Commercial Manager

An excellent opportunity for an experienced Commercial Manager operating at Associate Director level to join a respected UK construction consultancy based in Kent, specialising in civil engineering, ports, marine, and environmental infrastructure.

The role offers leadership responsibility for delivering high-quality commercial management services while expanding a successful client base across major infrastructure and marine construction projects.

The company offers commercial management and contractual advice, assistance with cost management, change management and commercial negotiations in relation to projects including coastal and river defence works, port expansions, and marine upgrade projects throughout the UK.

The successful Commercial Manager / Associate Director will oversee value engineering, cost management, and dispute-related services for complex civil engineering developments and assist top-tier main contractors, and high value subcontractors to achieve full commercial success.

Responsibilities and Duties

The Commercial Manager / Associate Director will:

• Lead and manage a team delivering commercial, quantity surveying, and claims services on civil engineering and marine infrastructure projects.
• Deliver and supervise feasibility studies, cost plans, value engineering, contract administration, final accounts, and claims.
• Manage and advise clients on complex commercial and contractual matters under NEC contracts, including relevant case law.
• Undertake independent contract reviews and provide strategic commercial advice.
• Ensure staff utilisation and profitability targets are achieved while maintaining client satisfaction.
• Oversee adjudications, working with solicitors where appropriate and preparing robust documentation.
• Win new business and strengthen relationships with existing clients within the ports, marine, and environmental sectors.
• Attend conferences and represent the company at a director level within the civil engineering and construction consultancy sectors.
• Mentor and develop internal teams and deliver client training where required.
• Work collaboratively with other directors to drive growth within the civil engineering business stream.

Desired Skills and Experience

• Extensive experience is needed of commercial management or quantity surveying duties within civil engineering, ideally within specialist ports or marine construction.
• Strong working knowledge of NEC contracts and related case law.
• Proven ability to lead teams, manage projects, and deliver profitable outcomes.
• Experience in construction claims, adjudication, and dispute resolution.
• Excellent communication and relationship management skills with clients and internal stakeholders.
• Ability to operate independently at a senior management or director level within a construction consultancy environment.
• Previous experience can come from working with either a civil engineering main contractor, complex subcontractor or with an engineering consultant or client side organisation, preferably in the UK.

Qualifications/Educational Requirements

• Chartered member of RICS, CICES, or CIOB (Fellowship preferred).
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or Civil Engineering.

Employing Company Overview and Profile

This well-established UK-based consultancy offers specialist commercial management, quantity surveying, and construction dispute resolution services to contractors, subcontractors, and clients across various sectors, including infrastructure, civil engineering, and building. This role involves working within the civil engineering section of the business.

The organisation has earned a strong reputation for its practical, hands‑on approach to managing complex projects and resolving commercial and contractual issues. Its consultants work closely with Tier 1 and specialist subcontractors to deliver expert advice on contract administration, claims, adjudication, and dispute avoidance.

Known for technical excellence, integrity, and client focus, the consultancy combines deep industry knowledge with commercial insight to support clients through every stage of a project’s lifecycle — from contract negotiation to final account and dispute resolution.

A full client overview will be provided to shortlisted candidates.

Additional Benefits Package and Incentives

• Highly competitive salary and benefits package

Steve Thomas is our specialist consultant managing this position

07441 343 671
(Office hours 9.30 to 5.30pm Monday to Friday)

London, Home Counties, Midlands, East Midlands & Northern UK

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