Senior QS / Commercial Manager (Oxford Ellison)

Laing O'Rourke; Oxford; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

An international engineering and construction firm is seeking an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor or Commercial Manager for a pivotal role in Oxford, managing a £1bn+ project focused on innovation in science and technology. The role involves driving commercial success, managing subcontractors, and leading a talented team. Strong leadership and negotiation skills are essential, along with experience in large projects. The firm offers a competitive salary and a supportive culture for career growth.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Benefits package

Supportive culture for career growth

Qualifications

• Proven experience on large or complex projects.
• Strong understanding of contracts and financial frameworks.
• Passion for mentoring and developing team members.

Responsibilities

• Own and deliver all commercial aspects of the project.
• Manage subcontractors and lead negotiations.
• Shape financial and contractual direction of the project.

Skills

Commercial management experience

Contractual knowledge

Leadership skills

Negotiation skills

Financial insight

Job description

At Vetter, we don't just build projects — we help deliver places that change the world. Our next major undertaking is the Ellison Institute of Technology in Oxford: a £1bn+ landmark project that will bring together scientists, technologists, policymakers, and entrepreneurs to tackle some of humanity's biggest challenges — from cancer research and health inequalities to clean energy, food security, and AI.

This is a once-in-a-career opportunity to be at the commercial heart of a globally significant project backed by Larry Ellison (co‑founder of Oracle and one of the world's leading philanthropists).

We are now seeking an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor OR Commercial Manager to take on this pivotal role at Oxford Ellison, driving commercial success while leading a team on one of the most exciting and meaningful construction projects in the UK.

💼 What You'll Be Doing

• Own and deliver all commercial aspects of this flagship project.
• Manage subcontractors, lead negotiations, and influence key client and consultant relationships.
• Ensure profitability and protect margins on a £1bn+ programme.
• Lead and develop a talented commercial team, inspiring excellence and best practice.
• Shape the financial and contractual direction of the project — from drafting and settling contracts to managing change control.
• Provide proactive advice on risks, opportunities, and commercial strategy to the wider project leadership team.
• Play a central role in reporting, forecasting, and decision‑making at every stage of the build.

🌟 What We're Looking For

• A proven Commercial Manager with experience on large or complex projects.
• Strong contractual knowledge and financial insight.
• Excellent leadership skills with a passion for mentoring and developing teams.
• A proactive, solutions‑focused mindset with strong negotiation skills.
• The drive to make a tangible impact on one of the UK's most innovative projects.

🚀 Why This Project? Why Vetter?

• Be part of a globally significant institute that will advance science, technology, and healthcare for decades to come.
• Work on a £1bn+ landmark project in Oxford — from bespoke auditoriums and advanced laboratories to woodland walkways and collaborative research spaces.
• Join a forward‑thinking business that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
• Competitive salary and benefits package.
• A supportive culture where your impact will be recognised — and your career can grow.

About us:

Laing O'Rourke is an international engineering and construction company delivering state‑of‑the‑art infrastructure and buildings projects for clients in the UK, Middle East and Australia.

Certainty, reliability, quality — this is what our clients want. And at Laing O'Rourke, we have more than 150 years of experience delivering it. Laing O'Rourke's story is one of energy, passion, ambition, people and teamwork. We harness the power of our experience, stretching back over a century and a half to deliver certainty for our clients.

As part of the Disability Confident scheme, we would like to enable access to candidates with long term conditions and disabilities through the ‘Offer an interview scheme'. This supports applicants that meet the essential criteria by offering an interview for the advertised position. Please let us know if you would like to opt in to this scheme and let us know if you require any adjustments for the interview process.

We want to ensure our recruitment process is accessible to all. If you need the application form in an alternative format or you would like to know more about our recruitment process, please [e-mail]