Commercial Manager

Commercial Manager - Regional Civil Engineering | Highways & Infrastructure The Opportunity This is a rare chance to take full commercial ownership of a growing regional civil engineering business unit, delivering highways and infrastructure projects across the South. A Commercial Manager to oversee a £40m regional highways and infrastructure business working for clients including: Local Authorities Private Developers Tier 1 Main Contractors National Highways This isn’t a back-office oversight role. This is about shaping a business unit, setting standards, and leading from the front. The Business This regional civil engineering arm delivers a mix of: Highways new build schemes Public realm and urban infrastructure Section works and framework packages Maintenance and improvement works Projects range from reactive works through to major schemes exceeding £10m, with a growing pipeline of longer-term, higher-value contracts. The direction of travel is clear: structured growth, improved margins, stronger commercial control. The Role Lead Commercial Manager, you will own commercial performance across the Regional Civil Engineering portfolio. Managing a commercial team of 34 staff, you’ll work closely with delivery teams and clients, ensuring commercial discipline, governance and profitability across frameworks and standalone projects. Key responsibilities include: Full commercial leadership of highways & infrastructure projects Driving revenue, margin and financial performance Leading monthly CVR reviews and implementing corrective actions Managing framework-level commercial consolidation Strong NEC contract management, including Highways Term Service Agreements Risk and opportunity management Supporting bid strategy and pricing input Supply chain engagement and performance improvement Leading and developing a high-performing commercial team You will be highly visible within the business — influencing direction, strengthening standards and embedding accountability. Expect to spend 3 days per week in the  office or on site, with hybrid flexibility where appropriate. What We’re Looking For We’re looking for a commercially astute leader from a civil engineering background, ideally with highways experience. You’ll bring: Proven commercial management experience within regional civil engineering Experience managing highways & infrastructure frameworks Strong NEC contract knowledge Experience operating as Principal Contractor and/or self-delivery partner Exposure to projects ranging from small reactive works to major infrastructure schemes Strong leadership capability — developing teams and raising performance Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or similar RICS / CICES desirable but not essential You’ll be confident, analytical, composed under pressure and comfortable influencing at senior level. What’s On Offer Excellent Salary (based on experience) Bonus <20% Company car or car allowance Private healthcare Pension & life assurance 25 days annual leave plus birthday off Hybrid working Enhanced parental benefits Genuine opportunity to shape and grow a business unit Why This Role? If you’re a Commercial Leader who wants more than just managing numbers — if you want to influence direction, shape culture and drive performance across a growing regional highways business — this is a serious opportunity