Commercial Manager

A leading engineering and project delivery organisation is seeking a Commercial Manager to join their team in Barnard Castle, North East England. This is an exceptional opportunity for you to play a pivotal role in the procurement and contract administration of goods and services within the construction sector, supporting a diverse portfolio of projects under a major EPCM framework. You will be at the heart of project delivery.

The organisation is renowned for its commitment to quality, technical excellence, and fostering a supportive environment where your expertise will be valued and your career ambitions nurtured. With flexible working arrangements, generous benefits, and a strong focus on professional development, this role offers you the chance to make a meaningful impact while advancing your career in a truly inclusive setting.

• Work on impactful projects within a major EPCM framework, gaining exposure to both minor upgrades and large-scale complex works across regulated sectors.
• Benefit from flexible/hybrid working options, family-friendly policies, and one of the most comprehensive benefits packages in the industry, including company car or cash allowance, matched pension contributions, life assurance, and more.
• Join a collaborative team that values diversity and inclusion, where your contribution is recognised and your professional growth is actively supported through ongoing training opportunities.
  
  

What You'll Do

As Commercial Manager, you will immerse yourself in every stage of the commercial process for a varied portfolio of construction projects. Your day-to-day responsibilities will see you engaging closely with project teams to ensure seamless procurement operations, robust contract administration, and effective cost management. You will provide guidance on contractual issues, support strategic decision-making around supply chain development, and help shape commercial frameworks that underpin successful project delivery. By building trusted relationships with clients and suppliers alike, you will contribute directly to maintaining profitability while upholding the highest standards of service. Your ability to balance attention to detail with big-picture thinking will be key as you navigate complex contractual landscapes. In this role, you will also have opportunities to share your expertise across different stages of multiple projects expanding your professional experience while making a tangible difference in an inclusive environment that values your input.

• Oversee procurement processes for goods and services within the construction industry, ensuring compliance with organisational standards and client requirements.
• Administer contracts throughout their lifecycle, providing expert advice to project leads on contractual matters and risk mitigation.
• Support the Managing Surveyor in implementing commercial strategies that maximise profitability while maintaining positive client relationships.
• Manage both upstream (client-facing) and downstream (supply chain) contract administration functions for multiple projects simultaneously.
• Develop supply chain strategies that foster dependable partnerships and ensure timely delivery of project components.
• Lead tendering processes from preparation through evaluation and negotiation, ensuring best value outcomes for all stakeholders involved.
• Conduct cost value reconciliations and manage cashflow both internally within project teams and externally with clients and suppliers.
• Contribute to main contract terms and conditions reviews, offering insights that protect organisational interests while promoting fair collaboration.
• Participate as an integral member of project delivery teams, sharing knowledge across disciplines to achieve successful project outcomes.
• Maintain accurate records of procurement activities, contract changes, financial transactions, and performance metrics for audit purposes.
  
  

What You Bring

To excel as Commercial Manager in this organisation’s thriving environment, you will bring substantial experience gained from overseeing procurement operations or administering contracts within construction or similarly regulated industries. Your background should include supporting commercial strategies that drive both profitability and positive client engagement. You are adept at developing supply chain solutions that deliver results while nurturing long-term partnerships. Your approach combines analytical rigour with interpersonal sensitivity enabling you to negotiate effectively yet empathetically with suppliers or clients. A deep understanding of cost control mechanisms ensures you can manage budgets confidently even amid shifting project demands. You thrive when collaborating within multidisciplinary teams sharing knowledge generously while respecting differing perspectives. Your communication style is clear yet considerate; you are comfortable advising colleagues who may not share your technical expertise but rely on your guidance nonetheless. Above all else, your commitment to inclusivity shapes how you interact with others helping create an environment where everyone feels welcome.

• Demonstrable experience in procurement and contract management/administration within the construction industry or similar highly regulated sectors.
• Proven track record supporting commercial strategy development focused on profitability and client relationship management.
• Strong understanding of supply chain development principles with hands-on experience managing supplier relationships from tendering through contract close-out.
• Excellent negotiation skills with the ability to evaluate tenders objectively and secure favourable terms for all parties involved.
• Comprehensive knowledge of cost value reconciliation processes as well as internal/external cashflow management practices.
• Familiarity with reviewing main contract terms & conditions to identify risks/opportunities for improvement.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of multidisciplinary project teams while managing competing priorities across several projects at once.
• Exceptional communication skills enabling clear advice provision to colleagues at all levels including non-commercial specialists and external partners alike.
• Meticulous attention to detail when maintaining records related to procurement activities or financial transactions.
• Commitment to upholding inclusive values by fostering respectful working relationships across diverse backgrounds.
  
  

Robert Walters Operations Limited is an employment business and employment agency and welcomes applications from all candidates