Commercial Manager Full Time NEW

Ipswich, Suffolk
Conrad Consulting Ltd

Conrad Consulting is proud to be partnering with a leading UK infrastructure contractor to recruit an experienced Commercial Manager for a high-profile opportunity within its Highways division.

This is a rare chance to take on a strategic leadership role, driving the commercial delivery of major National Highways procurement programmes. Working at the forefront of the next generation of highways maintenance contracts, you’ll play a key role in shaping commercial strategy, influencing bid success, and helping secure long-term infrastructure projects that make a real impact.

If you have a Quantity Surveying background, extensive National Highways experience, and thrive in a commercially driven environment, this is an opportunity to make your mark on one of the UK’s most important infrastructure programmes.

The Role

As Commercial Manager, you will lead the commercial function throughout the procurement phase of major highways maintenance contracts, ensuring commercial excellence from initial strategy through to contract award and mobilisation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the commercial strategy for major National Highways procurement opportunities.
• Managing all commercial and contractual aspects of the procurement lifecycle.
• Developing procurement strategies aligned with evolving National Highways frameworks.
• Leading supply chain engagement, procurement, negotiations, and partner selection.
• Supporting bid strategy, pricing, commercial governance, and risk management.
• Working closely with senior operational, bid, and executive teams throughout the tender process.
• Managing NEC contract reviews, commercial structuring, and risk allocation.
• Supporting the transition from procurement into mobilisation and project delivery.
• Driving best practice, commercial innovation, and governance across the business.

About You

We’re looking for a commercially astute professional who can operate confidently at senior leadership level and has a proven track record within the highways sector.

You’ll ideally have:

• A degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related discipline.
• Extensive experience within highways maintenance, civil engineering, or infrastructure.
• Proven experience in a Commercial Manager or Senior Commercial role on National Highways contracts.
• Strong knowledge of National Highways procurement processes and commercial frameworks.
• Experience leading major framework procurements and bid activities.
• Excellent understanding of NEC contracts, particularly Term Service Contracts and performance-based models.
• Strong commercial judgement, strategic thinking, and risk management expertise.
• The ability to build relationships with senior stakeholders and supply chain partners.
• MRICS status is desirable but not essential.

What’s on Offer

This is an outstanding opportunity to join one of the UK’s leading infrastructure businesses at an exciting time of growth and investment. You’ll play a key role in securing nationally significant projects while enjoying genuine career progression, a collaborative working environment, and an excellent benefits package including:

• Competitive salary and performance-related package.
• Company pension scheme.
• Life assurance.
• Private healthcare and wellbeing support, including a 24/7 GP service.
• Employee assistance programme.
• Retail discounts and flexible benefits portal.
• Enhanced family leave policies.
• Cycle to Work and salary sacrifice schemes.
• Ongoing professional development and career progression opportunities.