Senior Commercial Manager

Company Description

At Ayesa, we deliver world class infrastructure and engineering projects that shape communities and transform cities. Our Commercial team underpins this success-ensuring financial strength, commercial clarity, and sustainable growth across every project we deliver.

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.

Responsibilities

• 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

• 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 commensurate with skills and experience.
• Hybrid Work Model (2-3 days from home).
• Flexible Hours 37.5 per week (Core: 10am-4pm Mon-Thu, 10am-3pm Fri).
• Professional Development and Chartership Support.
• Employee Assistance Programme (EAP).
• Sustainability & Innovation Focused Culture.
• Generous Annual Leave with Additional Days Based on Service.

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.