Commercial Manager - Water Sector

Morson Edge; Greater London; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Job summary

A leading infrastructure consultancy is seeking a Commercial Manager for a client-side role on sewage treatment works projects in Slough and Surrey. The role requires strong experience in client-side commercial management and excellent skills in cost forecasting, change control, and commercial governance. Candidates should hold a relevant degree and possess excellent stakeholder management abilities. This position is a hybrid work model with a contract duration of 6 months and offers an attractive daily rate.

Benefits

Hybrid working arrangement

Qualifications

• Degree in a relevant field is essential.
• Experience in client-side commercial management for infrastructure projects is required.
• Strong skills in cost forecasting and commercial governance are necessary.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial management through the client Stage Gate governance process.
• Provide commercial oversight and proactive cost management.
• Prepare Monthly Cost Forecast Reports and track expenditure.
• Review and approve monthly payment applications.
• Lead and resolve commercial claims as required.

Skills

Client-side commercial management

Cost forecasting (VOWD)

Change control

Stakeholder management

Claims resolution

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related discipline

Job description

Commercial Manager

Location: Slough or Surrey
Contract: 6-Month Contract (Inside IR35 Umbrella) Hybrid working

Rate: Up to GBP650/day Umbrella
Sector: Water / Wastewater Sewage Treatment Works

Client-Side Role

Role Overview

We are recruiting a Commercial Manager for a client-side position on major Sewage Treatment Works infrastructure projects across Slough and Surrey. Working closely with the Senior Project Manager and Senior Technical Manager, you will provide full commercial leadership to ensure projects are proactively managed, fully governed, and deliver strong value for money.

This is a hands‑on role responsible for the accurate forecasting of VOWD, cost control, contractual governance, reporting and assurance across the project lifecycle. You will also support junior commercial staff where required.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the project s commercial management as it progresses through the client Stage Gate governance process.

• Provide commercial oversight, assurance and proactive cost management throughout delivery.

• Ensure full compliance with financial governance and internal commercial processes, contributing to governance and contract approval papers.

• Prepare and issue Monthly Cost Forecast Reports, tracking expenditure versus budget and identifying risks, issues and mitigations at an early stage.

• Manage and report on contingency and risk allowances.

• Review and approve monthly payment applications and invoices, including identifying audit requirements and ensuring actual costs align with agreed scope, schedule and outputs.

• Ensure accurate and timely payments and support the agreement of Final Accounts in line with contract requirements.

• Lead and resolve commercial claims as required and provide commercial advice to the wider business.

• Provide guidance regarding Purchaser/Project Manager duties and other contractual obligations under the contract.

• Conduct contract administration duties, including:

  • Issuing and responding to formal correspondence

  • Monitoring and recording changes, risks and contractor performance

  • Capturing and communicating contractual lessons learnt

• Actively promote value-for-money decision making across project delivery.

• Provide commercial mentoring and guidance to junior team members as required.

Essential Requirements

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline.

• Strong experience in client-side commercial management on infrastructure or construction projects (water sector experience advantageous).

• Proven capability managing:

  • Cost forecasting (VOWD)

  • Change control

  • Claims resolution

  • Final account negotiation

  • Commercial governance processes

• Excellent commercial reporting and stakeholder management skills.

Desirable

• MRICS or working towards chartered status.

• Experience working within regulated utilities or large programme delivery environments.