Commercial Manager

Job Description

Location: Cumbria Salary: Competitive | Hybrid | Full‑time

At United Utilities, we’re building a stronger, greener and healthier future for the North West — and we need commercially sharp, construction‑savvy leaders to help us deliver it.

As a FTSE 100 organisation driving one of the UK’s most ambitious infrastructure programmes, we’re looking for an experienced Commercial Manager with a deep Quantity Surveying background and a passion for delivering value, driving performance and shaping commercial strategy across major construction projects.

If you thrive in fast‑paced environments, love solving complex commercial challenges and want to influence projects that genuinely benefit communities and the environment, this is your next big move.

Why Join Us?

You’ll be stepping into a role where your commercial expertise directly shapes the success of our Better Rivers Programme, one of the most high‑profile and transformative initiatives in the region.

You’ll enjoy:

• 26 days annual leave (rising to 30) + bank holidays
• Up to 14% employer pension contribution
• £5,000 car cash allowance
• Up to 20% performance‑related bonus
• Company‑funded healthcare plan
• Flexible hybrid working
• A culture that values innovation, collaboration and professional growth

This is a place where commercial professionals can truly make their mark.

What you'll be leading

As a Commercial Manager, you’ll be the commercial heartbeat of your County area — guiding strategy, shaping supplier relationships and ensuring our construction delivery is efficient, compliant and commercially robust.

Strategic Commercial Leadership

• Drive the development and execution of category and sourcing strategies across major construction spend areas.
• Influence specifications, supply models and sourcing decisions to maximise value, innovation and efficiency.
• Embed strong commercial governance and ensure contracts deliver throughout their lifecycle.

Stakeholder Influence & Collaboration

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior leaders across Water and Wastewater operations.

• Build strong relationships across engineering, operations, procurement and delivery teams.

• Align business strategy with category plans and commercial priorities.

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and motivate a team of QSs and Senior QSs within your County.

• Provide coaching, direction and commercial expertise to support their development.

• Work closely with the central MQS to ensure consistency, compliance and NEC4 best practice.

Supplier & Contract Performance

• Drive supplier performance, challenge inefficiencies and ensure commercial outcomes are achieved.

• Manage complex commercial relationships and conflicting priorities across multiple stakeholders.

Support the implementation of new commercial models and deliver measurable savings and improvements

What you'll bring

We’re looking for a commercially confident leader with a strong construction pedigree.

You’ll need:

• A solid Quantity Surveying background with experience managing commercial activity across construction or infrastructure projects.
• Strong understanding of NEC4 and contract management best practice.
• Experience influencing senior stakeholders and driving commercial strategy.
• Proven ability to deliver savings, improve performance and implement change.
• Experience in SRM, contract governance and cross‑functional collaboration.
• A relevant qualification such as RICS, CIPS, MBA or MSc (preferred but not essential).

This role is perfect for someone who has mastered the QS craft and is ready to step into a broader, more strategic commercial leadership position.

About the Better Rivers Team

• You’ll be embedded within the Better Rivers Programme, ensuring commercial strategy aligns with delivery.

• You’ll work within the County Model, collaborating closely with delivery teams and supply chain partners.

• Each County team includes a Commercial Manager, SQSs and QSs, supported by a central MQS for consistency and NEC4 compliance.

• You’ll lead your County’s commercial activity and play a key role in shaping its success.

Impact

Ready to Lead Commercial Excellence in a Major Infrastructure Programme?

If you’re an experienced QS‑driven commercial professional who wants to influence major construction delivery, lead talented teams and shape the future of the North West’s water infrastructure, we’d love to hear from you.

This is your chance to step into a role with purpose, scale and impact.