Quantity Surveyors

Southern Water; Banbury; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading water utility provider in the UK is seeking a Commercial Manager to deliver expert advice on cost management across major projects. This role requires a relevant qualification and experience in commercial management, with knowledge of NEC contracts. The company offers a hybrid working model, alongside a competitive salary and generous benefits, aimed at transforming water and wastewater services in the South East.

Benefits

Company and performance-related bonus

Generous pension up to 11% company contribution

25 days annual leave

Life assurance equal to 4x salary

Salary sacrifice electric car scheme

Health Cash Plan

Full funded eye tests

Two paid volunteering days a year

Occupational health service

Discounts with over 800 popular retailers

Digital GP service

Qualifications

• Demonstrable experience in commercial management on large-scale infrastructure projects.
• Ability to partner and influence stakeholders at all levels.
• Strong commercial acumen and collaborative mindset.

Responsibilities

• Act as a key commercial partner in major capital projects.
• Support the entire commercial lifecycle from feasibility to dispute resolution.
• Ensure robust governance and compliance across all commercial activity.

Skills

Commercial management

NEC contracts understanding

Stakeholder influence

Cost management

Education

Relevant construction or quantity surveying qualification

Job description

Responsibilities

• Act as a key commercial partner, delivering expert advice on cost management, procurement, and contractual strategy across major capital projects.
• Support the entire commercial lifecycle—from feasibility and procurement through to change control and dispute resolution.
• Ensure robust governance, compliance, and control across all commercial activity, aligning with best practice and internal frameworks.
• Work hand-in-hand with Project Managers and contractors to shape realistic cost targets and contractual terms that deliver real value.
• Contribute to the ongoing evolution of how we manage commercial risk, maximise value, and deliver for our customers and stakeholders.

We’re looking for someone with a relevant construction or quantity surveying qualification and demonstrable experience in commercial management on large-scale infrastructure, utility, or construction projects. You’ll bring a solid understanding of NEC contracts and commercial strategy, both pre- and post-contract, and have the confidence to partner with and influence stakeholders at all levels. A collaborative mindset, strong commercial acumen, and a passion for driving value, efficiency, and best practice will be key to your success in this role.

About Southern Water

Shape the future at Southern Water. We’re making a once-in-a-generation investment of £8.9 billion to reshape how water and wastewater services support communities across the South East. Of that, £3.3 billion is focused entirely on protecting and enhancing our environment. This is our largest investment ever, and we’re looking for passionate people to make it happen. With over 2,600 dedicated colleagues already serving over 4 million customers, we’re growing fast. No matter your expertise—whether it’s engineering, project management, finance, customer service or another area—there’s a meaningful role waiting for you at Southern Water. Our teams are united by a shared commitment to communities and the environment, and we know that real impact starts with diverse perspectives and inclusive collaboration. At Southern Water, you’ll find the freedom to be yourself, the support to grow your career and a culture built on respect, teamwork and genuine care. Be part of something that matters.

Build a career that shapes the future. If you’re looking for variety, opportunity and long-term sustainability in your engineering or construction career, you’ll find it here. From tackling water scarcity and cutting pollution, to driving forward sustainability, you’ll be part of multi-billion-pound projects that don’t just change infrastructure, they transform lives and landscapes. Our Engineering and Construction team is made up of three specialist groups working seamlessly together to deliver industry-leading project from concept through to completion. This is your chance to work at the forefront of innovation, with the backing of a company that’s investing heavily in the future.

Salary and Benefits

Salary: Salary and package are to be discussed at the screening stage. This role will be full-time, Monday to Friday, 37 hours a week. Southern Water operates a hybrid approach to working between sites and home. We are offering a salary of up to TBC per annum depending on skills and experience, as well as other benefits including:

• Company and performance-related bonus
• Generous pension up to 11% company contribution
• 25 days annual leave
• Life assurance equal to 4x salary
• Salary sacrifice electric car scheme (after 6 months service)
• Health Cash Plan
• Full funded eye tests
• Two paid volunteering days a year
• Occupational health service
• Discounts with over 800 popular retailers
• Digital GP service