[GAS-006] Commercial Manager / Managing QS - Manchester

Job Opportunity:

Commercial Manager / Managing QS IES Utilities Group Ltd

Location: Manchester
Working Hours: Full-time - Monday to Friday
Rate: Competitive rate per day (dependent on experience)
Contract Type: Self-employed (CIS) or PAYE, long-term opportunity

Worktype: Gas (>2bar), Water (potable & waste), Power (HV & LV)

IES Utilities Group Ltd is a fast-growing contractor within the utility sector, working with major clients across five business divisions. We deliver multi-discipline projects within engineering, civils, and construction works across the UK.

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly motivated and experienced Commercial Manager to join our team, based at our Manchester Head Office. In this critical role, you will be responsible for providing commercial leadership and expertise across a portfolio of critical civil and mechanical projects.

As a Commercial Manager, you will lead, manage, coach and mentor a commercial team, adopting good practices, and support the operational teams in delivering contractual obligations. The Commercial Manager will be a vital link between the project operational and commercial delivery teams, suppliers, subcontractors, clients and internal stakeholders to ensure commercial excellence and value for money across all contracts.

This role offers long-term stability, career progression, and the opportunity to make a significant impact within a rapidly growing company.

Key Responsibilities:

Team Leadership & Development:

• Support, coach, mentor, and manage team members to achieve their full potential.
• Promote a positive culture and set high standards whilst ensuring that the department / division deliver on promises and with a high-quality output.
• Set clear objectives and drive performance and outputs by leading from the front.
• Provide clarity, support and guidance in relation to disputes, compensation events, early warnings and pre-contractual clauses.
• Regular team meetings and 1-2-1's providing constructive feedback, guidance to drive improvement and success.

Contract Management:

• Lead all commercial aspects of projects, including contract negotiation, administration, and management.
• Ensure compliance with contracts (mostly NEC or bespoke).
• Ensure adequate contract management and administration of contracts exists.
• Provide expert advice and guidance on contractual matters.
• Manage contractual variations, claims, and disputes effectively and efficiently.
• Identify and mitigate potential contractual risks.
• Identify the need and scope for new contracts, ensuring robust reviews of contract data and tender costs.
• Collaborate with the project delivery team to produce and oversee contract instructions and communications in line with the correct delegation of authority.
• Conduct regular customer and site visits to verify project and contractor progress, costs, and risk management.

Cost Management:

• Develop and maintain accurate project budgets and forecasts.
• Monitor project costs closely and identify any potential cost overruns.
• Implement cost control measures to ensure projects are delivered within budget.
• Prepare and submit accurate and timely cost reports.

Commercial Management:

• Monitor and review current and forecast performance against key internal and external KPI's.
• Ensure compliance with financial controls, budgets, and regulatory frameworks.
• Evaluate compensation events, negotiate adjustments, and oversee contractor applications for payment.
• Provide accurate financial reporting, cost assurance, and bench-marking data.

Stakeholder Engagement:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including contractors, suppliers, and customers.
• Ensure clear, two-way communication on all commercial matters, providing advice and guidance as required.
• Represent the company at a senior level on commercial and contractual issues.

Essential Skills & Experience:

• Proven experience as a Commercial Manager or similar role in the utilities or construction industry. (Relevant references will be requested)
• Strong understanding of NEC 3/4 contracts and their various options (A, C, E, F).
• Demonstrable experience in contract creation, management, and financial reporting.
• Excellent analytical, negotiation, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in financial and estimating software, as well as MS Office (Excel).
• Strong interpersonal and leadership skills, with the ability to manage and develop teams.
• Experience in cost bench-marking, risk management, and cost modelling.
• Knowledge of regulatory frameworks and compliance standards within the construction industry.

• Strong understanding of construction principles and practices.
• Ability to work effectively under pressure and to tight deadlines.

Education & Qualifications:

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Civil Engineering, or a related field (preferable).
• Chartership in Quantity Surveying (desirable).

If you are an experienced Commercial Manager looking for a challenging and rewarding opportunity, apply today and become part of the IES team, contributing to the success of major projects in the utility sector.