Commercial Lead

The Opportunity

Take the lead in driving commercial success across a portfolio of engineering and project-based contracts. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced commercial professional to influence high-value bids, negotiate favourable contract terms and protect profitability throughout the full contract lifecycle.

Working closely with Sales, Estimating, Finance and Project Delivery teams, you’ll play a pivotal role in securing profitable business, managing contractual risk, improving cash flow and maximising commercial performance.

Key Responsibilities

Lead commercial activities from tendering and contract negotiation through to project delivery and final account.

Review and negotiate customer contracts, identifying risks and securing favourable commercial terms.

Support bids, pricing strategies and estimates to ensure projects are commercially viable and competitive.

Manage a portfolio of live contracts, monitoring costs, revenue, margins, cash flow and working capital.

Oversee payment applications, variations, claims, contractual notices and final accounts.

Work with project teams to manage risks, resolve commercial challenges and maximise profitability.

Develop effective payment schedules and strategies to improve cash flow and minimise financial exposure.

Provide clear commercial advice, reporting and recommendations to senior stakeholders.

Build strong relationships with customers, suppliers and internal teams to support successful project delivery.

Drive continuous improvement in commercial processes, governance and contract management.

About You

Significant commercial management or senior Quantity Surveying experience within engineering, manufacturing, construction or a project-based environment.

Proven experience in contract negotiation, tendering, pricing and commercial risk management.

Strong understanding of contract terms, payment mechanisms, variations, claims and contract administration.

Experience managing live contracts, forecasting, cash flow, margin and final accounts.

Commercially astute, with confident negotiation, influencing and decision-making skills.

Able to interpret engineering specifications, drawings, programmes and project schedules.

Strong analytical, organisational and communication skills, with the ability to influence senior stakeholders.

Proactive and results-driven, with the confidence to challenge risk, protect profitability and take ownership of commercial outcomes.

A relevant degree or professional qualification, membership of a relevant professional body, and experience with NEC contracts or OEM manufacturing environments would be advantageous.

This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially driven professional to shape contract strategy, influence business performance and make a tangible impact on profitability and growth.

Your CV will be forwarded to Jonathan Lee Recruitment, a leading engineering and manufacturing recruitment consultancy established in 1978. The services advertised by Jonathan Lee Recruitment are those of an Employment Agency.

In order for your CV to be processed effectively, please ensure your name, email address, phone number and location (post code OR town OR county, as a minimum) are included