Job Title: Commercial Manager - Civil Engineering

Location: Manchester

Job Type: Permanent or Contract

Salary: £70,000 - £90,000

About the Company

Our client is a well-established, family-owned civil engineering and infrastructure contractor with over 15 years' experience delivering projects from £100,000 to £11 million. Operating across sectors including highways, industrial, education, health, rail, and energy, they have built a reputation for technical excellence, reliability, and on-time delivery.Their expertise spans civil engineering, groundworks, FRC works, earthworks, and external works-offering clients a complete, high-quality service from start to finish.

The Role

Our client is seeking an experienced Civils Commercial Manager to lead the commercial management of their civil engineering projects. You will be responsible for maximising profitability, ensuring contractual compliance, and protecting the company's commercial interests across a diverse portfolio of works.They are looking for a commercially astute professional with proven success in winning work, maintaining long-term client relationships, and delivering consistently for previous employers.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all commercial aspects of civil engineering projects from tender to final account.
• Prepare, review, and negotiate contracts, subcontracts, and agreements to ensure favourable terms.
• Monitor project costs, budgets, and cash flow, identifying and mitigating financial risks.
• Prepare valuations, variations, and claims in line with contractual requirements.
• Lead on cost forecasting and reporting, ensuring accuracy and transparency.
• Liaise with project managers and site teams to ensure accurate measurement and valuation of works.
• Manage subcontractor procurement, payments, and performance.
• Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, industry standards, and company procedures.
• Provide commercial advice to support business development and tender submissions.

About You

• Proven experience as a Commercial Manager or Senior Quantity Surveyor within civil engineering, groundworks, highways, and utilities.
• Strong track record of winning work and maintaining a loyal client base.
• Evidence of long-term employment with only a small number of companies over your career (stability is highly valued).
• Excellent references will be required, ideally from company owners or senior directors you have worked with directly.
• Strong understanding of NEC and other standard forms of contract.
• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and financial management skills.
• Ability to work closely with operational teams to drive commercial performance.
• Strong communication and relationship management skills.
• Full UK driving licence is essential.

If you're a commercially astute professional with a passion for civil engineering and a proven history of delivering results, we'd love to hear from you.

Bowdon Associates is a member of the Guild of Quality Employment Agencies and has agreed to adopt the compliance and recruitment standards that form the basis their code of conduct. A quality, transparent and responsible recruitment agency committed to raising the industry standards.

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