Lead Quantity Surveyor / Commercial Manager

An excellent opportunity has arisen for a Lead Quantity Surveyor / Commercial Manager to join our Engineering Services team based in the North West.

Reporting to the Divisional Director, you will lead all commercial aspects of the division's projects and performance, ensuring robust commercial management, effective contract administration, accurate financial reporting, and strong leadership of the commercial team. You will play a key role in maximising profitability, minimising commercial risk, developing commercial talent, and supporting the successful delivery of projects across the region.

What you'll do

• Lead the commercial management and control of multiple projects, ensuring compliance with contract terms, statutory legislation and company procedures.
• Oversee the commercial performance of the division, providing strategic support and advice to the Divisional Director on all commercial matters.
• Demonstrate strong contractual knowledge of both main and subcontract agreements, identifying commercial risks and opportunities and developing appropriate mitigation strategies.
• Ensure effective administration of contractual correspondence and obligations, maintaining compliance with governance, audit requirements and contractual procedures.
• Lead change control processes, ensuring variations, compensation events and claims are identified, valued, negotiated and agreed in a timely manner.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies that maximise project margins while protecting the business from commercial risk.
• Ensure interim applications, valuations, subcontract payments and final accounts are prepared, submitted and agreed accurately and on time.
• Oversee procurement activities, developing effective procurement strategies and ensuring robust subcontract and supplier appointments.
• Monitor project cash flow, ensuring accurate forecasting and maximising positive cash positions without compromising client or supply chain relationships.
• Ensure accurate cost control across all projects, including timely completion of Cost Value Reconciliations (CVRs), commercial reporting and final forecasts.
• Produce monthly commercial reports and present project financial performance, risks and opportunities during contract review meetings.
• Work collaboratively with Operations, Project Managers, Contracts Managers and other stakeholders to support successful project delivery and achievement of target margins.
• Liaise with Finance, insurers and external stakeholders to ensure appropriate financial due diligence, indemnity levels and policy compliance across projects.
• Support the preparation and management of commercial claims, disputes and dispute resolution where required.
• Champion continuous improvement in commercial processes, systems and reporting.
• Lead, mentor and develop the commercial team, including Quantity Surveyors, Assistant Quantity Surveyors and Graduates, supporting recruitment, induction, performance management and career development.
• Promote and ensure compliance with Health & Safety, Quality and Environmental standards, company policies and legislative requirements.

What we're looking for

• Proven experience in a Lead Quantity Surveyor, Commercial Manager or similar senior commercial role within Engineering Services, Construction or Infrastructure.
• Strong leadership and people management skills with experience developing and mentoring commercial teams.
• Excellent commercial acumen with a proven ability to maximise profitability and manage commercial risk.
• Extensive knowledge of construction contracts, contract law, commercial procedures and dispute resolution.
• Strong negotiation, communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Demonstrable experience managing change control, cost reporting, CVRs, cash flow forecasting and final accounts.
• Thorough understanding of procurement, subcontract management and supply chain engagement.
• Experience producing accurate financial and commercial reporting for senior management.
• High level of contractual awareness and governance compliance.
• Relevant Quantity Surveying qualification (HNC/HND/Degree or equivalent).
• Proficient in Microsoft Office, including Excel, Word and Outlook.
• Self-motivated, commercially focused and committed to delivering high standards of performance, accountability and continuous improvement.
• A collaborative team player with the ability to build strong relationships across operational, commercial and client teams.

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