Senior QS / Commercial Manager

Brandon James; Tonbridge; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

Brandon James in Greater London is seeking a Senior Quantity Surveyor & Commercial Manager to lead the Contracts Department and drive profitable delivery across premium fit-out projects.

You will oversee the commercial lifecycle from award to final accounts, mentor the commercial team and manage client relationships, risk, and cashflow. This senior role reports to the CEO and offers leadership across multiple sectors including hospitality and residential.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management.
• 8+ years in QS or Commercial Management.
• Experience with high-end fit-out and interiors.
• Strong knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts.
• Experience leading commercial teams.
• Excellent negotiation and contract administration skills.
• Strong financial reporting and cost management.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management.
• RICS or CIOB membership advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Contracts Department, providing guidance and support to Contracts Managers and commercial support teams.
• Oversee commercial performance across multiple live projects.
• Review and negotiate client contracts, managing contractual risk.
• Manage applications for payment, variations, claims and final accounts.
• Monitor project profitability, cash flow and Work in Progress (WIP).
• Review commercial performance alongside senior leadership.
• Support cash collection and resolve commercial disputes.
• Approve subcontract procurement, valuations and final accounts.
• Drive continuous improvement across commercial processes and departmental procedures.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and supply chain partners.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, company procedures and health & safety standards.

Skills

Leadership

Negotiation

Contract admin

Financial reporting

Stakeholder mgmt

Communication

Cost management

JCT/NEC knowledge

Education

Degree, HNC or HND in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline

Job description

Are you an experienced Quantity Surveyor or Commercial Manager looking to take the lead within a specialist business delivering prestigious high-end fit‑out and decorative finishes projects?

The Role

As Senior Quantity Surveyor & Commercial Manager, you will be responsible for leading the Contracts Department, ensuring strong commercial performance across multiple projects while developing and mentoring the wider commercial team.

You will oversee the commercial lifecycle from contract award through to final account, ensuring projects are delivered profitably while maintaining excellent client relationships and managing contractual risk.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Contracts Department, providing guidance and support to Contracts Managers and commercial support teams.

• Oversee commercial performance across multiple live projects.

• Review and negotiate client contracts, managing contractual risk.

• Manage applications for payment, variations, claims and final accounts.

• Monitor project profitability, cash flow and Work in Progress (WIP).

• Review commercial performance alongside senior leadership.

• Support cash collection and resolve commercial disputes.

• Approve subcontract procurement, valuations and final accounts.

• Drive continuous improvement across commercial processes and departmental procedures.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and supply chain partners.

• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, company procedures and health & safety standards.

About You

• A Degree, HNC or HND in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline.

• 8+ years' experience in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management.

• Experience within specialist subcontracting, high-end fit-out, interiors or decorative finishes.

• Strong knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts.

• Previous experience leading commercial teams and developing staff.

• Excellent commercial negotiation and contract administration skills.

• Strong financial reporting and cost management experience.

• Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities.

• Membership of RICS or CIOB would be advantageous.

What's on Offer?

• 65,000 - 70,000 per annum (DOE)

• Location: Greater London

• Senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEO.

• Opportunity to lead and develop an established commercial department.

• Work on prestigious, high-end projects across commercial, hospitality and residential sectors.

• Join a respected specialist contractor with an excellent reputation and ambitious growth plans.