Commercial Manager

Job Title: Commercial Manager Location: Chorley - Hybrid Employment Type: Contract or Permanent Security Clearance: Candidates must be eligible for or willing to undergo SC clearance About the Role: We’re supporting our client – a leading engineering and project delivery business within the UK nuclear sector – in recruiting for a Commercial Manager to lead commercial and contractual activities across high-profile project portfolios. This is a key leadership role for a proactive and commercially astute professional with a strong track record of delivering results in regulated industries such as Nuclear, Defence, or Infrastructure. You’ll work closely with Project Delivery, Supply Chain, and Project Controls teams to ensure robust governance, contractual compliance, and commercial excellence. This role also offers the opportunity to mentor and guide a capable commercial team, shaping overall performance and driving best practice. Key Responsibilities: Lead and manage the commercial team (staff and contractors) across project portfolios Provide upstream and downstream commercial support across NEC and other contract forms Review and manage CE/PICD quotations, ensuring scope clarity and contractual entitlement Guide pre- and post-contract risk, opportunity, and assumption management Ensure compliance with internal Delegation of Authority (DoA) and corporate governance Negotiate, draft, and manage contracts with clients and suppliers Oversee change control processes and ensure accurate, timely payment applications Support tenders, bids, and commercial reporting requirements Participate in internal and client meetings and report to the Commercial Portfolio Lead Contribute to continuous improvement and promote commercial best practice Skills & Experience: Proven leadership and line management experience in a commercial/contracts environment – Essential Strong background in NEC3/4 suite contracts (upstream or downstream) – Essential Extensive experience in Nuclear, Defence, or related complex project sectors – Essential Demonstrable experience in cost reimbursable, fixed price, and target cost contracts – Essential Analytical and detail-focused, with confidence in chairing meetings and presenting to senior stakeholders – Essential Experience in procurement, project management, estimating, or project controls – Desirable Knowledge of contract dispute resolution and legal/contractual risk mitigation – Desirable RICS/CIPS accreditation or equivalent professional certification – Desirable Qualifications & Requirements: Degree qualified in a relevant discipline or equivalent industry experience (10+ years) Willingness to undergo (or already hold) SC clearance Results-driven, calm under pressure, and confident in high-demand environments Flexible to support key project deadlines when required Why Apply? You'll be joining a collaborative, technically driven team working on nationally significant programmes. This is a fantastic opportunity to influence commercial strategy, lead meaningful delivery, and grow your leadership profile in a supportive, high-performing environment. Contract duration: 12 months+ (with potential to extend) Permanent option: Available depending on preference Interested or know someone who might be? Let’s talk – reach out to discuss further: (url removed) (phone number removed)