Commercial Manager & Tier 2 Principal Contractor

Linea Recruitment; City Of London; On-site; GBP 110,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent UK Principal Contractor is seeking a Commercial Manager to lead the commercial strategy for high-value projects in Central London. The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing the financial and contractual performance, mentoring junior surveyors, and managing client negotiations. Ideal applicants will be RICS qualified with over 10 years of experience within the construction sector, showcasing a balance of strategic insight and practical problem-solving skills. A competitive salary and attractive benefits package are offered.

Benefits

Private Medical (Bupa)

27 days holiday

Clear path to Commercial Director

Car allowance or executive electric vehicle

Performance-related bonus

Qualifications

• At least 10 years of experience within a UK Principal Contractor.
• Capable of managing high-stakes negotiations effectively.
• Strong leadership skills to mentor junior surveyors.

Responsibilities

• Manage the P&L for a £50m+ division.
• Oversee complex contract negotiations to protect business interests.
• Mentor junior commercial team members for accountability.
• Manage a high-performance supply chain for quality assurance.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Contract management

Leadership

Risk management

Negotiation

Education

RICS qualification

Job description

Commercial Manager | Tier 2 Principal Contractor

Location: Central London (City Office with Site Visits)

Project Portfolio: £40m - £60m (High-Spec Commercial & Heritage Refurb)

Sector: Principal Contracting

Overview

Are you a Senior QS looking for a step up, or a Commercial Manager feeling like a small cog in a massive Tier 1 machine? We are looking for a commercially astute powerhouse to take the lead for one of London's most respected mid-market Principal Contractors. This isn't just about overseeing CVRs; it's about becoming a strategic partner to the Construction Director, identifying project risks before they hit the ledger, and maximizing margin through intelligent procurement and robust contract management.

You will be responsible for the commercial health of a diverse portfolio of projects ranging from £10m to £30m each. You'll lead a team of 3-4 Surveyors, providing mentorship and technical oversight needed to ensure every project is delivered profitably. You will be the "safe pair of hands" during high-stakes client negotiations and the final word on sub-contractor appointments.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Oversight: Managing the P&L for a £50m+ division, ensuring accurate cash flow forecasting and budget management.
• Risk & Contract: Navigating complex JCT/NEC forms of contract to protect the business from claims and ensuring robust change management is in place.
• Leadership: Mentoring and developing the junior commercial team, fostering a culture of accuracy and accountability.
• Procurement: Overhauling and managing a high-performance supply chain to ensure value for money without compromising on the quality our clients expect.

Candidate

You’ll likely be RICS qualified (though experience is king) with at least 10 years of experience within a UK Principal Contractor. You need to be someone who can walk into a boardroom and hold your own with developers, then head to a site cabin and talk shop with a Project Manager. We need a problem solver, not a box-ticker.

Reward

• Salary: £110,000 - £125,000 (Experience dependent)
• Package: £7.5k Car Allowance or Executive Electric Vehicle
• Bonus: Highly competitive performance-related bonus (discretionary & project-based)
• Perks: Private Medical (Bupa), 27 days holiday, and a clear, documented path to Commercial Director