7/22/2020 Commercial Manager Job Description - Project Resource

Job title Location 

Commercial Manager Job Description

Commercial Manager Job Description

over 3 years ago by Daniel Stargatt

If you already in the know about Commercial Management and are looking to take a step up from
your Quantity Surveying role or change your current Commercial Manager role, check out all of our

Commercial Manager jobs (https://www.project-resource.co.uk/disciplines/commercial-management-

jobs) available, and simply apply with your CV. 

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7/22/2020 Commercial Manager Job Description - Project Resource

If you're looking for another role within the construction industry you can view all of our
current construction
Job title jobs (https://www.project-resource.co.uk/job-search) and
Location simply apply with your

CV or LinkedIn profile.

If you’re considering a career in Commercial Management, want to find out more about the

profession or an employer in search of a skilled Commercial Manager – we’ve answered a few key

questions...

What is a Commercial Manager?

A Commercial Manager within the construction industry is a professional responsible for financial

management of projects, recognizing business opportunities and putting together bids to win new

business as well as negotiating and agreeing contracts which can be worth millions of pounds.

Commercial Managers also continuously work to strategically expand, preserve or improve

procedures, standards or policies whilst sticking to regulatory guidelines.

Commercial Managers will typically have a Quantity Surveying background with over 8-10 years
construction industry experience, however, you can successfully move in to a Commercial Manager
role from an engineering background.

What are the typical daily duties of a Commercial Manager?

From employer to employer the job description of a Commercial Manager will vary, however typical
duties and activities undertaken include:

 Resolving contractual and commercial problems

 Discovering areas that are not in-keeping with regulation practices
 Offering direction and instruction
 Risk assessment
 Reviewing and developing operational process flows
 Ensuring that all stakeholders understand and adhere to contractual obligations
 Ensuring that the financial aspects and impact of a contract are clear to all parties
 Overseeing financial KPIs
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7/22/2020 Commercial Manager Job Description - Project Resource

 Management/mentoring/training of other Quantity Surveyors

Job title Location

Commercial Managers typically work 45 hours a week, but will sometimes be required to work more
hours during the busiest times.

What are the key skills required to be a Commercial Manager?

A Commercial Manager is an important part of any construction process and to be successful in this

role a range of skills are required, including:

 Strong educational background

 Strong commercial awareness
 Strong Negotiator
 Good numeracy skills
 Being able to work with a team
 Strong analytical skills

 Excellent IT skills and knowledge of relevant software
 Exemplary communication skills
 Client liaising
 High attention to detail
 High understanding of construction processes
 Strong contractual knowledge
 Ability to manage a team

What qualifications are needed and what are the training options for a
Commercial Manager?
It is typical for a Commercial Manager to have progressed through the Quantity Surveying profession

over a number of years, starting as an Assistant Quantity Surveyor, progressing through to a Senior

Quantity Surveyor and then on to Commercial Manager role.  

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7/22/2020 Commercial Manager Job Description - Project Resource

Although qualifications are not essential they are highly desirable. It is possible to undertake a BSc
(Hons) in Commercial
Job title Management and Quantity Surveying, which covers a mixture of construction
Location
aspects, together with specialist modules required for a career in Quantity Surveying and Commercial

Management.

It is also highly advantageous to become chartered. Becoming chartered involves completing the
Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICs) Assessment of Professionals Competence (APC) while

working as a Quantity Surveyor.

Earning chartered status allows you to receive universal recognition within the profession and it is

considered to be a renowned industry standard to strive for.

Who employs Commercial Managers?

A large range or businesses employ Commercial Managers across the UK construction industry and

due to the growth the construction industry has experienced, the demand is high for skilled
Commercial Managers.

Most Commercial Managers work for contractors or sub-contractors, larger consultancy businesses

also hire Commercial Managers however within the consultancy sector most Commercial Manager

level professionals would be known as Senior, Managing Quantity Surveyors or Associate Quantity
Surveyors.

When considering a potential employer the size of company should be taken in to account. There are
many advantages and disadvantages when working for small and large companies.

Smaller companies will often give you more exposure and responsibility in a shorter space of time.

Smaller companies with smaller projects will generally have a Commercial Manager overseeing a

geographical region and overseeing all projects ie. 20 projects valued c. £5m-£10m

In comparison a larger company tends to offer the opportunity to work on larger and higher profile

projects as well as offering you a clearer route for career progression.

What is the average salary and benefits package for a Commercial

Manager?

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7/22/2020 Commercial Manager Job Description - Project Resource

Due to the construction industry being so large and varied there are many different Commercial
Manager roles, meaning salaries will vary greatly. For permanent
Job title Location employees, salaries can be
anywhere between £60,000+ a year depending on experience, qualifications, previous employers and

notable previous projects.

In most cases a car or car allowance will be given on top of the salary as part of a package, which

can also include a pension scheme and private medical insurance.

For freelance roles, rates can reach up to roughly £400 to £600 per day. Depending on experience,
qualifications, previous employers and notable previous projects. Freelance Commercial Managers

would normally only receive a day rate, however some employers will offer travel expense as well as

travel allowance.

Location also plays a big part in your salary. In certain parts of the UK you can earn a lot more than
you would in other parts. Notably, London offers the highest salaries, which regularly reach £95,000

and higher for experienced Commercial Directors, however we have seen similar salaries across the

UK depending on experience and demand.

For more info on Commercial Manager salaries, check out our salary survey (https://www.project-

resource.co.uk/candidate/salary-survey).

Looking to develop your career as a Commercial Manager?

View the latest Commercial Management jobs (https://www.project-
resource.co.uk/disciplines/commercial-management-jobs) and apply online today!

Are you an employer keen to advertise a Commercial Manager job?

If you are an employer with a Commercial Manager role to fill, simply get in touch today

(https://www.project-resource.co.uk/contact) to discuss your requirements.

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