We Elevate... Quality of urban life Commercial Manager (6 Month Fixed Term Contract)

Schindler Management Ltd.; Addlestone; On-site; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading engineering firm in the UK seeks an experienced temporary Commercial Manager to oversee financial matters related to lift services. You will ensure robust processes for cost management and maintain client relationships while managing multiple objectives. Ideal candidates will have experience in Joint Contracts and strong negotiation skills, along with the relevant technical qualifications. This 6-month contract offers a chance to contribute to sustainable innovation and quality of life enhancement.

Benefits

Diverse and supportive culture

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Extensive experience managing Joint Contracts and Tribunal Contracts.
• Working knowledge of the Transport Department.
• Proven track record of managing multi-site teams.
• Demonstrate IT literacy.
• Strong presentation and influencing skills.

Responsibilities

• Support operational contracts to drive results.
• Attend internal and external meetings regarding project status.
• Produce Applications for Payments for the Commercial Department.
• Agree final accounts with the Commercial Department.
• Identify risk areas and recommend mitigation measures.

Skills

Cost management

Communication (verbal and written)

Commercial negotiations

Interpersonal skills

Negotiation skills

Education

BSc or equivalent in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management

Tools

SAP

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Job Summary

We have an opportunity for an ambitious and proven temporary commercial manager to own the planning and management of all contractual/financial matters regarding lift & escalator services and contracts with their client, London Underground Ltd (LUL). Reporting to the Key Accounts Director, the role would be responsible for the provision of Commercial, Contractual and Financial Management reporting of contracts both internally and to client base during all stages of the contract. This is a 6‑month temporary contract from 1st November to 30th April 2026. This role will also be responsible for ensuring that robust efficient processes are in place that effectively manage the commercial risks and responsibilities across the contracts, ensure cost management and manage the commercial mechanisms for cost recovery from the client. As a member of the Key Accounts Team, this is a key role which ensures the healthy balance of customer centricity and optimal commercial value to the business.

Responsibilities

• Business Partner to operational contracts, who supports and services the business to drive current and future results sustainably and with high quality.
• Attending internal and external (client) meetings regarding the status of respective projects from a commercial perspective.
• Producing Applications for Payments (AFPs) to the Commercial Department in LUL, following a standard and agreed process/form.
• Agreeing final accounts with the Commercial Department in LUL.
• Resolving contractual queries/issues internally and with LUL.
• Procurement of sub‑contractor/supply chain management to ensure that they are working under the Company's terms and conditions.
• Risk management – identifying risk areas on the respective projects/contract and recommending mitigation measures.
• Forecasting – producing various financial forecasts on the status of the project, for both internal purposes and the client.
• Undertaking other relevant tasks that may be required from time to time.
• Employees must comply with Company Health & Safety requirements and set a personal example of safe behaviour.
• Employees will be required to contribute to the Company safety objectives, where necessary by maintaining/monitoring current safety systems under their direct control and implementing agreed changes (where applicable) to Schindler Ltd occupational health and safety management system.
• Join our purpose‑driven organization. Help shape an industry in which two billion people rely on our products and services every day.
• Your development matters to us. We help you grow by offering the support you need to develop your skills and access a rewarding and fulfilling career.
• Thrive in a diverse and supportive culture. Through local and global initiatives, we promote a culture of inclusion which celebrates diversity and ensures that everyone feels valued.

Company Culture & Benefits

We Elevate… Your Career Become part of our team, help us enhance quality of life and drive innovation while raising the bar for safety and sustainability. We value your diverse skills and perspectives as together we shape the sustainable cities of today and tomorrow.

Qualifications

The successful candidate will be passionate about cost management, whilst at the same time enabling value‑for‑money to the customer. As an experienced commercial and cost management manager, you'll have a significant amount of interaction with key stakeholders across the business and the customer‑side, so strong and clear communication (verbal and written) is a must. Other requirements for the successful individual include:

• Extensive experience/knowledge of managing Joint Contracts, Tribunal Contracts and New Engineering Contracts.
• Working knowledge of how the Transport Department works.
• In‑depth knowledge of specialist tender and contract negotiations.
• Proven track record of managing multiple objectives, multi‑site teams and a matrix organisation.
• Planning and organising.
• Diplomatic and negotiation skills.
• Active team member.
• Demonstrate strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across the organisation.
• Management of commercial negotiations with both customers and supply chain.
• Technical expert, role holder will be educated to at least BSc or equivalent full technical standard. Ideally hold a recognised qualification in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management.
• Demonstrate IT literacy capability including full literacy with Microsoft Office suite.
• Able to use (or learn to use) our ERP system – SAP.

Key Qualities and Competencies

• Ability to balance the longer‑term strategic goals with the short‑term business performance.
• Strong presentation, negotiation and influencing skills.
• Outstanding communication skills, with customer service etiquette.
• Excellent time management, planning and analytical skills, with a strong attention to detail.
• Strong business / commercial acumen and negotiation capability, ability to solve complex issues, exercise sound judgement and the ability to make decisions based on accurate and timely analysis.

Confidential and trustworthy

About Schindler

Our elevators, escalators, and moving walks safely transport more than two billion of us up and down buildings and across transportation hubs every day. As part of the Schindler team, you'll discover meaningful work that enhances quality of life for communities, and contribute to making places more accessible, inclusive, and sustainable for all. We combine innovation, safety, and high ethical standards, ensuring respect both among colleagues and for the world around us. By joining us, you don't just become part of our success story; you help shape the future and continue our rich legacy that started back in 1874.