Job Description

Job Title

Senior Commercial / Contracts Manager

Location
Office - Sharnbrook - with travel to projects as required

Reporting To

Managing Director / Operations Director

Leadership Role - Senior Management Team Member

Role Overview

This is a pivotal senior leadership role within the business. We are seeking a highly capable Commercial Leader to take ownership of the commercial, contractual, and financial performance of company projects.

As a key member of the Senior Management Team, you will play a central role in shaping the company's commercial strategy, influencing high-level business decisions, and driving sustainable growth and profitability. This role goes beyond project delivery -- it is about protecting the business, maximising opportunity, and supporting the long-term success of a predominantly mechanical engineering organisation.

You will work closely with the Managing Director, Operations Director, Contracts Managers, Estimators and Finance to provide strong commercial leadership across the business.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership

Lead the company's contracts strategy across all projects and business activities Act as a trusted commercial advisor to the Managing Director and Operations Manager Influence key business decisions through commercial insight, risk analysis, and financial intelligence Drive improvements in margin, cash flow, and performance
Contractual Governance & Risk Management

Oversee all contractual matters from tender stage through to final account Review, negotiate, and approve high-value client and subcontractor contracts Identify, manage, and mitigate commercial and contractual risks at business and project level Lead the management of variations, claims, and dispute resolution when required
Financial Performance & Control

Take ownership of forecasting, budgeting, and cost control across a wide range of projects. Ensure accurate reporting of project and business financial performance Oversee cash flow management, applications for payment, and final accounts Challenge project teams constructively to ensure commercial discipline and accountability
Procurement & Supply Chain Strategy

Involvement with procurement strategy to ensure value, resilience, and performance across the supply chain Negotiate and approve key subcontractor and supplier agreements Build long-term relationships with strategic partners
Tendering, Growth & Business Development Support

Provide senior commercial input into tenders, bids, and pricing strategies Support business growth by assessing commercial viability and risk of new opportunities Contribute to strategic planning, market positioning, and future workload planning
Team Leadership & Development

Lead, mentor, and develop the commercial function Set standards, systems, and best practice for commercial management Promote a strong commercial culture across the organisation
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Skills & Experience

Essential

Significant experience in a senior contracts / commercial management role Strong background in mechanical engineering, building services, M&E, or industrial contracting Proven ability to operate at senior management / leadership level Expert understanding of commercial contracts (e.g. JCT, NEC, bespoke forms) Strong financial and business acumen with a strategic mindset Excellent negotiation, communication, and leadership skills
Desirable

Experience leading or building a commercial function Degree or professional qualification in Commercial Management, Quantity Surveying, or similar Experience influencing board-level or director-level decision making
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Personal Attributes

Commercially astute, strategic, and decisive Confident operating at senior leadership level Pragmatic, solutions-focused, and resilient Strong ethical standards with a professional and credible presence Driven to make a lasting impact on the business
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Why Join Us

This is a career-defining opportunity to become a key figure in a growing mechanical engineering business. You will have real influence, autonomy, and visibility -- shaping how the business operates commercially and contributing directly to its future success.

Job Types: Full-time, Permanent

Pay: 60,000.00-80,000.00 per year

Work Location: In person