Commercial Manager

Dartford, London
Daniel Owen Ltd
Commercial Manager – Social Infrastructure (Pre-Construction)

Location: Dartford (Hybrid Working)
Salary: Up to 85,000

I’m currently working with a well-established and growing main contractor that is looking to appoint an experienced Commercial Manager to join its expanding Pre-Construction team. This is an excellent opportunity to play a pivotal role in the early stages of major social infrastructure projects, helping to shape commercial strategy and influence the successful delivery of complex schemes across the South of England.

Working within a collaborative pre-construction environment, you’ll partner closely with bid, design, operational and client teams to develop commercially sound, competitive and deliverable proposals for a diverse portfolio of projects across healthcare, education, residential and wider public sector infrastructure.

The Role

As Commercial Manager, you’ll take ownership of the commercial aspects of pre-construction activities, ensuring robust cost planning, effective risk management and strategic commercial input from project inception through to contract award.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial function across pre-construction activities, including competitive tenders, bids and Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) opportunities.
• Prepare and manage project budgets, detailed cost plans and financial models for complex construction schemes.
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities, developing mitigation strategies to protect project viability.
• Provide commercial guidance and strategic advice to internal stakeholders throughout the bid process.
• Support procurement strategy development and engage with the supply chain to secure best value.
• Prepare and review pricing strategies, tender submissions and contract documentation.
• Ensure compliance with internal governance procedures and commercial best practice.
• Contribute to value engineering and optioneering exercises to maximise project outcomes.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and key delivery partners.

About You

We’re keen to speak with candidates who have:

• Proven experience as a Commercial Manager or Senior Quantity Surveyor, ideally within a pre-construction, estimating or bid environment.
• A successful track record of working on major construction or infrastructure projects valued at 20m+.
• Experience within social infrastructure sectors such as healthcare, education, residential or public sector developments.
• Strong knowledge of procurement routes and standard forms of contract, including NEC and JCT.
• Excellent commercial awareness with the ability to influence key business decisions.
• Strong communication and stakeholder management skills.
• A degree (or equivalent) in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline.
• Professional membership with RICS or an equivalent body would be advantageous.

What’s on Offer

• Salary of up to 85,000 depending on experience.
• Competitive benefits package.
• Hybrid working with a Dartford office base.
• The opportunity to work on high-profile projects that make a real impact within local communities.
• A supportive and collaborative working environment.
• Excellent opportunities for long-term career development within a growing business.

If you’re looking for your next challenge within a forward-thinking pre-construction team and want to be involved in delivering complex, meaningful infrastructure projects, I’d be delighted to discuss this opportunity with you in confidence.