buildspace - jobs
lead commercial manager.
Lead Commercial Manager.
Ref: V-69816
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location.
Reading
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salary.
£90000 - £110000 per annum
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type.
Permanent
job description.
Lead Commercial Manager – Large Scale Office BlockLocation: Reading
Salary: £90,000 – £110,000 per annum comprehensive package
Contract Type: Permanent
Project: £40m Large-Scale Office Block(JCT Design & Build)
Start Date: ASAP
Company Overview
A leading UK main contractor delivering high-value commercial refurbishment and design & build projects is seeking an experienced Lead Commercial Manager to oversee the commercial delivery of a major £40 million Large Scale Office Block in Reading. This is a key strategic role covering pre-construction, delivery, and final account.
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Role Purpose
The Lead Commercial Manager will take full commercial ownership of a large-scale office block delivered under JCT Design & Build. Responsibilities include cost management, procurement, change control, supply chain management, commercial reporting, and contractual oversight.
This role is suited to a commercially strong, detail-driven individual with experience delivering significant refurbishment projects for reputable main contractors.
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Key Responsibilities
Commercial Leadership & Governance
- Lead all commercial activity on a £40m office refurbishment project.
- Implement commercial controls, governance, and financial reporting processes.
- Drive margin protection and commercial risk mitigation.
- Provide strategic commercial input to the project and senior leadership teams.
- Lead cost plans, forecasts, cashflows, and overall budget management.
- Oversee procurement strategies, subcontract tendering, and package awards.
- Maintain cost certainty via proactive change control and value engineering.
- Deliver accurate monthly CVRs and commercial progress reports.
- Administer all commercial duties under JCT D&B.
- Manage payment applications, variations, compensation events, and claims.
- Lead final account negotiations and subcontract settlement.
- Recognise and mitigate contractual and commercial risks early.
- Act as the primary commercial contact for the client, PM, and consultants.
- Attend and lead commercial sections in progress, design, and coordination meetings.
- Build strong working relationships to support smooth project delivery.
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Team Leadership & Development
- Lead, mentor, and support QS and commercial staff on the project.
- Promote strong commercial discipline and clear communication.
- Support wider teams including estimating, design, and delivery.
Required Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- Significant experience as a Commercial Manager or Senior Quantity Surveyor within a main contractor.
- Proven commercial leadership on large-scale office refurbishment projects, ideally £50m .
- Strong background in JCT Design & Build contract administration.
- Experience delivering complex refurbishment and structural alteration packages.
- Excellent negotiation, commercial reporting, and risk management abilities.
- Strong leadership, communication, and stakeholder management skills.
- Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or similar (RICS beneficial).
- Experience on office CAT A/CAT B refurbishment schemes.
- Understanding of complex MEP and structural refurbishment interfaces.
What This Role Offers
- Lead the commercial function on a landmark £40m refurbishment in Reading.
- Competitive package: £90k–£110k benefits.
- Strategic role with influence over commercial direction and project outcome.
- Long-term opportunity with a respected main contractor.
- Career progression into senior commercial leadership.
For an experienced Lead Commercial Manager seeking a role with greater responsibility, autonomy, and long-term growth, this opportunity offers the platform to elevate your career.
Interested in discussing a strategic move? Forward your CV to zain.m@buildspaceuk.com.
