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We are looking for a Commercial Manager to join our team on a major construction project in Bedfordshire.
This is a key leadership role within the project, responsible for driving commercial performance, managing risk and ensuring successful financial outcomes across a significant and complex scheme. Working closely with project leadership, operational teams and the wider commercial function, you will provide strategic commercial oversight while supporting the successful delivery of the project from inception through to completion.
This is an excellent opportunity to be part of a high-profile development, leading commercial activities within a collaborative and high-performing project environment.
What You'll Be Doing
- Leading the commercial management of the project and ensuring robust governance throughout the project lifecycle
- Managing and developing the commercial team, providing leadership, support and mentoring
- Overseeing procurement strategies and subcontractor management activities
- Managing project cost reporting, forecasting, cash flow and commercial performance
- Ensuring effective management of variations, change control and commercial risk
- Supporting contract administration and ensuring contractual compliance
- Working closely with operational, design and planning teams to maximise project performance
- Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, consultants and supply chain partners
- Providing commercial insight and reporting to senior project and business stakeholders
Reasons to use Rodeo
I’m in my final year doing Economics and I don’t know whether to apply for grad schemes now or do a masters first. What do you think?
Honest answer — it depends on where you want to end up. A lot of top grad schemes (Big 4, civil service, banking) don’t need a masters. Let’s look at the ones you’d be competitive for now, and we can decide if a masters actually adds anything.
Also worth knowing: most autumn 2026 applications are open now. Timing matters more than you think.
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Grad scheme, placement, apprenticeship? Not sure what you want yet — that's fine. Your agent talks it through with you and turns "I have no idea" into a shortlist.
Graduate Consultant — 2026 Scheme
Why you're a good match
StrongYour economics background and your summer at a regional bank line up with what PwC looks for on the consulting scheme. Applications close in four weeks.
See breakdownIt searches the market for you
Every day your agent scans the market matching roles against what actually matters to you, not just keywords on a CV.
Why you're a good match
You’ve got the grades and the economics background, and your bank internship is exactly the experience this scheme looks for. Apply soon — deadlines close within the month.
Experience fit
Your summer at the bank plus your econometrics coursework map directly to the day-one responsibilities on this scheme — client modelling, market briefings, and deal support.
Only hits
No noise. No "maybe this fits." Just roles with a clear explanation of why they're right — and where to focus when applying.
What We're Looking For
- Proven experience as a Commercial Manager within the construction industry
- Strong track record of working on major construction projects
- Excellent commercial and contractual knowledge, including cost management and risk management principles
- Experience leading, managing and developing commercial teams
- Strong stakeholder management, negotiation and communication skills
- Ability to manage multiple priorities within a complex project environment
- A proactive, strategic and commercially focused approach
- Relevant commercial, construction or quantity surveying qualifications are desirable
Why Join Wates?


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- Be part of a major, high-profile project in Bedfordshire
- Lead and develop a growing commercial team on a flagship scheme
- Work within a collaborative and high-performing project environment
- Opportunities for career development and progression
- Competitive salary and benefits package, with flexibility where possible
Our Commitments
Wates is proud to be an employer where anyone can thrive, and we welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds. We encourage you to apply even if you don't meet every requirement, as we value transferable skills and assess all applications fairly.
We don't discriminate based on a criminal record; all applications are reviewed on an individual basis against the requirements of the role. Some roles may require additional checks, due to the nature of the work. As a Disability Confident Leader, we offer an interview to applicants with a disability who meet the minimum criteria for the role and opt in to the Disability Confident scheme. Reasonable adjustments are available, please contact us at recruitment@wates.co.uk
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