Commercial Manager / Senior Quantity Surveyor

Drylining, Passive Fire Protection & Building Remediation | Construction

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Commercial Manager / Senior Quantity Surveyor to join a specialist construction contractor delivering drylining, passive fire protection and building remediation projects across the UK.

The business works with developers, main contractors and property clients to deliver specialist construction and fire safety solutions, including drylining systems, firestopping, fire door installations and wider building restoration works.

With a growing portfolio of projects and a focus on quality, compliance and commercial performance, the organisation is looking to appoint an experienced commercial professional who can take ownership of project finances, manage contractual obligations and help maximise profitability across its operations.

This is an excellent opportunity for an established Senior Quantity Surveyor ready to take on broader commercial responsibility, or an experienced Commercial Manager looking to play a key role in the continued growth of a specialist contractor.

The Role

As Commercial Manager / Senior Quantity Surveyor, you will be responsible for managing the commercial performance of construction projects from procurement and contract award through to completion and final account.

Working closely with the operational team, senior management, clients and subcontractors, you will ensure that projects are commercially controlled, risks are identified and managed, and contractual entitlements are protected.

You will oversee valuations, applications for payment, variations, cost reporting, procurement and final account negotiations, ensuring that commercial information is accurate, up to date and supports effective decision-making.

Depending on your level of experience, the role may also involve providing wider commercial leadership, improving internal processes and supporting the development of the commercial function as the business continues to grow.

Key Responsibilities

• Take commercial responsibility for a portfolio of drylining, passive fire protection and building remediation projects.

• Manage project costs, budgets, forecasts and commercial reporting throughout the project lifecycle.

• Prepare and review cost value reconciliations (CVRs), identifying risks, opportunities and potential margin improvements.

• Manage applications for payment, interim valuations, payment notices and the timely recovery of monies due.

• Identify, price and negotiate variations, compensation events where applicable, and additional works.

• Prepare, negotiate and agree final accounts with clients, main contractors and subcontractors.

• Review contract documentation, identifying commercial risks, liabilities, payment terms and potential areas of exposure.

• Support the procurement of subcontractors, labour, materials and specialist supply chain packages.

• Obtain and assess quotations, negotiate commercial terms and ensure procurement decisions support project profitability.

• Monitor project performance against budgets, tender allowances and agreed commercial targets.

• Work closely with project managers and site teams to ensure costs, progress and variations are accurately recorded.

• Manage contractual correspondence, notices, change control and supporting records in accordance with the relevant contract terms.

• Provide commercial advice to operational teams, helping resolve issues and maintain effective project delivery.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, quantity surveyors, subcontractors, suppliers and other stakeholders.

• Identify opportunities to improve margins, reduce commercial exposure and strengthen financial performance.

• Ensure commercial processes, reporting procedures and contractual requirements are consistently followed.

• Where appropriate, provide guidance and support to junior Quantity Surveyors and contribute to the development of the wider commercial team.

About You

You will be a commercially astute construction professional with a strong background in quantity surveying or commercial management, ideally gained within a specialist subcontractor environment.

You will understand the commercial challenges associated with managing construction packages, including subcontract procurement, payment applications, variations, cost control and final account negotiations.

You will be confident working with operational teams and senior stakeholders, able to challenge costs where necessary and proactive in identifying commercial risks before they affect project profitability.

For candidates applying at Commercial Manager level, the ability to take a broader view of commercial performance, improve processes and support the development of others will be particularly important.

For candidates applying at Senior Quantity Surveyor level, the emphasis will be on strong project-level commercial management and the ability to take ownership of multiple packages or projects independently.

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Proven experience as a Senior Quantity Surveyor, Commercial Manager or similar construction commercial professional.

• Experience working for a specialist contractor within drylining, passive fire protection, firestopping, fire doors, interiors, fit-out or building remediation.

• A strong understanding of construction contracts, including JCT and, where relevant, NEC forms of contract.

• Experience managing project budgets, cost reporting, CVRs and financial forecasts.

• A proven track record in managing valuations, applications for payment, variations and final accounts.

• Experience with subcontractor procurement, supply chain management and commercial negotiations.

• Strong contractual awareness and the ability to identify, assess and manage commercial risks.

• An understanding of project delivery within occupied buildings, refurbishment schemes or complex remediation environments would be advantageous.

• Strong numerical, analytical and problem-solving skills.

• Excellent communication, negotiation and stakeholder management abilities.

• The ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines and maintain accurate commercial records.

• A proactive, organised and commercially focused approach to project management and profitability.

A degree, HNC or HND in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related construction discipline would be advantageous. RICS membership or progress towards professional accreditation would also be beneficial.

Experience managing specialist packages involving fire safety compliance, firestopping, fire door installations or building remediation would be particularly valuable.

What's on Offer?

• The opportunity to join a specialist contractor operating across drylining, passive fire protection and building remediation.

• A varied portfolio of technically challenging construction and fire safety projects.

• The opportunity to take ownership of commercial performance and influence project profitability.

• Close collaboration with senior management and operational delivery teams.

• The chance to contribute to the development of commercial processes and business performance.

• Potential for career progression as the business continues to develop.

• A competitive salary and benefits package, dependent on experience.

Interested?

If you are an experienced Senior Quantity Surveyor or Commercial Manager with a background in specialist construction contracting and are looking for an opportunity to take ownership of commercial performance, manage complex project packages and contribute to business growth, we would welcome a confidential conversation.

Apply today to find out more about this opportunity.