Senior Commercial Manager

ZipRecruiter; Chippenham; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

MJ Church is hiring a Senior Commercial Manager to lead its Earthworks Department. This role requires overseeing the commercial performance of earthworks projects, managing contracts, and leading a high-performing team. Candidates should have substantial experience in managing large-scale projects, with a strong knowledge of construction law and contract management. A competitive salary and benefits package is offered in a dynamic work environment.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Car Allowance or Company car

Company pension

Healthcare

Competitive annual leave

Cycle to Work scheme

Training and development opportunities

Life assurance

Employee assistance programme

Mental health and physical health support

24/7 virtual GP service

Qualifications

• Proven experience managing multi-million-pound project portfolios in earthworks.
• Strong knowledge of construction law and contract standards.
• Experience with major infrastructure projects desirable.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement the commercial strategy for earthworks projects.
• Lead and manage the commercial team, ensuring effective budgeting and cost control.
• Negotiate and administer various construction contracts.

Skills

Leadership

Contract Management

Negotiation

Budgeting

Risk Mitigation

Education

MRICS, MCIOB, or CICES accreditation

Tools

Project management tools

Cost reporting tools

Job description

Job Description

Who are MJ Church

MJ Church is a leading Civil Engineering and Earthworks contractor operating across England. We deliver projects valued between £100,000 and £80 million for public and private sector clients across diverse industries. Alongside our core construction services, we have a growing waste management business expanding across the Southwest and Wales.

Joining MJ Church offers an exciting and challenging opportunity for driven individuals seeking professional and personal growth in a dynamic, results-focused environment.

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Manager to lead the commercial function of our Earthworks Department. You will be responsible for the overall commercial performance of all earthworks projects, ensuring contracts are managed effectively, costs controlled, risks mitigated, and profitability maximised. This is a senior leadership role requiring strategic vision, strong contract knowledge, and the ability to lead and develop high-performing teams.

Responsibilities

• Develop and deliver the commercial strategy for the Earthworks Department.
• Lead, mentor, and manage the earthworks commercial team.
• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, reporting, and cost control for projects.
• Advise on procurement strategies and manage subcontractor and supplier relationships.
• Negotiate and administer a variety of construction contracts (e.g., NEC, FIDIC, JCT, ICC).
• Ensure robust contract compliance, change management, and risk mitigation.
• Monitor costs, cash flow, and project margins, implementing value engineering initiatives.
• Lead on valuations, interim payments, and final account settlements.
• Collaborate with internal and external stakeholders, representing the commercial team in meetings and negotiations.
• Champion health, safety, environmental, and quality standards across all activities.

Who you are

You are an accomplished commercial professional with proven leadership in managing large-scale earthworks or infrastructure projects. You bring strategic insight, excellent contractual knowledge, and the ability to inspire and develop teams. Resilient, detail-oriented, and commercially astute, you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are committed to delivering results while upholding our core values.

Key Skills and Requirements

• Proven experience managing multi-million-pound project portfolios in earthworks.
• Strong knowledge of construction law and standard forms of contract.
• Experience with major infrastructure projects (highways, rail, utilities) desirable.
• MRICS, MCIOB, or CICES accreditation desirable.
• Familiarity with project management and cost reporting tools desirable.
• CSCS card
• Full UK driving licence essential.

Benefits

• Competitive salary
• Car Allowance or Company car
• Company pension
• Healthcare
• Competitive annual leave
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Training and development opportunities within a supportive team
• Life assurance
• Employee assistance programme
• Mental health and physical health support
• 24/7 virtual GP service