Lead Commercial Manager - Water

Affordable Houses Ltd.; Birmingham; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading construction and engineering firm in Birmingham seeks a Lead Commercial Manager to oversee high-value contracts within the Water & Environment sector. The successful candidate will lead a team, provide strategic oversight, and ensure compliance with contracts during project execution. Ideal candidates should have strong commercial acumen and deep infrastructure experience, with expertise in NEC contracts. The role offers a mix of on-site and remote work options.

Qualifications

• Strong experience in water, environment, defence, or nuclear sectors.
• NEC3/4 contract expertise (Options A, C, E essential).
• Experience with ECI/ESI in design & build programmes.
• Valid CSCS card and Water Hygiene Card desirable.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial strategy across transformative infrastructure programmes.
• Provide strategic oversight from procurement through to close‑out.
• Engage with senior stakeholders to ensure commercial integrity.
• Build and develop the commercial and cost management function.

Skills

Financial modelling

Client-facing skills

Commercial acumen

Problem-solving

Team management

Motivational skills

Knowledge of CDM regulations

Risk management

Job description

Lead Commercial Manager – Water

Affordable Houses Ltd.

Egis is a leading global architectural, consulting, construction engineering, operations and mobility services firm. We create and operate intelligent infrastructure and buildings that both respond to the climate emergency and contribute to balanced, sustainable and resilient development. Our 20,500 employees operate across over 100 countries, deploying their expertise to develop and deliver cutting‑edge innovations and solutions for clients. Through the wide range of our activities, we are central to the collective organisation of society and the living environment of citizens all over the world.

Egis is a leader in the vibrant sector of infrastructure engineering, planning, and management, tasked with sustaining efficient commercial lifecycle stewardship amidst interactions with various third‑party entities. As Egis expands its service delivery across the UK, Ireland, and broader European markets, we are committed to becoming the engineering partner of choice while also expanding our talented team. At Egis, we prioritise our people, and to enhance our Water capabilities, we are looking to recruit a skilled Water Senior Quantity Surveyor to operate as part of the Energy and Sustainable Cities Business Line.

This period marks an exciting time to join Egis's new Project, Programme, PMO and Commercial Management Capability (P3M CM) UK, Ireland and Europe team, which is undergoing a transformative phase. The P3M CM function at Egis is deeply committed to boosting strategic operations and overall efficacy by:

• Developing a premier capability and team;
• Proactively engaging with markets and suppliers;
• Streamlining and enhancing operational workflows;
• Achieving results through strong commercial policies;
• Location: West Midlands‑based (4 days client’s office and 1 day WFH)

Amidst the challenges of managing the extensive infrastructure needs of Europe, these dynamic transformations offer numerous opportunities to contribute significantly to Egis's establishment as a leader in the infrastructure sector.

Sector exposure: Water, Environment, Defence, Nuclear.

Must have the right to work in the UK.

Job Description

Are you ready to lead commercial strategy across transformative infrastructure programmes? Egis UK is seeking a dynamic Commercial Lead to oversee high‑value contracts in the Water & Environment sector, with opportunities to expand into Defence and Nuclear. This is your opportunity to shape delivery outcomes, drive commercial excellence, and influence the future of sustainable infrastructure.

If you’re passionate about leading with purpose and delivering impact, we’d love to hear from you.

Your Role & Impact

You’ll lead a team of commercial professionals across multi‑million‑pound contracts. You’ll provide strategic oversight from procurement through to close‑out, ensuring alignment with project timelines, budgets, and risk profiles. You’ll also engage with senior stakeholders, regulators, and delivery partners to ensure commercial integrity and performance.

This role is ideal for a commercially astute leader with deep infrastructure experience and a passion for driving value, innovation, and continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Commercial Leadership

• Build, lead and develop the commercial and cost management function into a high‑performing team;
• Support the work‑winning team to review and identify risks and accountabilities within tender packs and contractual terms;
• Prepare, develop and implement commercial solutions to support work‑winning;
• Lead commercial delivery across complex, multi‑workstream programmes;
• Oversee contract execution, supplier performance, and risk mitigation;
• Ensure compliance with NEC3/4 and FIDIC contracts, UK law, and regulatory frameworks;
• Guide procurement strategy and contract preparation across all phases.

Project & Cost Management

• Support feasibility studies, benchmarking and value management;
• Lead cost planning, estimating and final cost plan presentation;
• Manage post‑contract cost variances, valuations and change control;
• Oversee final account negotiation and post‑project evaluation.

Stakeholder Engagement & Business Growth

• Act as a trusted interface with clients, consultants, and delivery teams;
• Collaborate with senior leadership to shape client‑focused bids;
• Provide commercial insight to strengthen proposal strategy;
• Maintain a robust database of lessons learned and bid outcomes;
• Drive continuous improvement across commercial processes and tools.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Strong financial modelling experience;
• Excellent client‑facing and supply‑chain‑facing skills;
• Expert commercial acumen and problem‑solving skills;
• Experience in managing teams;
• Enthusiasm and the ability to inspire and motivate people;
• Extensive experience in water, environment, defence or nuclear sectors;
• Strong knowledge of CDM regulations and risk management;
• NEC3/4 contract expertise (Options A, C, E essential);
• Experience with ECI/ESI in design & build programmes;
• Valid CSCS card; Water Hygiene Card desirable;
• Line management experience and ability to mentor junior QSs;
• Role subject to client interview and acceptance.

Additional Information

We are committed to our planet. In each project we design, engineer and operate we care deeply about the legacy we’re leaving behind. As part of our team, you’ll have a unique opportunity to use your skills and expertise to shape a better future for our communities in the UK, and all around the globe.

Our commitment is translated in the work carried out by our Egis Foundation, which funds concrete actions to address the climate crisis and is focused on educational and social initiatives that will help in the responsible and sustainable shift towards a sustainable world.

We are an equal opportunities employer and we strive to build a workforce that truly reflects the communities we represent. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds, regardless of age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sexual orientation, socioeconomic background, and any other protected characteristic. If you decide to apply for an opportunity with us, your application will be assessed based purely on your experience, the essential and desirable criteria, and your suitability for the role. We value each and every one’s contribution as this builds our culture and means that if you work with us, you will be included, listened to and respected.