Commercial Manager - Major M&E & Infrastructure Projects

Location: Reading, Berkshire
Project: AWE Framework - Strategic Projects Division
Salary: Excellent Package + Car Allowance + Performance Bonus + Uplifts + Tax-Free Allowances
Security Clearance: Must be eligible for and maintain UK Security Clearance
Site Presence: Minimum 4 days per week on site required due to the nature of the programme and stakeholder engagement requirements.

Additional Benefits

For candidates living more than 50 miles from site and with a commute exceeding 90 minutes, enhanced salary uplifts and tax-free allowances are available in line with project mobilisation arrangements.

About the Role

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to lead the commercial function across major M&E, Civil and Structural projects delivered through the AWE Strategic Projects framework in Reading.

This is a senior leadership position with responsibility for commercial strategy, governance, contract management and financial performance across a portfolio of complex programmes operating under NEC cost reimbursable arrangements.

You will work closely with operational directors, project teams and key client stakeholders to ensure commercial excellence, effective risk management and successful project delivery across the framework.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial management of major projects and programmes.
• Provide strategic commercial guidance to project delivery teams.
• Manage NEC contractual compliance and governance.
• Oversee commercial reporting, forecasting and project performance.
• Lead negotiation and resolution of compensation events, change and contractual matters.
• Manage commercial risk, opportunity and financial exposure.
• Develop and maintain strong client and stakeholder relationships.
• Lead commercial teams including Quantity Surveyors and Senior Quantity Surveyors.
• Support procurement strategy and supply chain engagement.
• Drive continuous improvement across commercial processes and controls.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, client requirements and regulatory obligations.

Essential Experience

• Commercial Management experience within major construction, engineering or infrastructure projects.
• Strong NEC contract expertise, particularly cost reimbursable and target cost arrangements.
• Experience leading commercial teams on complex projects.
• Proven ability to manage commercial risk and contractual matters.
• Strong financial management, forecasting and reporting capabilities.
• Experience working within collaborative client environments.

Desirable

• Extensive M&E project experience.
• Nuclear, Defence, Energy or other highly regulated sector experience.
• Experience delivering Principal Contractor responsibilities.
• Knowledge of Civil and Structural construction works.

Qualifications

Desirable

• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or related discipline.
• MRICS, MCICES or equivalent professional qualification.
• Leadership or commercial management qualifications.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to join the Strategic Projects division on one of the UK's most complex and high-profile infrastructure programmes. You'll play a key role in shaping commercial strategy, leading high-performing teams and delivering critical projects within a secure and technically challenging environment.

Next Steps: 

 

As a business, we’re on a journey to build on our culture where everyone is included, treated fairly and with respect. This starts with recruitment and how we bring people into the organisation.  

 

We’ll do our best to outline the recruitment process to you ahead of time with plenty of notice. If you require any accommodations to participate in the application or interview process, please let us know and we will work with you to ensure your needs are met. 

 

About Us: 

 

We are one of the leading independent engineering and services businesses in the UK. Founded in 1921, with a turnover of £500m and 3000 employees, we are proud of our history of developing great people through our investment in training. 

 

Working across a variety of sectors within the building and infrastructure industry, our innovative, responsible and forward-thinking approach allows us to work on fantastic ground-breaking projects, providing solutions using the latest tools and technologies. 

 

Progression is something we value, and we will make sure that when you join us you have a clearly defined development path, supported by regular reviews, training and ongoing support to enable you to be the best you can be. 

 

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