Commercial Manager

OD Group is a leading office interiors company based in the City of London, with a dual focus on both traditional construction and design and build. We have firmly established our brand due to excellent service and a commitment to ongoing innovation, and despite the pandemic are on track for another successful year.

We are currently looking for a talented and driven Commercial Manager to join our Major+ division helping us to successfully delivery projects on time and on budget, maximising our GP and minimising our commercial risk.

Key Responsibilities

1. Commercial Leadership & Strategy

• Oversee the commercial management of multiple projects (Cat A, Cat B, refurbishment schemes).
• Support the Commercial Director in delivering financial targets and margin protection.
• Provide commercial input during tender, value engineering and negotiation stages.
• Contribute to business unit forecasting and financial planning.

2. Cost Management & Budget Control

• Manage project budgets from award through to final account.
• Prepare and review:
• Cost plans
• Cash flow forecasts
• CVRs (Cost Value Reconciliations)
• Profitability reporting
• Identify commercial risks and opportunities.
• Ensure early warning notices and compensation events are managed effectively.

3. Contract Administration

• Administer contracts under JCT, NEC or bespoke forms.
• Ensure contractual compliance across projects.
• Manage variations, change control and extension of time submissions.
• Lead negotiations with clients and subcontractors.

4. Subcontractor Management

• Oversee procurement strategy alongside Pre-Construction.
• Review and approve subcontract packages and appointments.
• Manage payment applications, valuations and final accounts.
• Resolve commercial disputes where required.

5. Risk & Compliance

• Identify and mitigate commercial and financial risk.
• Ensure compliance with company governance and financial controls.
• Support audits and reporting requirements.
• Monitor insurance and bond requirements where applicable.

6. Team Management

• Lead and mentor Apprentice and Assistant Commercial Managers.
• Provide guidance on contract administration and commercial best practice.
• Support development and performance management of the commercial team.

7. Stakeholder Engagement

• Work closely with:
• Construction Directors
• Project Managers
• Design Managers
• Finance Team
• Provide clear commercial reporting to senior leadership.
• Attend client meetings as required.

Person Specification

Essential Experience

• Minimum 5 years’ experience within commercial construction or fit-out.
• Proven experience managing projects up to £10m–£30m+.
• Strong knowledge of JCT contracts.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong negotiation and influencing skills.
• Excellent financial acumen and analytical ability.
• Strong contractual knowledge.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• High attention to detail with strategic oversight capability.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)

• Project profitability and margin protection.
• Accuracy of forecasting and reporting.
• Timely agreement of variations and final accounts.
• Subcontractor performance and commercial compliance.
• Reduction of commercial risk exposure.