Commercial Manager / Lead

An established engineering and manufacturing organisation is seeking an experienced Commercial Lead / Commercial Manager to provide commercial leadership across a wide range of projects and contracts. This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially astute individual keen to own a diverse portfolio, influence commercial strategy, and play a pivotal role in the future success of the business.

Location and Working Pattern
Based in Bolton, this is a permanent position working 37 hours per week.
Typical hours are Monday to Thursday, 8:00am – 5:00pm, and Friday, 8:00am – 12:00pm, with home working available most Fridays.

Client Overview
Our client is a leading engineering and manufacturing business delivering innovative solutions across complex and high‑value projects. Renowned for their commitment to quality, collaboration and continuous improvement, they support customers throughout each stage of the project lifecycle.

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial activities across bids, tenders, negotiations, project execution and contract close‑out.
• Review, negotiate and administer customer and supplier contracts.
• Identify, manage and mitigate commercial risks and opportunities.
• Support the preparation of tender submissions, pricing models and commercial strategies.
• Manage change control, contract variations, compensation events and commercial claims.
• Oversee applications for payment, valuations, cashflow and final accounts.
• Monitor project performance, margins and forecasts to align with business objectives.
• Provide commercial guidance to project and operational teams, supporting governance and best practice.

Must‑have Requirements

• Strong commercial and contractual management experience.
• Proven track record managing contracts across the full project lifecycle.
• Knowledge of contract negotiation, risk management and change control processes.
• Experience handling applications for payment, cashflow forecasting and final accounts.
• Sound knowledge of standard forms of contract, including NEC.
• Excellent commercial awareness, business acumen and stakeholder management skills.
• Confident communicator with strong analytical, negotiation and problem‑solving ability.

A degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Engineering, Business or a related field is desirable, as is membership of RICS, CICES or CIPS.

Nice‑to‑have Skills

• Experience working within engineering, manufacturing, construction or infrastructure industries.
• Exposure to commercial leadership within project‑based environments.
• Experience mentoring or supporting members of a commercial team.

Benefits

• 25 days’ annual leave + bank holidays and additional service days
• Healthcare package and company sickness scheme
• Pension scheme (5% salary sacrifice)
• Life assurance
• Professional membership support
• Occupational health and mental wellbeing support, including mental health first aiders
• Free eye tests and contribution towards glasses
• Free fruit, tea and coffee
• On‑site parking

Apply Now
If this opportunity matches your experience and ambition, apply now or send your CV to our recruitment team today.

The NRL Group connect global companies with the right people to bring engineering projects to life. Supporting contracting companies with energy transition plans and working with our clients to create a cleaner, greener future.
 
We welcome applications from every walk of life and are committed to diversity within the industries we support, as a certified Inclusive Recruiter and Armed Forces friendly employer. You can ensure you stay safe when job searching online by visiting the JobsAware website.