Senior Commercial Manager

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Company Description

Job Title: Senior Commercial Manager

Division: Water

Location: London

About Us

Ayesa is a global engineering consultancy with over 13,000 employees, where our UK & Ireland business combines international strength with the agility and autonomy of an SME.

With a presence in 40 countries, Ayesa has built a strong international reputation across a diverse range of engineering disciplines. Our expertise includes water and flood infrastructure, transportation, marine and coastal engineering, geoscience, environmental services, energy, and building structures.

Our UK & Ireland teams deliver technically challenging, varied projects that develop broad expertise without confining people to narrow roles - offering the opportunity to make a meaningful local impact while benefiting from the stability, knowledge, and career opportunities of a well-established global organisation.

We're seeking an experienced and strategic Senior Commercial Manager to join our London Water team. You'll oversee the commercial and contractual management of complex engineering projects, lead client negotiations, and mentor project teams to drive performance, profitability, and compliance.

Position

The Opportunity

As Senior Commercial Manager, you'll be the trusted commercial advisor for our UK Water operations-balancing project risk, commercial delivery, and client satisfaction. Working across multidisciplinary design and build programmes, you'll lead commercial strategy, manage contracts, and ensure value is achieved through every stage of project delivery.

You'll work closely with the UK Water Technical Director, Engineers, and Finance teams to deliver commercial best practice that supports both Ayesa's growth and our clients' success.

What You'll Be Doing
• Lead Commercial and Contract Management across a diverse portfolio of infrastructure and engineering projects
• Prepare, review, and negotiate contracts (NEC, FIDIC, JCT, bespoke forms) ensuring risk mitigation and commercial alignment
• Develop and manage project budgets, forecasts, and financial reporting to maintain profitability and cost control
• Support tendering and bid processes including pricing strategies, risk analysis, and contract reviews
• Manage subcontractor procurement, valuations, lead commercial and technical bid analysis and change control procedures
• Work collaboratively with project delivery teams to ensure compliance with commercial processes and governance frameworks
• Provide mentoring, training, and guidance to project managers and quantity surveyors
• Lead commercial audits, claims management, and final account negotiations
• Champion value engineering, sustainability, and continuous improvement in commercial performance

Requirements

What You Bring

Experience & Qualifications:
• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Law, or a related discipline
• 12+ years' commercial experience in infrastructure, engineering, or construction
• Proven expertise in contract administration under NEC and FIDIC frameworks
• Strong background in budget management, cost forecasting, and project financial control
• Chartered or working towards MRICS or equivalent professional qualification

Skills & Strengths
• Excellent commercial acumen with a strategic mindset
• Skilled negotiator with strong stakeholder management abilities
• Clear understanding of UK construction law, procurement, and contract risk management
• Effective communicator and relationship builder across all levels
• Demonstrated leadership in developing commercial teams and improving processes
• Proficient in cost management systems and digital reporting tools

Bonus Points For:
• Experience on large-scale infrastructure or design & build programmes
• Knowledge of public sector frameworks or regulated utility environments
• Experience in supporting carbon-efficient or sustainability-focused procurement

Other information

What's In It for You

• Competitive Salary: We offer a competitive salary package to attract and retain top talent in the industry.
• Flexible Working: Enjoy flexible working hours and hybrid working, allowing you to achieve a better work-life balance.
• Employer Pension Match Scheme: We offer a pension match scheme to help you secure your financial future.
• Income Protection: Receive support in safeguarding your income in the event of illness or injury.
• Life Assurance: Gain peace of mind with life assurance coverage.
• Training and Development Programme: Access a range of training and development opportunities to enhance your skills and advance your career.
• Family & Well-Being Support: Benefit from our Enhanced Maternity & Paternity Benefits and our confidential support services to address personal or professional challenges, included in our Employee Assistance Programme.
• Sports and Social: Engage in our vibrant sports and social activities to foster a sense of community and well-being among our team members.
• Increased Annual Leave: 25 days' annual leave plus statutory bank holidays, enjoy increased annual leave entitlements based on years of service.
• Recognition Awards: Receive recognition for your contributions through our awards program, celebrating achievements and excellence.

We're Inclusive by Design

Ayesa is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We value and celebrate diversity in all its forms, including but not limited to age, disability, gender identity, race, religion or belief, sex, sexual orientation, and socio-economic background or neurodiversity. We believe that a diverse workforce fosters innovation and stronger outcomes. We are committed to inclusive hiring practices, providing reasonable adjustments for applicants and employees with disabilities, and ensuring equal access to opportunities for learning, development, and progression across our organisation.