The posting
Lanes Group is a leading nationwide utility services provider with c.5000 dedicated employees. Our diverse subsidiaries drive our success across various sectors, contributing to a remarkable turnover of over £650 million. We are committed to excellence and innovation, ensuring we provide industry leading services to our clients and stakeholders. Join us to be part of a dynamic and growing team that values diversity and fosters professional growth.
Department:
Sapphire Utility Solutions, a Lanes Group Company specialise in multiple divisions.
Commercial works closely with operational, delivery, and support teams across the business, providing commercial oversight, contract management, financial control, and strategic guidance to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, profitably, and in line with contractual obligations.
The team is responsible for protecting and enhancing business value through effective cost management, risk mitigation, procurement support, and stakeholder engagement. By driving commercial best practice and informed decision-making, they help maximise project performance, support sustainable growth, and ensure the business delivers outstanding outcomes for customers and partners.
Purpose of the role:
As the Commercial Assistant, you will play a key role within the Yorkshire Water Capital Works Framework Contract, reporting directly to the Commercial Manager.
This is an excellent opportunity for someone with strong analytical and organisational skills who enjoys working in a fast-paced, detail-focused environment. You will play a key role in ensuring the accuracy, transparency, and efficiency of cost management across our projects, working closely with Quantity Surveyors, Project Managers, and our clients.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage the monthly cost verification and reconciliation process, ensuring all Defined Costs are fully evidenced and compliant with the contract process.
- Assist with weekly Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) processes, check labour, plant, and material costs.
- Help prepare monthly Applications for Payment (AFPs).
- Support the Quantity Surveyor with subcontractor applications and payment notices.
- Work with the Quantity Surveyor to manage, log, and close out cost client queries.
- Maintain commercial registers, risk logs, document control systems, and internal database updates.
- Gather data for monthly commercial reports, draft meeting minutes, track action items, and liaise with site engineers, clients, and suppliers.
- Uphold the highest standards of accuracy, integrity, and confidentiality in all commercial records.
Key Requirements
Skills & Experience:
- Strong Excel and data management skills; confident handling cost and invoice information.
- Excellent attention to detail and organisational ability.
- Previous experience working in a commercial, accounting or finance team.
- Understanding (or willingness to learn) the principles of the NEC4 contract, particularly Options A, B & E.
- Ability to work effectively in a team and communicate clearly with commercial and operational colleagues.
Desirable:
- Experience working in a construction, utilities, or engineering environment.
- Working knowledge of cost management systems (e.g. RedSky, D365).
- Exposure to cost-reimbursable or open-book contract environments.
Living the Company Values
By embedding our companies core values and purpose into each role, ensures that every employee, regardless of their role or level, understands how their individual development and contributions align with our purpose of ‘improving today for a better tomorrow’.
Each role and value has an alignment to set proficiency levels and expectations; this role holder is expected to:
- Leading: Acts as a role model, shaping the learning agenda and influencing change.
- Agile: Anticipates learning needs, adjusts quickly to changing operational contexts.
- Nurturing: Supports the development of others through coaching and structured development plans.
- Engaging: Inspires and motivates learners, builds trust and credibility
- Safe & Secure: Ensures all learning is aligned to safety and compliance standards.
Your Contribution to the company:
- Strive to be always positive and constructive
- Adhere to all company policies
- Straight talking about the facts of the situation – open discussions are the best way to find solutions
- Help others through communicating clearly
- Deliver on commitments
- Ensure that any ideas that may enhance the productivity or systems of the company are brought to the attention of Senior Management, or your colleagues
- Deliver our Company Values understanding that by working together in unity we are ‘Stronger Together’
Equality, Diversion & Inclusion
At Lanes Group, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace where everyone feels valued and empowered. We believe that our differences make us stronger and are committed to providing equal opportunities for all employees. We welcome and encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including those from underrepresented groups. Join us in our commitment to creating a more inclusive and diverse world.
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