Principal Commercial Manager

GTS Group Ltd; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading commercial management firm located in the North of Bristol is seeking a Principal Commercial Manager to oversee complex frameworks and contracts. This senior role requires over 10 years of commercial management experience, particularly in highways maintenance and knowledge of NEC3/NEC4 contracts. The successful candidate will provide strategic governance, lead commercial strategies, and build strong client relationships while mentoring a team of professionals. The position includes up to £95k salary and a package with three days on-site work.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial management experience is essential.
• Experience in highways maintenance, structures, or bridges environments required.
• Strong knowledge of NEC3 and NEC4 contracts is a must.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior commercial leadership across large frameworks.
• Establish commercial governance and controls.
• Lead commercial strategy, risk management, and compliance.

Skills

Commercial management experience

Knowledge of NEC3 contracts

Stakeholder management

Leadership skills

Job description

Job Title: Principal Commercial Manager

Location: North of Bristol (3 days onsite)

Salary: up to £95k + Package

Role:

The Principal Commercial Manager is a senior, high-level commercial leadership role responsible for overseeing complex commercial activities across major frameworks and contracts. The role provides strategic commercial governance, builds and maintains strong client relationships and leads, mentors, and develops a team of commercial professionals.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide senior commercial leadership across large, complex frameworks and contracts
• Establish and maintain robust commercial governance, controls, and best practice
• Lead commercial strategy, risk management, and compliance with contractual obligations
• Ensure consistent application of commercial policies and procedures
• Take overall responsibility for large frameworks, ensuring commercial performance and value delivery
• Provide expert commercial advice on NEC3 and NEC4 contracts
• Manage commercial risk, change control, and dispute avoidance and resolution
• Act as a senior commercial interface with key internal and external stakeholders
• Build and maintain strong, trusted client relationships
• Support collaborative working and proactive communication with clients and partners
• Mentor, coach, and support team members, fostering professional development
• Provide guidance, training, and escalation support on complex commercial matters

Requirement:

• Significant, demonstrable commercial management experience (typically 10+ years)
• Proven experience in highways maintenance, structures, or bridges environments
• Strong working knowledge of NEC3 and/or NEC4 contracts
• Experience operating at a senior level with complex frameworks and stakeholders
• Bridge experience combined with strong commercial expertise
• Experience working directly with or alongside National Highways

Not Suitable

• Rail-only commercial experience (without highways, structures, or bridges exposure)