Job Description

Role Summary

We're seeking a proactive Commercial Manager to join the Public & Industrial (P&I) Finance team at an exciting inflection point. In this newly created role, you will lead the commercial and finance workstreams for new business proposals and key contract renewals, partnering closely with Sub-Sector leadership, Key Account Managers, and General Managers. You'll provide financial rigour, strategic insight, and commercial support across a diverse portfolio to drive margin improvement and promote robust, risk-adjusted pricing strategies.

Key Responsibilities

Business Partnering

Act as a trusted advisor to Defence & Industrial and Infrastructure leadership teams, shaping commercial decisions with financial challenge and scenario analysis Collaborate with non-financial managers to build commercial awareness Support account managers by ensuring adherence to contractual terms and maximising profit opportunities within existing contracts

Business Development

Develop robust financial models, returns tables, and investment appraisals to support decision making and approval papers Partner with bid teams to craft commercially viable proposals and pricing strategies, highlighting risks and opportunities Track post-implementation performance against business case assumptions, conducting contract back-checks and performance reviews Provide seamless handover of new business wins to the Finance Manager, ensuring continuity and clarity

Commercial & Contract Management

Support negotiations on bids and contract renewals, adhering to approval paper targets and contract guidelines Draft and present contract checklists for Finance Director and Senior Commercial Finance Manager review, securing timely authorisations Embed a strong contractual mindset to minimise financial and legal risks, safeguard revenue, and enforce deliverables Support oversight of strategic and complex contracts, partnering with bid and operational teams to mitigate risks and capitalise on opportunities

Skills & Experience

Qualified accountant (CIMA, ACA, ACCA) or part-qualified with relevant experience Able to work effectively in a matrix structure with multiple competing priorities Strong modelling experience and good understanding of financial returns metrics (ROCE, IRR, NPV) Demonstrated commercial acumen and track record in finance business partnering roles Advanced Excel and financial-modelling capabilities Excellent communication and stakeholder-management skills Proactive and inquisitive mindset, passionate about challenging teams to drive performance Resilient under pressure, maintaining high standards in demanding environments Passionate about project work and securing new business Commitment to ensuring adherence to contractual commitments and deliverables

Desirable Attributes

Experience in a contract-based or project accounting environment Exposure to logistics, defence, or infrastructure sectors Ability to work independently and juggle multiple priorities under tight deadlines Flexible and responsive to internal and external customer requests Familiarity with NEC contract frameworks/ NEC contract knowledge

Our Culture & Benefits

In addition to generous remuneration, company car/allowance, we really value our people and offer a friendly, safety-first working environment, along with other benefits including company pension scheme, generous holidays, cycle to work scheme, employee benefits include, online discount platform, onsite parking and much more.


Our people are at the core of our business and what makes Wincanton great. That's why we also provide significant opportunities for career development and progression, as well as training enrichment and multi-skilling, in a dynamic working environment.


Be a part of our values; We're Thoughtful, We're Aiming High and We're Prepared.

Our Commitment

We are committed to providing equality of opportunity for all employees. We strive for an environment where all colleagues feel included, supported and valued, whilst feeling they can be their whole selves within our workplaces. We are proud that our colleagues represent us and our successes and we welcome your application.