Commercial Manager

Part of the Volker Wessels UK Group, Volker Stevin is an industry-leading civil engineering business, providing complex and innovative engineering solutions across a wide range of sectors including maritime, flood risk management, defence, energy, water and regeneration. By collaborating with the specialist skills of the group’s business units, we deliver a truly integrated, multidisciplinary service.

Volker Stevin is looking to appoint a Commercial Manager out of the Preston area to take responsibility for our C2V Lake District portfolio. The Commercial Manager (CM) is accountable for the successful delivery of the business, covering business development, work winning, resourcing, project delivery, and client/subcontractor relationships. They provide high‑level commercial and contractual support and report to, and are supported by, the Sector Commercial director (SCD).

• Demonstrate a commitment to collaborative behaviour including developing effective client relationships
• Support, advise, develop and train all members of the team on commercial matters
• Mentor and develop the surveyors within the project/framework team

• Build and maintain strong client relationships to drive repeat and framework opportunities
• Provide commercial input to bids, reducing risk and maximising opportunities
• Review contract terms, pricing strategies, and scope for accuracy and competitiveness
• Support and lead bid teams, taking ownership of commercial and contractual elements
• Obtain and incorporate legal advice on tender terms where required

• Review and ensure alignment of the main contract with the tender and confirm execution
• Establish the commercial structure and strategy for project delivery
• Ensure teams fully understand contractual obligations, pricing, risks, and scope
• Review initial P&L forecasts and set margin improvement plans
• Oversee procurement strategy, including subcontracting and self‑delivery split

• Implement and monitor procurement strategy and schedule
• Ensure timely placement of subcontract orders and maximise value opportunities
• Reporting and commercial control
• Oversee forecasting, cost/value reporting, cash flow, and risk management
• Manage change control and resolve unagreed variations promptly
• Ensure accurate reporting, WIP control, and adherence to company policies
• Commercial oversight
• Conduct monthly project health checks
• Ensure projects remain cash positive and financially compliant
• Support dispute resolution and reporting to senior leadership

• Ensure alignment between forecasts, contracts, and programmes
• Promote strong programme awareness and contract compliance

• Close out contracts and final accounts in a timely manner
• Capture lessons learned and feed back into the business

• Accomplished course by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) or the Chartered Institution of Civil Engineering Surveyors (ICES)
• Alternatively, a degree with some numerical or technical background is advantageous
• Relevant HND subjects include building/construction, urban and land studies, civil engineering and structural engineering
• Adequate experience as an MQS or CM level

• A degree in QS and relevant experience obtained

• Competitive salary
• Competitive annual leave and an additional day off on your birthday
• Option to buy additional annual leave
• Private medical care
• Pension
• Life assurance
• Cycle to work scheme
• Shopping and restaurant vouchers, rewards, and discounts
• Training and development opportunities – comprehensive skills‑based training
• Family‑friendly policies including enhanced maternity benefits
• Employee assistance
• Flexible working opportunities programme
• Mental health, physical health, and financial support
• 24/7 virtual GP service