Senior Commercial Manager

Costain’s aim is to shape, create, and deliver solutions which transform the infrastructure ecosystem, achieving sustainable growth in our four essential markets in the UK: Transport, Water, Energy, and Defence.

Our Energy business helps customers transition to clean energy, while providing practical solutions to improve the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of existing infrastructure. We focus on delivering engineering, construction, and digital solutions to support the UK’s transition to a low-carbon economy.

As part of our drive for sustainable growth, we have an exciting opportunity for experienced Senior Commercial Manager to join our team. You will play a key role in the commercial management of major infrastructure projects, ensuring optimal contract recovery, robust financial management, and compliance with company procedures.

The Senior Commercial Manager will be providing support to the Head of Commercial Director in the management of resources and succession planning. Proficient in the commercial role, gained through deep and broad experience built on concepts and principles. Disciplined and commercially astute with the ability to identify, analyse and develop responses to commercial risks, taking ownership and responsibility. The Senior Commercial Manager shall be responsible for the management of the implementation and ongoing assurance that at all times the Company’s governance and any contract specific requirements are adhered to. Excellent communication and Customer facing skills are a must, along with interaction with other members of the commercial team, which requires highly developed skills to motivate, inspire and persuade. Decision-making involves the use of judgment and there is an emphasis on the development of new/improved procedures and on the translation of policy into operational plans. 

• At Costain, we believe diverse perspectives drive innovation. If you’re passionate about making a positive impact and think you can bring value to our team, we’d love to hear from you—even if you don’t tick every box. Your unique skills and experiences could be exactly what we need. 
•  

#LI-AW1

The Senior Commercial Manager will ensure commercial delivery in line with the Company's objectives with preferred experience of commercial management in Electricity Transmission and Distribution infrastructure projects. National Grid is a key target market therefore recent experience of working with National Grid is preferred but experience with other providers such as SSE would also be relevant in this context.

Operating within a defined delegated level of authority, this role is responsible for enabling and supporting the Energy Sector in achieving its commercial objectives.

This is a project role, with travel to our London, Manchester, and Aberdeen offices as required.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Providing commercial input at work winning stage. 
• Overall responsibility for commercial resourcing of project teams. 
• Management of commercial personnel responsible for the following activities: 
  • Main Contract management and administration 
  • Supply chain management (including supply chain contract administration) 
  • Commercial Document Control 
  • Cost capture and control (including completion of CLRs) 
  • Commercial reporting 
  • Planning & programme management 
• Responsible for cash management. 
• Liaison and negotiation with the Customer’s commercial and / or project team. 
• Establishing and maintaining productive and collaborative relationships with relevant internal and external stakeholders. 
• Ensuring valuations and reports are prepared and issued in line with deadlines. 
• Ensuring compliance with company procedures and contract requirements. 
• Ensuring appropriate commercial records are maintained in line with the contract requirements and overseeing the resolution of any contractual issues. 
• Providing guidance and support to the commercial team and developing the skills and competencies of commercial staff. 
• Overseeing recruitment of appropriately competent commercial personnel in accordance with project needs and company procedures. 
• Providing commercial advice to the Contract Leader and/or Sector management team. 
• Ensuring a consistent approach to commercial issues across the Sector and cross Sector. 
• Manage and report on matters relating to insurances relevant to the project. 
• Review value management and advise on Risk management. 
• Understanding the implications of health and safety regulations. 
• Ensure all health, safety and environmental risk situations are brought to the attention of Contract Leader / Project Manager. 

REQUIREMENTS / QUALIFICATIONS

• Desirable (but not essential) 7 years post graduate commercial experience in the construction industry with demonstrable track record of achievement.

• Full Membership of RICS or CICES (or working towards).Demonstrable financial and commercial acumen.

• Experience working on a National Grid/HV Transmission project is highly desirable 

• Practical approach, logical thought process and a methodical way of working. 

• A creative, strategic and innovative approach to problem-solving. 

• Extensive knowledge of office management systems including document control.   

• Proficient in technical minute taking at contractual meetings and able to demonstrate the ability to collate information, prepare reports, payment certificates and interim financial reports and closeout reports. 

• Proficient in drafting effective contractual correspondence and the facilitation of collaborative solutions.

• Proficient in developing & implementing procurement and contract strategies. 

• Proven negotiating and team-working skills demonstrating the ability to motivate, develop and lead teams to deliver to or above target levels of performance. 

• Strong analytical skills. 

• Demonstrable legal, contractual and construction knowledge and experience. 

• Proficient in implementing and delivering strategic objectives and associated change programmes. 

• Confidence and ability to assert influence. 

• The ability to constantly improve and evolve as a commercial leader, taking account of and enabling our company’s corporate strategy. 

• Ability to maintain a measured approach in a challenging and dynamic commercial environment.