Lead Commercial Manager

Hybrid SaaS; Reading; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK main contractor is seeking an experienced Lead Commercial Manager to oversee the commercial delivery of a major £40 million Large Scale Office Block. The role requires significant experience in commercial management and JCT Design & Build contract administration. The successful candidate will manage all aspects of the commercial process while leading a team on a high-value project in Reading. A competitive salary of £90k–£110k plus benefits is offered.

Benefits

Comprehensive package

Career progression opportunities

Influence over commercial direction

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Commercial Manager or Senior Quantity Surveyor within a main contractor.
• Proven commercial leadership on large-scale office refurbishment projects, ideally £50m+.
• Strong background in JCT Design & Build contract administration.
• Experience delivering complex refurbishment and structural alteration packages.

Responsibilities

• Lead all commercial activity on a £40m office refurbishment project.
• Drive margin protection and commercial risk mitigation.
• Oversee procurement strategies, subcontract tendering, and package awards.
• Act as the primary commercial contact for the client, PM, and consultants.

Skills

Negotiation

Commercial reporting

Risk management

Stakeholder management

Leadership

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or similar (RICS beneficial)

Job description

Lead Commercial Manager – Large Scale Office Block

Location: Reading

Salary: £90,000 – £110,000 per annum + comprehensive package

Contract Type: Permanent

Project: £40m Large-Scale Office Block (JCT Design & Build)

Start Date: ASAP

Company Overview

A leading UK main contractor delivering high-value commercial refurbishment and design & building projects is seeking an experienced Lead Commercial Manager to oversee the commercial delivery of a major £40 million Large Scale Office Block in Reading. This is a key strategic role covering pre‑construction, delivery, and final account.

Role Purpose

The Lead Commercial Manager will take full commercial ownership of a large‑scale office block delivered under JCT Design & Build. Responsibilities include cost management, procurement, change control, supply chain management, commercial reporting, and contractual oversight.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all commercial activity on a £40m office refurbishment project.
• Implement commercial controls, governance, and financial reporting processes.
• Drive margin protection and commercial risk mitigation.
• Provide strategic commercial input to the project and senior leadership teams.
• Lead cost plans, forecasts, cashflows, and overall budget management.
• Oversee procurement strategies, subcontract tendering, and package awards.
• Maintain cost certainty via proactive change control and value engineering.
• Deliver accurate monthly CVRs and commercial progress reports.
• Administer all commercial duties under JCT D&B.
• Manage payment applications, variations, compensation events, and claims.
• Lead final account negotiations and subcontract settlement.
• Recognise and mitigate contractual and commercial risks early.
• Act as the primary commercial contact for the client, PM, and consultants.
• Attend and lead commercial sections in progress, design, and coordination meetings.
• Build strong working relationships to support smooth project delivery.
• Lead, mentor, and support QS and commercial staff on the project.
• Promote strong commercial discipline and clear communication.
• Support wider teams including estimating, design, and delivery.

Qualifications

• Significant experience as a Commercial Manager or Senior Quantity Surveyor within a main contractor.
• Proven commercial leadership on large‑scale office refurbishment projects, ideally £50m+.
• Strong background in JCT Design & Build contract administration.
• Experience delivering complex refurbishment and structural alteration packages.
• Excellent negotiation, commercial reporting, and risk management abilities.
• Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or similar (RICS beneficial).
• Experience on office CAT A/CAT B refurbishment schemes.
• Understanding of complex MEP and structural refurbishment interfaces.

What This Role Offers

• Lead the commercial function on a landmark £40m refurbishment in Reading.
• Competitive package: £90k–£110k + benefits.
• Strategic role with influence over commercial direction and project outcome.
• Long‑term opportunity with a respected main contractor.
• Career progression into senior commercial leadership.

For an experienced Lead Commercial Manager seeking a role with greater responsibility, autonomy, and long‑term growth, this opportunity offers the platform to elevate your career.

Interested in discussing a strategic move? Forward your CV to the email address provided.