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