Commercial and Cost Manager

Role: Commercial Procurement & Cost Manager

Location: Northfleet, Kent
Salary: £65,000–£75,000 + car allowance
Sector: Construction / Building / Electrical / Repairs & Maintenance

Core purpose of the role

The position is responsible for commercial cost control, procurement, estimating, tendering and supply-chain management, with a strong focus on protecting margins and improving commercial performance.

Main responsibilities

1. Cost & Commercial Management

• Maintain accurate cost information across projects and business activities.
• Compare actual costs against budgets, estimates and contract rates.
• Identify cost risks, variances and opportunities to improve margins.
• Develop reliable cost data and commercial benchmarks.

2. Procurement & Supply Chain

• Develop procurement strategies for materials, equipment and subcontractors.
• Obtain and compare quotations and carry out market testing.
• Negotiate competitive prices and commercial terms.
• Manage supplier/subcontractor performance.

3. Tendering & Pricing

• Provide commercial input into new contract opportunities.
• Develop detailed cost models and tender pricing.
• Use operational data and market intelligence to ensure pricing is competitive and profitable.
• Support business growth through robust commercial proposals.

4. Commercial Improvement & Controls

• Identify opportunities to reduce costs and improve efficiency.
• Develop standard/reusable cost models and benchmarks.
• Introduce and maintain effective commercial controls and governance.
• Analyse performance across contracts.

Essential experience

The ideal candidate should have:

• Strong commercial, Quantity Surveying, estimating or construction procurement experience.
• Experience analysing and managing construction, repairs and maintenance costs.
• Procurement experience covering materials, subcontractors and construction services.
• Experience in repairs & maintenance, planned works or social housing is particularly relevant.
• Understanding of:
• Schedule of Rates
• Target Cost
• Open Book
• Frameworks
• Term Contracts
• Strong negotiation and numerical/analytical skills.
• Advanced Excel capability.
• Full UK driving licence and willingness to travel

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