Commercial Manager

Highfield Professional Solutions Ltd

Job Title: Commercial Manager (Freelance – Inside IR35)
Location: Essex, United Kingdom
Sector: Infrastructure / Highways / Civil Engineering
Project Type: Major Highways & Earthworks Programme
Contract Duration: Immediate start – December 2026

Role Overview

We are seeking a Commercial Manager on a freelance (Inside IR35) basis to manage the commercial function of a major highways and earthworks project in Essex. This is a large-scale infrastructure programme, and the role requires a commercially astute professional with proven Tier 1 contractor experience.
The Commercial Manager will oversee day-to-day commercial operations, ensuring cost control, risk management, and contract compliance, while supporting the project team in delivering on-time, on-budget results.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage all commercial aspects of the project through to completion in 2026.
• Develop and implement commercial strategies in support of project objectives.
• Lead and coordinate the commercial team, including Quantity Surveyors and support staff.
• Monitor and report on project costs, forecasts, and financial performance.
• Administer and manage NEC contracts (NEC3/NEC4), ensuring compliance and timely issue resolution.
• Support commercial negotiations with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Identify, assess, and manage commercial risks and opportunities.
• Implement robust change control and variation management processes.
• Support procurement, subcontractor management, and supply chain engagement.
• Prepare and present commercial reports to project leadership and stakeholders.
• Assist with claims management, dispute resolution, and final account preparation.

Key Requirements

• Proven experience as a Commercial Manager or senior commercial professional on major infrastructure projects.
• Tier 1 contractor experience is essential.
• Experience delivering large-scale highways and/or earthworks schemes.
• Strong knowledge of NEC contracts (NEC3/NEC4).
• Experience managing high-value projects ( 50m+).
• Excellent leadership, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or equivalent.
• Professional membership (RICS, CIOB, or equivalent) desirable.

Contract Details

• Freelance (Inside IR35)
• Competitive day rate (dependent on experience)
• Project-based through to December 2026
• Essex-based with site presence required