Job Description

Role: Commercial Manager (SCL)

Reporting to: Commercial Director

Role Purpose

The Commercial Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating the Estimating and Quantity Surveying functions within SCL, while providing hands-on Quantity Surveying support where required. The role ensures that tender activity is focused on high-quality, commercially viable opportunities and that live projects achieve improved margins through robust forecasting, accurate CVRs and effective contract cost control.

The Commercial Manager provides clear, reliable commercial insight to the Commercial Director and Finance team, supporting margin optimisation, cash flow management and informed business decision-making.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating Management & Tender Control

Lead and manage the Estimating team, controlling tender workload, priorities and resources

Ensure tender activity is focused on the most commercially attractive and strategically aligned opportunities

Ensure all enquiries are returned on time and tender adjudications are completed to the required standard

Review tenders to ensure appropriate margin, risk assessment and scope clarity

Quantity Surveying Management & Margin Performance

Lead and manage the Quantity Surveying team against agreed KPIs and performance targets

Drive continuous improvement in project margins and commercial performance

Ensure accurate contract costings and robust commercial forecasts are in place

Ensure timely, accurate and well-controlled monthly CVRs across the business

Hands-On Quantity Surveying (as required)

Provide direct Quantity Surveying support on selected projects where risk, workload or business need dictates

Prepare, review or approve valuations, variations and final accounts as required

Support project teams during critical commercial periods or where resourcing gaps arise

Lead by example, promoting and embedding best practice in commercial management

Commercial & Finance Interface

Work closely with the Finance team to ensure alignment between commercial forecasts and financial reporting

Provide accurate, timely cost, margin and forecast information to support management accounts

Support cash flow forecasting through reliable and well-informed commercial data

Assist Finance with explanations of commercial variances and cost movements

Commercial Reporting

Review CVRs and forecasts prior to submission to ensure accuracy and consistency

Report margin, forecast and commercial performance data to the Commercial Director

Ensure commercial information provided to Finance is clear, consistent and reliable

Measures of Success

Improved quality of tender submissions and increased tender success rate

Improved project margins against Quantity Surveying KPIs

Accurate, timely and robust CVRs and forecasts

Strong alignment between commercial and financial reporting

Effective and timely Quantity Surveying support where required

Clear, reliable and high-quality commercial reporting

Qualifications/Knowledge (essential)

Degree (or equivalent) in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or Construction

Minimum 8-10 years' experience in a Quantity Surveying / Commercial role within construction

Proven experience as a Commercial Manager, Managing QS, or Senior QS

Strong working knowledge of:

Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR)

Commercial forecasting and final accounts

Contract cost control and reporting

Experience managing and coordinating QS and Estimating functions

Solid understanding of:

Tendering and adjudication processes

Commercial risk and margin management

Experience working closely with Finance teams, including forecast and variance alignment

Good working knowledge of JCT and/or NEC contracts

Strong Excel and commercial reporting capability

Ability and willingness to undertake hands-on QS duties when required

Compensation and Benefits

70,000 - 75, 000

Bonus Scheme

Equality, Diversity and Inclusion

We believe that diversity makes us stronger and that everyone deserves to feel respected, valued and able to thrive. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds and are committed to a fair and inclusive recruitment process in line with the Equality Act 2010. We are happy to make reasonable adjustments to support applicants with disabilities at any stage.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: 70,000.00-75,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Company events Company pension Free parking Health & wellbeing programme Sick pay
Application question(s):

Proven experience as a Commercial Manager or Senior Quantity Surveyor
Education:

Diploma of Higher Education (preferred)
Experience:

construction industry : 8 years (required)
Licence/Certification:

Degree or equivalent (required)
Work authorisation:

United Kingdom (required)
Work Location: In person