Head of Commercial - Civil Engineering

Head of Commercial - Civil Engineering

Salary: £70,000 - £90,000 + Package and Benefits Location: Manchester area Position: Full-time, Permanent

Up Front Recruitment is working with a well-established civil engineering contractor that forms part of a wider, respected group. The business has a strong pipeline across highways, civil engineering, surfacing and infrastructure and is looking to appoint a Head of Commercial to take overall commercial responsibility within its civils arm.

This is a senior position reporting directly to the Managing Director and Finance Director, offering genuine influence over commercial strategy, risk, profitability and future planning.

Salary and Package

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£70,000 - £90,000 depending on experience

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Company car or car allowance

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Permanent, full-time position

This is a permanent senior leadership appointment with responsibility for leading the commercial function across the business's civil engineering activities.

About the Company

The company is an established infrastructure services business with roots dating back to 1973. It has developed from a family-owned operation into an experienced contractor delivering civil engineering, highway maintenance, surfacing and related infrastructure services across the North of England.

Its work covers a broad range of environments and sectors, including public highways, private developments, public realm, airfields and other infrastructure projects. The business has particular expertise in highways, drainage, utilities, Section 278 works, excavation and earthworks, concrete and structural works, kerbing, reinstatement and surfacing.

A self-delivery approach is central to the operation, with experienced in-house teams, specialist plant and equipment, and established capabilities around asphalt manufacturing, recycling and recycled aggregates. Projects range from maintenance schemes and highway improvements through to major frameworks and larger, complex infrastructure works, often delivered within live and challenging environments.

The organisation also places significant emphasis on sustainability, incorporating recycled materials and waste-reduction initiatives into its operations while maintaining a strong focus on safety, quality and efficient project delivery.

Why Join Them

For an experienced commercial professional, the attraction is the level of responsibility attached to the position. Rather than operating as one commercial manager within a large hierarchy, the Head of Commercial will be the senior commercial lead for the civils arm, working closely with the MD and FD and having a direct influence on how the business manages risk, margin and growth.

The breadth of the company's civil engineering and infrastructure activities also provides exposure to varied commercial challenges across highways, civils, surfacing and associated works.

About the Role

As Head of Commercial, you will provide commercial leadership across multiple live projects, ensuring effective governance, financial control and contractual management while supporting the senior leadership team with strategic commercial decisions.

Key responsibilities include:

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Lead the commercial function across civils and infrastructure projects

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Oversee CVRs, forecasting, cash flow and financial reporting

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Advise the MD and FD on commercial risk, opportunity and performance

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Support bid strategy, pricing and contract negotiations

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Ensure robust contract management across NEC and JCT forms

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Develop and improve commercial processes, controls and reporting

Candidate Background

The business is looking for a commercially strong civil engineering professional who can operate confidently at senior management level and provide clear, practical advice to company directors.

The ideal background will include:

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Proven senior commercial experience within civil engineering or infrastructure

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Strong understanding of project financial strategy, forecasting and risk

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Experience with CVRs, commercial reporting and margin protection

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Confidence advising Managing Director and Finance Director level

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Strong NEC and JCT contract knowledge

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Previous experience as a Commercial Manager, Senior Quantity Surveyor or Commercial Lead ready to step into a Head of Commercial position

Summary

This Head of Commercial position represents an opportunity to take ownership of the commercial function within an established civil engineering business with substantial experience across the highways and infrastructure sectors.

The successful Head of Commercial will have the authority to influence commercial strategy, strengthen processes and provide senior-level direction as the business continues to develop.

Contact Mark at Up Front Recruitment for more information