M&E Commercial Manager

Nova Recruitment; Bristol; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment agency seeks an experienced M&E Commercial Manager for a Renewable Energy Client in the Avonmouth Area. The role involves managing commercial negotiations, understanding contractual discussions, and ensuring compliance with internal processes. Candidates must have strong commercial experience in the UK construction sector, particularly within mechanical & electrical projects.

Qualifications

• Strong commercial and contractual experience within the UK construction sector including mechanical & electrical (M&E) sector.
• Proven ability to lead contract negotiations and manage commercial risk.
• Familiarity with UK construction contracts, including NEC, JCT, and bespoke forms.

Responsibilities

• Responsible for reviewing and negotiating client contracts.
• Act as the commercial lead in pre-contract discussions.
• Identify and manage key commercial risks across projects.

Skills

Strong commercial and contractual experience

Proven ability to lead contract negotiations

Excellent attention to detail

Comfortable in client-facing discussions

Strong analytical and problem-solving skills

Job description

We are looking for an M&E Commercial Manager to work for a Renewable Energy Client based in the Avonmouth Area covering the South Region

Job Role

Experienced Commercial Manager to take ownership of commercial negotiations and contract management across our mechanical and electrical projects.

This is a lead commercial role- you will be responsible for drafting, reviewing and negotiating client terms and conditions, managing commercial risk, and ensuring all contracts reflect a fair and commercially sustainable position for the business. You'll work closely with internal teams, but will personally lead all client-facing commercial negotiations.

We are specifically seeking someone with experience in the UK M&E sector, either from the client side or supply chain, who understands how to navigate contractual discussions and drive positive commercial outcomes.

Lead Contract Negotiations

• Take full responsibility for the review and negotiation of client‑issued contracts and terms.
• Act as the commercial lead in all pre‑contract discussions with clients.
• Ensure agreed terms are aligned with the company's commercial and legal principles and risk appetite.

Commercial Risk Management

• Identify, assess, and manage key commercial risks across project opportunities.
• Maintain clear records of contract deviations, risk approvals, and negotiation outcomes.
• Support commercial governance and contract approval processes.

Internal Collaboration

• Work closely with the sales and legal teams to ensure that commercial and legal inputs are integrated into proposals and client submissions.
• Provide clear briefings and contract handovers to project delivery and operations teams.
• Offer ongoing commercial support through project lifecycle as needed.

Process & Compliance

• Ensure compliance with internal processes for contract review, negotiation, and approval.
• Support continuous improvement in commercial practices across the business.

Requirements

Essential

• Strong commercial and contractual experience within the UK construction sector including mechanical & electrical (M&E) sector.
• Proven ability to lead contract negotiations and manage commercial risk.
• Familiarity with UK construction contracts, including NEC, JCT, and bespoke forms.
• Excellent attention to detail with strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Comfortable operating independently in client‑facing discussions.
• Experience in drafting and negotiating legal terms and conditions to ensure legal risks are adequately managed.

Desirable

• Experience in managing commercial aspects of large‑scale projects.
• Knowledge of industry best practices and emerging trends in commercial management.
• Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced and dynamic environment.
• Legal training / qualifications relevant to the role.