Commercial Governance Manager

Commercial Governance Manager – Construction (West)

Primarily site-based (Wigan) with wider regional involvement.

At Wates, we’re looking for a Commercial Governance Manager to join our Construction team in the West – a business known for its collaborative culture, strong relationships, and commitment to doing things the right way. This is a key role where you’ll sit at the centre of our commercial function, helping to ensure robust governance, commercial integrity, and consistency across our projects.

In The West, We Pride Ourselves On Creating An Environment Where People Can Challenge, Collaborate and Grow. You’ll Be Part Of a Team That Is

• Supportive and down-to-earth, with a real “one team” approach
• Open to new ideas and ways of working
• Focused on doing things with integrity and accountability
• Committed to developing and investing in our people

This is an opportunity to take on a role where you can influence how commercial processes are shaped and applied, not just follow them.

As Commercial Governance Manager, you’ll act as a strategic guardian of the commercial lifecycle, working across delivery, finance, and legal teams. You’ll ensure we have the right controls, processes, and insight in place to protect commercial performance, manage risk, and support successful project outcomes.

• Develop and maintain commercial and procurement governance frameworks
• Ensure compliance with corporate and client requirements
• Provide oversight on contract administration (NEC, JCT)
• Lead commercial reporting and KPI tracking, maintaining audit readiness
• Support risk management processes, including bid governance and financial scrutiny
• Oversee controls relating to variations, liabilities, and commercial exposure
• Work closely with estimating, commercial, and operational teams to ensure clear and consistent approaches across projects

Experience in commercial management or quantity surveying within construction or infrastructure.

Strong working knowledge of NEC and/or JCT contracts.

Strong commercial awareness, including forecasting, cost control, and risk management.

Confidence operating across multiple stakeholders and projects.

We’re looking for someone who brings the right mindset as well as experience:

• A sharp eye for detail – able to spot risks and inconsistencies early
• Excellent communication skills – able to influence and challenge constructively
• A calm, considered approach in a fast-paced environment
• A proactive, solutions-focused attitude
• Strong collaboration skills, working effectively across teams
• The confidence to provide clear guidance and governance without slowing delivery

• Competitive salary + bonus
• Car allowance / company car
• Private medical, 8% pension, wellbeing support
• 26 days holiday + bank holidays
• Industry‑leading family leave (26 weeks fully paid maternity / 12 weeks fully paid paternity)
• Ongoing learning and career progression opportunities

At Wates, we’re committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone can thrive. We welcome applications from all backgrounds and encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement.

Help shape how we deliver, not just what we deliver. If you enjoy bringing structure, clarity, and commercial rigour – while working as part of a collaborative and forward-thinking team – we’d love to hear from you.