Commercial Manager

Role: Commercial Manager
Reporting to: Directors
Team Leadership: Quantity Surveyors & Estimators
Contract Type: Permanent

A well‑established regional main contractor in Portsmouth is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to take a key leadership role within their growing business. This is a senior-level position offering the opportunity to work directly with the company's directors while overseeing the commercial performance of multiple live projects and leading a high‑performing team of Quantity Surveyors and Estimators.

The Role

As Commercial Manager, you will play a central role in the business, responsible for driving commercial strategy, ensuring strong financial performance, and supporting project teams across a diverse portfolio of work. You will lead, mentor, and develop a team of QSs and Estimators while maintaining strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and the senior leadership team.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the commercial department, including QSs and Estimators
• Report directly into the board of directors with commercial updates and forecasts
• Oversee tendering, cost planning, procurement, and contract negotiations
• Monitor and manage budgets, cashflow, variations, and commercial risk
• Provide commercial guidance across multiple projects simultaneously
• Strengthen commercial processes and ensure compliance across the business
• Support business growth through strategic input and commercial leadership
• Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture within the commercial team

Requirements

• Proven experience as a Commercial Manager or Senior QS ready to step up
• Background working for a main contractor within the construction sector
• Strong commercial awareness and a track record of delivering profitable projects
• Ability to manage, support, and develop a team
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and leadership skills
• Strong understanding of contracts, procurement, and commercial procedures
• Ambitious, proactive, and comfortable engaging at director level

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary and package (DOE)
• Senior-level position with genuine influence on business direction
• Opportunity to lead a talented commercial team
• Long-term career prospects with a respected regional contractor
• Supportive leadership and a stable pipeline of projects