Commercial Manager

Ipswich, Suffolk
Serve Talent
Job Title: Commercial Manager
Location: Ipswich, Suffolk (with UK and occasional international travel)
Salary: Competitive
Contract: Full-time, permanent
Hours: Monday to Friday, 9.00am – 5.00pm (37.5 hours per week)
The Opportunity
An established and highly respected engineering and manufacturing organisation based in Suffolk is seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to lead the commercial and contractual side of its project portfolio.
The business specialises in bespoke power generation equipment for the marine and industrial sectors, alongside engine service, overhaul and testing. With over 80 years of experience, its in-house engineering design, fabrication, manufacturing and finishing teams deliver power generation solutions to customers worldwide, across sectors including defence, healthcare and utilities.
This is an excellent opportunity to take ownership of the commercial function within a practical, hands-on, mid-sized engineering business, working directly alongside the Managing Director and a small senior team.

The Role
As Commercial Manager, you will lead the commercial and contractual aspects of bespoke marine and industrial power generation projects, from tender through delivery and close-out. You will protect margin, cash flow and the company’s contractual position, working closely with Sales, Engineering, Projects, Procurement, Operations and Finance.
Key responsibilities will include:

• Owning and maintaining the sales forecast, ensuring it is accurate, current and aligned with business priorities
• Controlling stock levels in line with trading requirements and the sales forecast, balancing availability, working capital and obsolescence risk
• Validating pricing, margins, payment profiles, assumptions and commercial risks
• Negotiating customer, supplier and sub-contractor terms within agreed authority limits
• Supporting a clear commercial handover from sales to project delivery
• Monitoring project margin, cash flow, variations, claims, invoicing and forecast outcomes
• Completing post-project analysis covering final margin, commercial performance, lessons learned and improvement actions
• Ensuring contractual notices, records and approvals are complete and issued on time
• Identifying and escalating material risks, and supporting the practical resolution of disputes
• Providing concise commercial reporting to the Managing Director and leadership team
• Maintaining proportionate commercial controls suited to the size of the business

About You
The successful candidate is likely to have:

• Commercial or contracts management experience in engineering, manufacturing, marine, energy or capital equipment
• Experience of project-based contracts, tender pricing, margin control and cash management
• A strong understanding of contractual risk, scope changes, variations and claims
• Confident negotiation and communication skills, with the ability to influence technical and operational colleagues
• Strong commercial judgement, attention to detail and a practical, hands-on approach to owning issues
• The ability to balance risk, customer relationships and profitable delivery while managing several live priorities
• A commercial, legal, business or engineering qualification (desirable – practical experience is equally valued)
• Marine, industrial power generation, export or international trade experience (advantageous)
• Flexibility around major tenders, negotiations and project milestones

Candidates must already hold the Right to Work in the UK, as sponsorship is not available for this position.
What’s on Offer

• Competitive salary with annual pay reviews
• Workplace pension
• Life assurance / death in service benefit
• Discretionary sick pay
• Free on-site parking
• Employee Assistance Programme
• A modern, friendly and team-focused working environment
• Optional charity and company events

If you feel you have the relevant skills and experience, please submit your CV for consideration.