Commercial Manager

Our client is a is a trusted and dependable provider of specialist services to the Rail and Forestry sectors. They currently have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Commercial Manager to drive the direction of, lead and manage the Commercial function.  

Job Description:  

You will draw on your skills, experience and knowledge to establish an effective and forward-thinking service, to support their growing business.  

Your experience in contract preparation, management and negotiation will be essential as you will play an integral role in all client contracts at pre- and post-contract design, in order to effectively establish and support their Rail projects. This will also incorporate preparing commercial responses to PQQ’s, tenders, etc.  

As Commercial Manager you will be responsible for the robust financial and resource management of multiple contracts in their Arboriculture, Plant and Environment departments, ensuring that they comply with commercial and financial governance.  

You will be a proactive communicator and keep key stakeholders informed through effective reporting and production of contract Commercial Management Plans, as well as leading client meetings and your own team. Your proven ability to build excellent working relationships is therefore essential.  

Our client provides an environment where you will be supported to draw on your experience to design and grow your function. In the establishment phase, this role will also naturally see you involved with some operational activities.  

Duties and Responsibilities:  

• Manage the commercial function in Pre- and Post-contract design to establish quality Rail (Arboriculture, Plant & Environment) projects.  

• As part of the Pre-Contract team, prepare commercial elements and responses to PQQ’s, tenders, etc. Manage the preparation of tender, pricing and contract documentation as required.  

• Review contract terms and conditions and identify risks, unacceptable terms and solutions, seeking legal advice where necessary.  

• Liaise closely with the Pre-Contract and Delivery teams to understand the scope of works and use this information to assess risk.  

• Negotiate and agree variations to contract terms and conditions with clients and suppliers.  

• Prepare, issue, manage and ensure all contracts and agreements with clients and suppliers are up to date and documented.  

• Responsible for the effective technical administration of contracts.  

• Develop and implement Contract Commercial Management Plans – incorporating robust controls – and commercial best practice.  

• Lead internal commercial review meetings with senior management, preparing and reporting on KPIs, risks and opportunities.  

• Responsible for the robust financial and resource management of contracts, ensuring that all commercial and financial governance is complied with and monitored.  

• Prepare and report on budgets, forecasts, management plans, KPIs, risks and opportunities, etc. for internal/external use as appropriate.  

• Ensure all project costs are accounted for within budgets and provide monthly reconciliations of contract performance and cash flow forecast reports to senior management.  

• Optimise contract turnover and profitability for all contracts. Maximise revenue and client benefits while minimising risk.  

• Lead and advise on the resolution of any claims or disputes from both clients and sub-contractors.  

• Attend/lead commercial meetings with the client, making positive contributions to the commercial management of the contract.  

• Proactively engage with the client to inform/update of contract status and financial positioning.  

• Responsible for the management and supervision of commercial sub-contractors.  

• Establish a Commercial team to suit the growth of the business. Effective leadership, management and development of the Commercial team.  

• Build, monitor and manage the supply chain ensuring efficiency, compliance and best value.  

• Carry out QS pricing tasks on a day-to-day basis.  

• Continuously research the market to ensure they are competitive in the current environment.  

• Build excellent professional relationships with internal and external key stakeholders, including clients and suppliers.  

• Support quality and compliance in the running of systems and processes to deliver KPIs and contribute to continuous improvement.  

• Observe and follow all applicable safe methods of working, and health, safety and environmental rules/procedures. Report any incidents or Close Calls immediately to the appropriate person.  

• Undertake training as required by your manager or the Company.  

• Adhere to Company Policies and Procedures.  

• Be a business ambassador, upholding and reflecting the ethos and values of the Company.  

• Work in accordance with their Equality, Diversity and Inclusion policy.  

• Undertake any other duties as may be reasonably required by the Company.  

• Work flexibly and be receptive and adaptable to a changing environment within a growing Company.

Essential:  

• Degree in Commercial Management, Quantity Surveying (or similar) or experience equivalent.  

• Substantial experience within Rail sector with excellent industry knowledge.  

• Experience working at an SME.  

• Significant experience at Commercial Manager level.  

• People management and development experience.  

• Experience of contract administration software, such as CEMAR.  

• Experience and knowledge of construction law.  

• Experience in interpreting contracts/contractual terms.  

• Proven influencing and negotiating skills.  

• A strong and proactive communicator.  

• Works collaboratively and builds effective working relationships.  

• Demonstrates initiative in problem-solving.  

• Extensive experience in report writing and numerical data manipulation.  

• Highly competent in MS Office.  

• Presents a professional image with the qualities to act as a business ambassador.  

• A good understanding and application of health, safety & environment practices.  

• Flexibility in your approach to work.  

• Full driving license.  

Desirable:  

• Membership of RICS, CICES or CIOB.  

• Experience of Sicon