Commercial Manager
Colas Ltd are a UK subsidiary of the global Colas Group, which operates in over 50 countries worldwide and employs over 55,000 people including over 1500 in the UK across multiple sites. We are specialists in highways construction and have been involved in large-scale UK and international construction projects within the highways, airfields, and marine sectors as well as offering highways maintenance services and manufacturing our own innovative surfacing products. We hold a 'Gold Investor in People' award for continuously developing and rewarding our employees, offering excellent career potential.
Purpose of the role
Colas Ltd. are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to lead the commercial function on a major Highways Term Maintenance Contract in Cheshire West and Chester.
As a Commercial Manager you will take full responsibility for the commercial governance, financial performance, and contractual compliance of a long-term, high-value contract. You will lead and develop a team of Surveyors, ensuring robust commercial controls are in place while fostering strong client relationships and driving sustainable contract performance.
This role is critical to protecting the business, maximising value, and ensuring the successful delivery of contractual obligations.
Main Responsibilities
The Commercial Manager will lead the full commercial lifecycle of a major Highways Term Maintenance Contract, ensuring compliance with contractual requirements and company governance while maximising value and minimising risk. The role will be responsible for developing and implementing effective commercial strategies, providing accurate commercial forecasting and insight, and supporting business planning and decision-making. Responsibilities include managing all aspects of contract and financial control, including monthly CVRs, forecasts, accruals, cost and value reconciliation, change control, compensation events, early warnings, contractual notices, applications for payment, final accounts, and subcontract management. The Commercial Manager will maintain robust cost control and financial discipline, actively manage risk and opportunity registers, and implement proactive mitigation strategies. Acting as the primary commercial point of contact for the client, the role will build strong, collaborative relationships and engage effectively with internal and external stakeholders, representing the commercial function in meetings, progress reviews, and negotiations. In addition, the role will lead, mentor, and develop a team of Quantity Surveyors and commercial professionals, promoting a culture of high performance, accountability, and continuous improvement, while ensuring compliance with company processes, industry legislation, health and safety requirements, and best practice in commercial governance, procurement, and supply chain management.
Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a commercially astute senior leader with significant experience in highways, infrastructure, or civil engineering environments, bringing a strong track record of managing large, long-term contracts. You will have deep knowledge of NEC contracts, excellent commercial and financial acumen, and the ability to manage risk while maximising value. A confident leader and communicator, you will be experienced in building strong client relationships, leading high-performing commercial teams, and operating effectively within complex stakeholder environments. Chartered status and Tier 1 contracting experience are advantageous.
Package Description
Here at Colas, we offer a great total compensation package, including:
- Competitve salary rate PLUS Company Car/Car allowance
- Our Colas Pension Scheme has combined contributions of up to 10%
- Life Assurance Scheme which is x4 basic salary
- 25 days annual leave per year + Public Holidays
- Holiday Purchase & Selling Scheme
- Hybrid Working Scheme (dependent on the role)
- Opportunities to study towards a fully funded Professional Qualification
- Ongoing personal / professional development
- Discounts on car leasing, holidays, cinema tickets, restaurants and much more through our online employee benefits portal
At Colas, our culture is guided by four core values: Respect, Commitment, Pioneering, and Sharing. These values shape how we work, collaborate, and grow together. We believe that respect is the foundation of every relationship. By treating others as we wish to be treated, we foster fairness, transparency, and inclusion within our teams and with our clients, communities, and partners. Commitment means dedicating ourselves fully to everything we do. We strive to create an environment where everyone feels valued, supported, and empowered to make a meaningful impact. With a pioneering spirit, we prioritise bold innovation over blind ambition. We welcome new ideas, invest in our people, and work to deliver sustainable infrastructure solutions that shape the future. Through sharing, we build trust and solidarity, encouraging collaboration and growth at all levels of the business.
Colas Ltd is committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that mirrors the communities we serve. As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you want a workplace where your voice is valued and your potential is developed, Colas is the right choice.
Note to Recruitment Agencies
In line with our Company Policy, Colas Ltd has a preference for direct hiring and we will reach out to our PSL (Preferred Suppliers List) agencies if the role is eligible for release. We do not accept speculative CVs from agencies. If a speculative CV is sent, no fee will be applicable.
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