Senior Commercial Manager
Heathrow Employment & Skills AcademyVanderlande is a global leader in the design, manufacture, installation, and service of advanced automated material handling systems. With a strong presence in key sectors such as Airports, Warehousing, and Parcel logistics, the organisation is widely recognised for its technical innovation, customer-centric approach, and robust project delivery.
A leading global automation specialist is seeking a Senior Commercial Manager to support the delivery of large-scale, high-value infrastructure projects across airport and parcel environments. This role will play a key part in the project execution team, delivering end-to-end commercial leadership across contract management, procurement, cost control, and stakeholder engagement.
This is a role for a commercially sharp, detail-oriented professional who thrives in dynamic and technically complex environments and enjoys mentoring others while driving best-in-class commercial practices.
Key Skills & Responsibilities
Commercial Management & Risk Control
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Lead all commercial aspects of large-scale automation projects (typically £10m+), ensuring contract compliance and effective change control
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Interpret, manage, and administer contracts upstream (clients) and downstream (subcontractors), including NEC3, NEC4, and MF/1 formats
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Identify and mitigate commercial risks while protecting margin and value throughout the project lifecycle
Financial Oversight & Forecasting
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Maintain accurate financial control through budget forecasts, cost reporting, billing plans, and payment applications
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Monitor and report on project cash flow, ensuring financial health and compliance with internal targets
Stakeholder Engagement & Communication
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Build and maintain effective working relationships with clients, suppliers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders
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Represent commercial interests at project meetings and support the Project Manager in strategic decision-making
Change Management & Programme Control
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Manage change control processes, including evaluation of compensation events, scope analysis, and cost/time estimation
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Interpret project programmes and undertake schedule delay analysis to assess impact on commercial performance
Supplier & Subcontractor Oversight
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Oversee supplier and subcontractor relationships from pre- to post-contract stages
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Ensure timely procurement, contract delivery, and dispute resolution when required
Team Leadership & Mentoring
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Support the upskilling and development of the wider Commercial Management team through structured coaching and shared best practice
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Work alongside project steering groups and senior leadership to implement commercial strategies that drive team effectiveness and project success
About You
Essential Skills & Experience
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Proven commercial leadership experience on complex engineering projects valued at £10m+ annually
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Strong knowledge of contract forms, especially NEC3/NEC4 and MF/1
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Experience in the airport sector, ideally including Heathrow-based projects
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Ability to manage project schedules, assess delays, and influence teams to meet programme deadlines
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Skilled in commercial negotiations, conflict resolution, and risk mitigation
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Exceptional organisational abilities in a fast-paced, high-pressure delivery environment
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Experience managing the commercial lifecycle of suppliers and subcontractors
Preferred Qualifications
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Membership of RICS, CIOB, ACostE or similar recognised professional body
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Degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or Construction-related field
About The Company
What’s on Offer
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28 days annual leave (excluding bank holidays)
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Bupa medical cover
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YuLife membership – wellbeing support, rapid GP access, and reward points for healthy activities
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Cycle to Work scheme
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Aviva pension scheme
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Access to Achievers – a global employee recognition platform
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A challenging, dynamic work environment with clear pathways for career progression
Diversity & Inclusion
Vanderlande is an equal opportunities employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, religion, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or background. The organisation is committed to making reasonable adjustments to support applicants throughout the recruitment process.