Commercial Project Lead

Farrans Construction; Burton End; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction firm in the UK is seeking a Quantity Surveyor to lead the commercial and cost-control function for a significant airport project. The role requires strong financial management skills, particularly with NEC contracts, alongside leading a commercial team and ensuring compliance with internal governance. The ideal candidate will have over 10 years of experience, including a solid background in managing large-scale projects. This is a 5-day onsite role offering a comprehensive benefits package and a commitment to employee well-being.

Benefits

Comprehensive benefits package

Flexible working hours

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• 10+ years post-graduate experience, including 5+ years on NEC contracts.
• Proven experience managing large-scale projects exceeding £75 million.
• Strong grasp of NEC4 change control, forecasting, and cost reporting.

Responsibilities

• Lead all project commercial activities with financial control.
• Manage Compensation Events, valuations, forecasts, and subcontract accounts.
• Drive cash-flow management and compliance with finance and audit requirements.

Skills

Leadership and team development

Attention to detail

Strong commercial awareness

Excellent communication

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or equivalent

Tools

COINS

CEMAR

Excel

Job description

Role Overview

To lead the commercial and cost-control function for our Stansted airport project, ensuring accurate financial management, strong cash flow, and compliance with NEC4 Option C and internal governance. The MQS will direct the commercial team, safeguard the company's financial position, and support successful delivery of the contract. Due to the project commitments this is a 5 day a week onsite role.

Responsibilities

• Lead all project commercial activities and maintain full financial control.
• Manage Compensation Events, valuations, forecasts, subcontract accounts, and monthly applications.
• Ensure all accounts timetables are met for payments, liabilities, and variation requests.
• Prepare and present monthly Commercial and Project Review meetings with the Contracts Manager.
• Oversee team workload, review outputs for accuracy, and mentor staff development.
• Maintain accurate Defined Cost records and Activity Schedule reconciliations.
• Drive robust cash-flow management and compliance with Farrans finance and audit requirements.
• Support final account preparation and agreement.
• Manage and led contractual claims upstream and downstream, including through formal dispute process if requirement.
• Deliver project profit margin in line with or exceeding tender expectations.

Qualifications

• Degree-qualified Quantity Surveyor (or equivalent)
• 10 + years post-graduate experience, including 5 + years on NEC contracts (preferably Option C)
• Proven experience managing large-scale projects exceeding £75 million
• Strong leadership and team-development capability
• Excellent grasp of NEC4 change control, forecasting, and cost reporting
• Advanced proficiency in COINS, CEMAR, and Excel
• Commercially astute with high attention to detail
• Structured and decisive under pressure
• Collaborative yet assertive when protecting entitlement
• Confident communicator with internal and external stakeholders

About Farrans

Here at Farrans we build, we transform, and we connect. Making a positive difference to the communities in which we operate is our passion and we place social responsibility at the heart of every scheme. The projects we deliver have an important role in the everyday lives of people in the UK & Ireland. We are committed to making a positive impact on the environment and strive for sustainability in all we do. Our culture is one of transparency, equality and encouragement, where questions are welcomed, learning never stops and access to support is provided. Farrans are an equal opportunities employer and are committed to creating a diverse and inclusive work environment for all. Should you require any reasonable adjustments throughout our recruitment process, please don't hesitate to let us know.

When you come to Farrans, you can make a big impact. We love enthusiasm, new ideas and innovation. Your well-being is our priority. Our people are our greatest asset, which is why we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you to achieve your full potential. Our career development opportunities provide you with a clear progression pathway, advanced education in your core subjects as well as management and leadership opportunities to excel quickly. We understand the importance of work life balance. We offer flexible working hours (where applicable) and generous leave policies to help you maintain a healthy work-life integration. We know that our most important asset is our people and that is why we have invested significantly to ensure the physical and mental wellbeing of all our employees.