Commercial Manager

Position: Lead Commercial Manager
Location: West London (Data Centre Project)
Salary: £85,000 - £115,000 per annum
Benefits: Travel allowance, pension, private healthcare
Company Overview: A leading contractor with a strong reputation in delivering high-value construction projects across the UK. Our client specialises in complex builds, including data centres, commercial developments, and infrastructure projects. They are seeking a highly skilled Lead Commercial Manager to oversee the commercial management of a major data centre project based in West London.
Role Overview:The Lead Commercial Manager will be responsible for the overall commercial performance of the data centre project, ensuring the effective management of contracts, cost control, risk management, and procurement. Reporting directly to the Commercial Director, the successful candidate will play a key role in driving financial performance, ensuring project profitability, and delivering on key commercial objectives.
Key Responsibilities:

• Contract Management:
  
  • Lead and manage all contractual aspects of the project, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and company policies.
  • Administer contracts with the client, subcontractors, and suppliers, managing variations, disputes, and contractual claims.
• Cost Control & Financial Reporting:
  
  • Oversee the preparation and presentation of cost reports, ensuring accurate forecasting and monitoring of project costs.
  • Manage budgets, cash flow, and profit margins, ensuring financial targets are met.
  • Lead regular cost reviews with the project team and senior management, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Risk Management:
  
  • Identify, assess, and manage commercial risks throughout the life cycle of the project.
  • Implement strategies to mitigate potential risks and maximise opportunities.
• Procurement:
  
  • Develop and implement procurement strategies that align with project goals and time lines.
  • Negotiate contracts with suppliers and subcontractors to ensure best value and terms.
• Team Leadership:
  
  • Manage and mentor junior commercial staff, ensuring development and support within the team.
  • Foster a collaborative environment, working closely with project managers, site teams, and other departments to deliver project success.
• Stakeholder Management:
  
  • Liaise with key stakeholders, including clients, senior management, and external partners, ensuring strong communication and stakeholder engagement.
  • Provide commercial support during client meetings, contributing to overall project strategy and direction.

Qualifications & Experience:

• Essential:
  
  • Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related field.
  • Minimum 8 years of experience in a commercial role within the construction industry, with at least 5 years in a leadership position.
  • Proven experience managing commercial aspects of large-scale (above £15 million) construction projects, ideally data centres or similar high-tech facilities.
  • Strong knowledge of construction contracts (e.g., JCT, NEC) and experience managing claims and disputes.
  • Excellent financial acumen and a track record of managing project budgets and costs effectively.
• Desirable:
  
  • Experience in managing commercial aspects of data centre projects or other complex infrastructure builds.

Key Skills:

• Strong leadership and team management skills.
• Excellent negotiation and communication abilities.
• Commercially astute with a strategic mindset.
• Highly organised with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Strong problem-solving skills and attention to detail.
• Proficient in relevant IT systems and software (e.g., cost management software).

Benefits:

• Competitive salary ranging from £85,000 to £115,000 depending on experience.
• Comprehensive benefits package including travel allowance, pension, and private healthcare.
• Opportunities for professional development and career advancement within a dynamic and growing company.