.

The business specialises in complex manufacturing and engineering projects across a range of sectors, including nuclear, oil and gas, defence, marine, industrial, pharmaceutical, architectural and water.

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced commercial professional to take a leading role within the business, providing commercial support and direction across project delivery.

The Commercial Manager will be responsible for maintaining strong commercial controls, ensuring contractual compliance and supporting the successful delivery of projects on time and within budget. You will work closely with Project Managers, Planners and senior management, providing accurate financial forecasts, identifying commercial risks and opportunities, and developing strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

You will also lead and develop the commercial team, ensuring they have the skills and support needed to meet current and future business requirements.

This is primarily an office based position in Bolton, with regular travel to sites, suppliers, clients and other offices as required.

JOB PURPOSE

To provide commercial leadership across the business, ensuring effective financial and contractual management of projects, protecting margins, maximising cash flow and supporting profitable project delivery.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead, manage and develop the commercial team, providing clear direction, support and opportunities for professional development.
• Provide contractual and commercial guidance to Project Managers and wider business functions.
• Maintain effective financial and contractual control across projects, ensuring cash flow is maximised, outstanding debt is minimised and work in progress remains within agreed limits.
• Manage contractual changes and variations, ensuring changes to project scope are identified, recorded, agreed and recovered at the appropriate time.
• Work closely with Project Managers and senior management to identify, manage and report commercial risks and opportunities.
• Monitor project profitability, turnover, cash flow and forecasts, providing accurate and timely financial reporting.
• Ensure effective financial and contractual management of subcontractor accounts, including the assessment and agreement of variations and final accounts.
• Monitor and maintain project margins through effective commercial management and continuous improvement.
• Prepare accurate monthly reports covering project expenditure, anticipated final costs and financial performance.
• Oversee the preparation and submission of interim applications for payment, review payment notices and monitor cash receipts.
• Manage outstanding debt recovery and resolve financial discrepancies.
• Ensure the Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) process is accurate, robust and aligned with business and finance requirements.
• Support the preparation and management of subcontract orders, ensuring appropriate contractual and commercial protection.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, providing commercial advice to support effective business decisions.
• Implement and improve commercial procedures, challenging existing processes where necessary to improve efficiency and add value.
• Ensure contractual compliance and adherence to company policies and procedures.
• Take accountability for all commercial aspects of projects, with a focus on achieving agreed cash flow and profit targets.
• Support the development of junior team members through coaching, guidance and appropriate learning and development plans.
• Promote a professional, motivated and results driven culture within the Commercial department.

SALARY & BENEFITS

• 37 hour working week, Monday to Friday.
• Office based position in Bolton.
• Working hours:
• Monday to Thursday: 8:00am – 5:00pm.
• Friday: 8:00am – 12:00pm.

SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

• Currently operating at Senior Quantity Surveyor or Commercial Manager level, with either:
• At least 5 years' experience operating at Business Senior Quantity Surveyor level, making critical commercial decisions; or
• At least 10 years' experience operating at Quantity Surveyor level.
• Experience leading and managing a commercial team, providing clear direction and prioritising workloads.
• Background in main contracting or project delivery.
• Good knowledge of construction, civil engineering and/or mechanical and electrical installations, systems and products.
• Extensive experience working with different forms of contract, particularly NEC contracts.
• Strong contractual and commercial understanding.
• Proactive problem solving and critical thinking abilities.
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail, with the ability to understand wider business objectives.
• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines, both independently and as part of a team.
• Ability to interpret engineering specifications, technical drawings and project programmes.
• Excellent written, verbal and presentation skills.
• Strong leadership and people management abilities.
• Takes ownership and accountability for decisions and results.
• IT literate, with good knowledge of Microsoft Office, spreadsheets and database systems.
• Commitment to ongoing personal and professional development.
• Ability to build productive relationships with stakeholders at all levels.
• Professional approach to managing yourself and others.
• Results driven with the ability to work independently.
• Strong team player with a collaborative approach.