Senior Commercial Manager
Workplace Futures Group
Location: Bristol (South West Region)
Reporting To: Commercial Director
Department: Commercial
About Workplace Futures Group
Workplace Futures Group is one of the UK’s leading workplace design, fit-out and construction specialists, delivering innovative commercial environments across the country.
As part of our continued expansion, we are establishing a new Bristol office to support our growing client base across the South West. This exciting growth phase includes the delivery of a landmark commercial office refurbishment project that will establish our presence within the region and create further opportunities for expansion.
We are seeking an experienced Senior Commercial Manager to lead the commercial function for our Bristol operation, providing strategic oversight, commercial leadership and financial control across major refurbishment and fit-out projects.
The Role
The Senior Commercial Manager will be responsible for the commercial success of major commercial office refurbishment and fit-out projects from pre-construction through to final account.
This role will provide leadership across all commercial activities including cost planning, procurement, contract administration, risk management, project forecasting and client commercial management. The successful candidate will act as a trusted advisor to project teams and senior leadership, ensuring projects achieve both commercial and operational objectives.
In addition to project responsibilities, the role will support the growth and development of Workplace Futures Group’s Bristol operation, helping establish robust commercial processes, local supply chain relationships and regional market presence.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Leadership
- Lead the commercial management of major commercial office refurbishment and fit-out projects.
- Provide strategic commercial direction from bid stage through to project completion.
- Drive commercial best practice across all projects and project teams.
- Ensure commercial governance procedures are implemented and maintained.
- Support the Commercial Director in developing regional commercial strategy.
Cost Management & Financial Control
- Maintain full oversight of project budgets, cost reporting and forecasting.
- Monitor project profitability and financial performance.
- Oversee monthly valuations, applications for payment and project cash flow.
- Ensure accurate forecasting of costs, risks and final account positions.
- Identify opportunities to enhance project margin and commercial performance.
Procurement & Supply Chain Management
- Lead procurement activities and subcontractor engagement.
- Develop and maintain relationships with key subcontractors and suppliers across the South West region.
- Review procurement strategies to achieve best value and minimise commercial risk.
- Oversee tendering, package analysis and subcontractor appointment processes.
- Support the establishment of a strong regional supply chain network.
Contract & Risk Management
- Manage contract administration across all projects.
- Provide commercial advice on JCT contracts and associated contractual matters.
- Identify, manage and mitigate commercial and contractual risks.
- Lead negotiations relating to variations, claims and disputes.
- Ensure contractual entitlements are protected throughout the project lifecycle.
Client & Stakeholder Management
- Act as the senior commercial lead in client-facing discussions.
- Build strong relationships with clients, consultants and delivery teams.
- Support project teams in resolving commercial challenges and contractual issues.
- Attend and lead commercial review meetings where required.
- Maintain a collaborative approach that builds long-term client partnerships.
Team Development
- Lead, mentor and develop Commercial Managers, Quantity Surveyors and Assistant Commercial Managers.
- Support succession planning and recruitment as the Bristol office expands.
- Create a high-performance culture focused on accountability, collaboration and continuous improvement.
- Share commercial expertise and best practice across the wider Workplace Futures Group business.
Regional Growth & Bristol Office Development
- Contribute to the successful establishment of Workplace Futures Group’s Bristol office.
- Assist with regional business planning and growth initiatives.
- Support pre-construction and bid activities on strategic opportunities.
- Develop local market intelligence and key industry relationships.
- Act as an ambassador for Workplace Futures Group throughout the South West construction market.
Experience & Qualifications
Essential
- Minimum 10 years’ commercial management experience within the commercial fit-out, refurbishment or construction sector.
- Proven experience managing projects valued between £10m and £50m+.
- Strong understanding of Design & Build and traditional procurement routes.
- Excellent working knowledge of JCT forms of contract.
- Proven experience leading commercial teams across multiple projects.
- Strong financial forecasting, reporting and cost management expertise.
- Exceptional commercial negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Full UK driving licence.
Desirable
- Degree qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or Construction Management.
- Membership of RICS, CIOB or equivalent professional body.
- Experience delivering major city-centre commercial office developments.
- Established network within the Bristol and South West construction market.
- Experience supporting the growth of regional business units or new offices.
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