Commercial Manager - Kent

Playing a pivotal role in this niche and growing business, the Commercial Manager role will provide leadership to the commercial team with the management responsibility of a very large/complex project (> £30m), or a number of framework contracts and/or multiple projects, driving value added results whilst ensuring appropriate risk and reward mechanisms are in place.

Our client is a recognised leader in modern rail engineering as well as a specialist in operations and management. They have planned, designed and managed the construction of thousands of miles of railway systems, helping their customers to develop the rail industry of the future. From feasibility studies and planning, design and implementation to maintenance and asset management, they provide rail infrastructure services across the lifecycle of rail assets. Their expertise covers track, power, electrification, civils, signalling and railway systems and technologies. They work in partnership with customers and supply chain to develop safe, efficient solutions that are always ‘best for project’. This collaborative approach ultimately leads to improved project delivery and contributes to the industry challenge of providing a more cost effective rail network.

Personal Qualities & Experience

• The determination of the scope of work through interpretation of the contract documents. 
• Financial and commercial control including production of profit and loss, cash flow, KPI and cost to complete statements. 
• Differing standard form contracts used for civil engineering projects, and dealing with key provisions including the rights and obligations of the parties. 
• Contract administration including providing advice on contractual matters and formulating contractual/legal correspondence. 
• Negotiating, settling and agreement of Interim / Final Accounts. 
• Supply chain Procurement and sub-contract administration.
• Understanding business requirements and ensuring contractual arrangements meet the needs of customer.
• Maintaining effective business relationships and communication channels with clients, partners, suppliers and consultants.
• Client commercial satisfaction on the project and implementing policies/procedures to improve sub-standard customer satisfaction and prevent reoccurrence.
• Operating in accordance with customer’s management and information systems; specifically where there is a requirement to collect data, and analyse the needs of clients.
• Holding a detailed working knowledge of systems and commercial business processes and ensures that such systems are maintained and remain fit for purpose in their area of business.
• Ensuring compliance with all legislative and internal policies is achieved and contract processes are diligently followed.
• The successful delivery of KPI targets.
• Leading ongoing liaison with Operations and Finance to monitor WIP and identify, report and redress cost variances.
• Leading and managing the production, monitoring and reporting of budgets, cost to complete exercises and Cost Value reviews for all contracts within area of control.
• Facilitating (in conjunction with Project Director / Manager) the production and timely updating of project risk registers which incorporate cost reduction initiatives and manages the outcomes such that all opportunities and threats are adequately covered.
• The control of all expenditure within their delegated authority against budget and forecast.
• Providing a substantial contribution to the management of contractual and sub-contract disputes and secures resolution of matters that fall within delegated authority.
• Providing accurate and timely reports and management information, on current contracts in accordance with the requirements identified in GMCEs, commercial manuals and other company standards.
• Ensuring that all contract interim and final accounts are processed within the contractual timescales and include all required details.
• Regularly checking that robust procedures are in place to capture Variations, Claims and Compensation Events

Qualifications / Skills

• Full membership of a recognised Professional institution.
• The ability to provide guidance on: 

• Tendering and pre-contract cost analysis. 
• The principles and practices of contract insurance. 
• Risk identification, the use risk registers and how risk is managed. 
• Accounting concepts and the format and preparation of management and company accounts. 
• Cost saving and value engineering techniques. 
• Conflict avoidance, conflict management and dispute resolution procedures.
• Experience of elemental cost analysis of items such as labour, materials, plant, sub-contract and general expenses. 
• Experience of recording Works Progress and their use in determining/evaluating contract change, the effects of delay, prolongation and disruption. 
• Experience of quantification and costing of construction works.