Commercial Manager

Overview

At M Group Highways, we're supporting the safe transportation and movement of people across the UK. We don't just build roads and bridges—we're building a better future, creating lasting social value that gives back to the communities in which we work. You'll be joining our Highways team, as the UK's number one highway maintenance contractor. Our teams use the latest innovations to create effective solutions.

We offer a range of services including planned and reactive maintenance and highway improvement schemes.

The Commercial Manager role is a highly responsible part of the Commercial Management team. This role includes being a direct line manager to QS roles from MQS to Trainee QS as well as the Commercial Admin team. You will have a number of Projects or Programmes of work within your portfolio with several teams reporting to you. You will be measured on the outcomes of your portfolio and will be expected to manage resource levels and capabilities to ensure that the overall commercial performance of your portfolio meets or exceeds business plan targets.

• Lead a team, ensuring resource levels and capabilities are aligned with business needs, including recruitment and redundancy processes, setting clear performance standards, and providing timely feedback.
• Oversee mandatory training, create personal development plans, and support career progression within your team.
• Prepare and present contract briefings, establish measurement rules, and set up reporting requirements in collaboration with senior team members.
• Manage recruitment and onboarding for commercial resources; collaborate with Procurement to develop supplier tender engagements, including work packages, terms, and SLAs.
• Ensure accurate valuations and timely submission of payment applications; monitor certification and payment notices; manage disputes.
• Oversee contractual administration, including Early Warnings and Compensation Events, and provide guidance to operational teams and junior staff.
• Validate cost information, maintain robust audit processes, and manage subcontract administration to the highest standards.
• Build strong relationships with supply chain partners and resolve disputes promptly; maintain accurate records.
• Maintain commercial registers, site returns, and risk schedules, ensuring compliance and quality.
• Produce and present weekly and monthly cost and value reports, providing insight into risks, opportunities, and performance to support business decision-making.

• Demonstrable experience working within the Infrastructure or Construction industry in a similar role.
• Advanced qualification in Quantity Surveying (BSc or equivalent) is required.
• RICS or CICES beneficial; the company is committed to supporting the development of our people and can offer support to gain chartership if you do not already have the accreditation.
• Previous experience as a line manager or functional manager of junior QSs or administrators is advantageous but not essential.
• Experience in NEC3 & NEC4 contract types and suites is essential. Experience with other contract types such as FIDIC and JCT is also beneficial.
• Prior experience on projects up to £20m and a number of smaller projects.
• Strong professional relationship management skills.
• Strong IT skills including all standard MS Office applications, with particular emphasis on Excel.
• Focused knowledge of data management and analysis techniques.
• Sound communication and negotiation skills.
• Full UK driving license (travel across sites).

We want to be an employer of choice and a great place to work, attracting diverse and talented people who join us and make a difference. We are one of the Top 100 UK companies actively supporting and recruiting army veterans. Our ENABLE inclusion networks bring together people with a shared passion to help create an environment where everyone belongs. Our values shape our culture and how we work with one another.

We recruit with these values in mind to ensure your aspirations and ways of working align with ours.

• We’re responsible and go further for our people, clients, communities and the planet
• We’re open and seek new and better ways of exceeding expectations
• We’re together and as one team; the whole is greater than the sum of the parts
• We’re ambitious and embrace opportunity to lead essential infrastructure services for life

Whether you're a trainee, apprentice or graduate, or progressing through your career, our people benefit from industry recognised programmes, training and development. It’s an exceptional time to be part of M Group.

Please note:

Occasionally, job adverts might be closed before the stated closing date. Do apply as soon as possible to ensure your application is considered. For certain roles, successful candidates will be subject to 3rd party background checks as part of the hiring process. Some roles require drug and alcohol testing as part of induction and onboarding.