Commercial Manager (Cost and Contracts Manager)

Location: UK Port Locations Onsite with some travel and flexibility
Contract: Permanent

The Opportunity

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to join a major ports and infrastructure organisation, supporting the delivery of significant capital investment and port development projects across a multi-site portfolio.

This is a high-profile role where you will provide commercial leadership, cost control and contract management expertise across a range of infrastructure developments. Working closely with project teams and key stakeholders, you will help ensure projects are commercially robust, appropriately governed and successfully delivered against strategic investment objectives.

The position offers the opportunity to influence major infrastructure investment decisions while contributing to the development and enhancement of critical port assets that support trade, logistics and regional economic growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Act as the commercial lead across a portfolio of port infrastructure and development projects.
• Drive capital planning, budget forecasting and investment approval processes.
• Monitor project and programme expenditure against approved budgets and business cases.
• Identify commercial risks, opportunities and cost variances, providing recommendations to stakeholders.
• Manage contractual matters including change control, claims management and final account negotiations.
• Support procurement activities, tender evaluations and contractor selection processes.
• Prepare commercial reports and updates for project boards and senior leadership teams.
• Support robust commercial governance throughout the project lifecycle.

The Role

This position sits at the centre of major port infrastructure investment programmes, providing exposure to a diverse range of developments, asset improvement initiatives and capital projects.
You will work closely with Project Managers, consultants, contractors and senior leaders, helping to shape investment decisions and ensure long-term value is achieved from capital expenditure programmes.
Regular travel to port facilities and project sites will form part of the role, providing direct exposure to infrastructure developments and operational environments.

About You

You are a commercially focused professional with strong analytical ability and experience within complex project environments.
You will be comfortable working with a wide range of stakeholders and able to balance commercial rigour with collaborative working.
Key attributes include:

• Strong commercial awareness and business acumen.
• Excellent financial and analytical skills.
• Effective stakeholder management and communication abilities.
• Confidence to challenge and influence decision-making constructively.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and competing deadlines.
• Conscientious approach with a focus on accuracy and governance.

Essential Experience & Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent qualification in a relevant discipline.
• Experience within commercial management, quantity surveying or contract administration.
• Strong understanding of cost management, commercial controls and financial reporting within capital projects.
• Knowledge of procurement processes and contract management principles.
• Experience working with NEC contracts, ideally NEC ECC.
• Strong commercial and financial data analysis capabilities.
• Full driving licence and willingness to travel as required.

Benefits

A competitive package is available including:

• Pension provision
• Life assurance
• Wellbeing and healthcare benefits
• Enhanced parental leave
• Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional development a

  About Us

  We are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive community. In line with our Diversity and Inclusion policy, we welcome applications from all qualified individuals, regardless of age, gender, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or disability. As a Disability Confident Employer, and part of the Nicholas Associates Group, we are committed to supporting candidates with disabilities, and we're happy to discuss flexible working options.

  We are committed to protecting the privacy of all our candidates and clients. If you choose to apply, your information will be processed in accordance with the Nicholas Associates Group of companies Privacy Notice.