The posting
Closing Date
2026-12-31
Job Title: Commercial Manager (Senior Quantity Surveyor)
Location: Chichester, Worthing
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37
Salary: Competitive – to be discussed at interview
About the role:
Southern Water’s Commercial Management discipline leads the effective and efficient delivery and management of commercial operations and provides commercial assurance to infrastructure projects, including the tracking of variations and resolution of commercial risks and issues.
What you will be responsible for:
The Commercial Manager supports the Senior Commercial Manager within a specified directorate to deliver pre and post contract processes for high value contracts.
They must act as a commercial business partner and be considered an expert and trusted advisor whilst providing cost management services, commercial support pre-contract award, contractual compliance, and dispute resolution, enabling Southern Water to extract maximum value from its construction contracts.
- Support the Senior Commercial Manager in delivery of commercial management services to our NEC 4 Networks and Capital Delivery Frameworks
- Operate within our market leading commercial/cost management, pre and post contract best practices and techniques.
- Work closely with Procurement, Project and Field Managers to provide pre-contract capabilities, including support on contract strategy, contract creation, pre-contract assurance and agreement
- Align commercial management activity with quality management and other audits undertaken, liaising with appropriate stakeholders to drive efficiency and ensure audit activity reflects contractual pricing, terms, conditions, and service delivery specification.
- Develop and implement standardised audit/site visit procedures, undertake targeted ad hoc audits, and support auditors on site visits, using expertise to drive value-add activities.
- Work with Project/Field Managers and contractors to support setting of target costs/fixed prices as appropriate for the contract form.
- Work with Project Managers, Engineers, Contract and Supplier Managers, Contract Owners, and contractors to identify business process/project/contract risks and implement appropriate mitigating actions.
- Provide Project Managers with commercial guidance and advice, including managing contract difficulties/cost variance, inadequate contract performance, and emerging issues, minimising commercial impact to Southern Water.
What you’ll bring to the role:
Knowledge/experience:
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in quantity surveying or a similar discipline
- Solid commercial management experience, preferably in a water or utilities industry
- Knowledge of the standard forms of contract and NEC in particular
- Professional qualification and full membership is desirable (e.g. MRICS), or the candidate should have a plan in place to achieve full membership.
- Microsoft Office suite including advanced MS Excel and PowerPoint
- Significant experience of cost management and/or quantity surveying for large projects or framework arrangements
- Experience of supplier/contractor relationship management
- Experience of risk identification and management
- Experience and knowledge of contract terms and conditions, project lifecycles and commercial models
- Experience monitoring and assuring compliance with internal governance procedures
- Experience delivering continued improvement to commercial processes and procedures, and supporting transformation activities
Capability:
- Excellent communication skills – including verbal, written and presenting to a group
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders
- Ability to demonstrate a proactive/can do style of work
- Continuous improvement mindset
- Highly organised with the ability to multi-task
- Ability to build sustainable relationships as a trusted advisor
- Strong commercial acumen and problem-solving, and excellent analytical and data presentation skills
- Strong ability to deliver against financial targets and timescales
- Ability to manage commercial performance and cost drivers in a complex environment
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
You will be joining at a time of significant change, working alongside a highly skilled leadership team with a clear vision for the future. We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation
“Your potential matters more than a perfect checklist. If this role excites you and you believe you can make an impact, we want to hear from you! Skills can be learned—passion, drive, and fresh perspectives are what truly set candidates apart. Don’t hesitate—take the leap and apply!”
If this role isn’t quite what you’re looking for but are keen to be contacted about opportunities at Southern Water, you can register your details here: Introduce Yourself (myworkdaysite.com- Introduce Yourself)
Our Commitment to Diversity
We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic.
If you need reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.
Additional information:
In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.
Appointment to this role is subject to the successful completion of all pre‑employment checks, including security vetting.
Please note that if a candidate does not meet the required security standards or fails to pass the vetting process, Southern Water reserves the right to withdraw the offer of employment.
Some positions may also require higher levels of security vetting, which may involve providing additional documentation.
