Commercial Manager (Construction)

This is a senior leadership role offering direct exposure to, and close collaboration with, Rycroft's Commercial Director and wider senior management team. The successful candidate will play a central part in shaping commercial strategy, sitting alongside senior leadership in key decision-making forums and contributing directly to the future direction of the business. Beyond the technical commercial remit, this role is fundamentally about leadership — leading, developing, and setting the standard for the commercial team, while building the kind of trusted relationship with the Commercial Director and other senior stakeholders that allows the individual to influence outcomes at business level, not just project level. It is a genuine opportunity for an ambitious commercial professional to step closer to the top table.

Key Responsibilities:
Provide overall commercial leadership across multiple projects, ensuring the effective management of procurement, contract administration, cost control, risk management, and financial performance. Lead the commercial team to deliver projects safely, profitably, and in accordance with company objectives. Drive commercial strategy from pre-construction through to final account, working closely with the Commercial Director to ensure robust governance, accurate forecasting, and effective stakeholder management. Support business growth through active involvement in cost reviews, commercial appraisals, contract negotiations, and value engineering initiatives, in partnership with senior management. Take ownership of commercial reporting and financial performance, providing senior management with accurate insights into project profitability, cash flow, risk exposure, and opportunities for improvement. Lead, develop, and mentor the commercial team while fostering strong working relationships with clients, consultants, subcontractors, and internal departments.

Commercial Leadership & Strategy

•  Lead the commercial function across multiple projects or business units, setting direction and standards for the team.
• Work closely with the Commercial Director to develop and implement commercial strategies aligned with company objectives.
• Ensure consistent application of commercial processes, procedures, and governance across the business.
• Support business planning by providing commercial input into project selection, tendering, and risk assessment.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives across procurement, cost management, and reporting functions.
• Participate in senior management meetings, working directly alongside the Commercial Director and other members of the leadership team to contribute to business-wide decision making
• Ensure contractual risks and commercial opportunities are identified, managed, and reported to seniormanagement.

Procurement & Supply Chain Management

• Oversee procurement strategies and ensure alignment with project and business objectives.
• Review and approve subcontract procurement recommendations and award decisions.
• Lead negotiations with key subcontractors and suppliers.
• Ensure procurement activities achieve value for money and mitigate commercial risk.
• Monitor market trends, supply chain performance, and subcontractor capability.
• Maintain strategic relationships with key supply chain partners.
• Ensure procurement compliance across all projects

Commercial & Contract Management

• Provide commercial oversight of all project contracts and subcontract agreements.
• Ensure contract obligations, notices, and entitlements are properly administered.
• Lead the resolution of contractual disputes, claims, and commercial issues.• Manage commercial risk registers and implement mitigation strategies.
• Oversee the valuation and agreement of variations, extensions of time, and final accounts.
• Support project teams in managing contractual obligations and commercial challenges.

Financial Management & Reporting

• Take ownership of project and business commercial performance.
• Lead the preparation and review of monthly cost reports, forecasts, and commercial dashboards.
• Monitor project profitability, margins, and cash flow performance.
• Review and challenge project forecasts, identifying risks and opportunities.
• Present commercial performance reports directly to the Commercial Director, other Directors, and senior leadership.
• Ensure accurate reporting of costs, commitments, liabilities, and revenue.
• Drive actions to improve commercial outcomes and financial performance.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as the senior commercial point of contact for clients and key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships.
• Lead commercial discussions and negotiations with clients and consultants.
• Ensure client valuations and applications for payment are managed effectively.
• Support the successful resolution of commercial matters and account settlement.
• Promote a collaborative approach across project teams and external stakeholders.

Team Leadership & Development

• Act as the senior commercial point of contact for clients and key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain strong client relationships.
• Lead commercial discussions and negotiations with clients and consultants.
• Ensure client valuations and applications for payment are managed effectively.
• Support the successful resolution of commercial matters and account settlement.
• Promote a collaborative approach across project teams and external stakeholders

Pre-Construction & Business Support

• Support bid teams during tender and pre-construction phases.
• Review tender submissions, budgets, and commercial assumptions.
• Assist in contract negotiations and project risk assessments.
• Contribute to value engineering and cost optimisation initiatives.
• Support business development activities by providing commercial expertise during client engagements, alongside the Commercial Director and senior management