Commercial Manager

RESPONSIBILITIES

Job Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Commercial Manager to oversee and optimize the commercial operations of our water sector projects. This role involves managing contracts, driving commercial performance, mitigating risk, and ensuring alignment with business and regulatory objectives. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in commercial management within infrastructure or utilities, with a solid understanding of the water industry, including frameworks such as AMP and NEC contracts.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all commercial and contractual aspects of water infrastructure projects from inception to completion.

• Develop and implement commercial strategies to maximize profitability and value for money.

• Manage client relationships and stakeholder expectations to ensure satisfaction and alignment with project goals.

• Oversee preparation, negotiation, and administration of contracts (e.g., NEC3/4, FIDIC).

• Monitor project budgets, forecasts, and financial performance, including cost/value reconciliations and cash flow.

• Identify, assess, and mitigate commercial risks throughout project lifecycles.

• Work closely with project teams, procurement, legal, and finance departments.

• Provide commercial input into bids, tenders, and pricing strategies.

• Ensure compliance with regulatory, environmental, and corporate governance standards.

• Support dispute resolution and claims management processes when necessary.

Requirements:

Essential:

• Bachelor's degree in Quantity Surveying, Business, Engineering, or related field.

• Proven commercial management experience in the water or wider utilities/infrastructure sector.

• Strong knowledge of industry-standard contracts (particularly NEC) and commercial frameworks.

• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and financial management skills.

• Strong stakeholder engagement and communication capabilities.

• Ability to lead teams and manage multiple projects simultaneously.

Desirable:

• Member of RICS, ICE, or other relevant professional body.

• Experience working with UK water companies (e.g., Thames Water, Severn Trent, United Utilities) and understanding of AMP cycles.

• Familiarity with regulatory bodies (e.g., Ofwat) and performance metrics like ODI and TOTEX.