Commercial Manager

Colas USA; England; Hybrid; GBP 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction company in the UK seeks a Commercial Manager for a major Highways Term Maintenance Contract. The role involves overseeing commercial governance, managing financial performance, and ensuring compliance with contracts. The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in highways or civil engineering and a proven track record of managing large contracts. This position offers competitive compensation, with a comprehensive benefits package, including a hybrid working scheme and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary rate plus company car allowance

Pension scheme with up to 10% contributions

Life assurance scheme (x4 basic salary)

25 days annual leave plus public holidays

Hybrid working scheme based on role

Study towards funded professional qualifications

Employee discounts on various services

Qualifications

• Significant experience in highways, infrastructure, or civil engineering.
• Deep knowledge of NEC contracts.
• Experience with large, long-term contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial lifecycle of a Highways Term Maintenance Contract.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies.
• Manage financial control and forecasting.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Leadership

Client relationship management

Risk management

Contractual compliance

Education

Chartered status

Professional Qualification

Job description

Colas Ltd are a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, operating in over 50 countries worldwide and employing over 55,000 people, including more than 1,500 in the UK across multiple sites. We specialise in highways construction and have been involved in large-scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields, and marine sectors, offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a ‘Gold Investor in People’ award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.

Colas Ltd. are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to lead the commercial function on a major Highways Term Maintenance Contract in Cheshire West and Chester.

As a Commercial Manager you will take full responsibility for the commercial governance, financial performance, and contractual compliance of a long-term, high-value contract. You will lead and develop a team of Surveyors, ensuring robust commercial controls are in place while fostering strong client relationships and driving sustainable contract performance.

Main Responsibilities

The Commercial Manager will lead the full commercial lifecycle of a major Highways Term Maintenance Contract, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements and company governance while maximising value and minimising risk. The role will be responsible for developing and implementing effective commercial strategies, providing accurate commercial forecasting and insight, and supporting business planning and decision-making. Responsibilities include managing all aspects of contract and financial control, including monthly CVRs, forecasts, accruals, cost and value reconciliation, change control, compensation events, early warnings, contractual notices, applications for payment, final accounts, and subcontract management. The Commercial Manager will maintain robust cost control and financial discipline, actively manage risk and opportunity registers, and implement proactive mitigation strategies. Acting as the primary commercial point of contact for the client, the role will build strong, collaborative relationships and engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders, representing the commercial function in meetings, progress reviews, and negotiations. In addition, the role will lead, mentor, and develop a team of Quantity Surveyors and commercial professionals, promoting a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement, while ensuring compliance with company processes, industry legislation, health and safety requirements, and best practice in commercial governance, procurement, and supply chain management.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be a commercially astute senior leader with significant experience in highways, infrastructure, or civil engineering environments, bringing a strong track record of managing large, long-term contracts. You will have deep knowledge of NEC contracts, excellent commercial and financial acumen, and the ability to manage risk while maximising value. A confident leader and communicator, you will be experienced in building strong client relationships, leading high-performing commercial teams, and operating effectively within complex stakeholder environments. Chartered status and Tier 1 contracting experience are advantageous.

Package Description

Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:

• Competitive salary rate PLUS Company Car/Car allowance
• Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
• Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
• 25 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays
• Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
• Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
• Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
• Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal

At Colas, our culture is guided by four core values: Respect, Commitment, Pioneering, and Sharing. These values shape how we work, collaborate, and grow together. We believe respect is the foundation of every relationship, commitment means dedicating ourselves fully to everything we do, pioneering prioritises bold innovation, and sharing builds trust and solidarity across all levels of the business.

Colas Ltd is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you want a workplace where your voice is valued and your potential is developed, Colas is the right choice.

Note to Recruitment Agencies: In line with our Company Policy, Colas Ltd has a preference for direct hiring and we will reach out to our PSL (Preferred Suppliers List) agencies if the role is eligible for release. We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If a speculative CV is sent, no fee will be applicable.