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Commercial Manager
Commercial Manager
- Reports to: Commercial Group Leader
- Location: London - Heathrow
Introduction to the Role
As one of the global market leaders in the design, manufacture, installation and service of automated material handling systems and related services, Vanderlande is renowned for reliable project delivery, innovation, customer focus and strong market awareness. Key markets include Airports, Warehousing and Parcel solutions.
Working within the project execution team, the Commercial Manager will provide professional contract management, procurement, cost control and administration to ensure successful delivery of complex automation system projects in dynamic, evolving, and challenging environments—particularly within airport and parcel sectors.
Key Responsibilities
This role is ideal for strong leaders with:
- A high attention to detail
- Self-driven and motivated organisation
- An enjoyment of challenging situations, committed to seeing projects through to completion
The successful candidate will thrive in dynamic, complex and technical environments while embodying Vanderlande’s core values: ownership, customer reputation, drive to win, teamwork, every-day improvement, safety, and care.
Core Accountabilities
- Commercial Risk Management: Ensure complex projects are cost and change-controlled, mitigating risk via contract interpretation, management, and administration with customers and subcontractors
- Financial Control: Manage project finances through:
- Cash flow and cost forecasting
- Payment applications and billing plans
- Stakeholder Engagement:
- Customers, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders—driving project engagement and delivery against requirements
- Process Improvement: Continuously enhance commercial best practices, encouraging stronger individual and collective project delivery
- Team Development:
- Support upskilling and mentoring of existing commercial teams
- Implement commercial strategies and targets, aligning with Commercial Lead, Project Steering Group, or Project Directorship
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Qualifications & Skills
Essential Experience
- Strong Airport (preferably Heathrow) project experience
- Proficiency in contract types such as NEC3, NEC4, or MF/1
- Commercial management of complex engineering projects (~£10m+ annual revenue)
- Ability to drive and influence teams towards progressive deadlines and programme adherence
Technical & Analytical Skills
- Change control: Mastery of scope adjustments, quantification of compensation events (time/cost implications)
- Programme management: Understanding of project timelines, delays, and schedules
- Supplier & subcontractor relations:
- Effective pre- and post-contract management
- Diplomacy, negotiation, and conflict resolution
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Soft Skills & Attributes
- Exceptional organisation, prioritisation with agility in high-pressure environments
- Ownership and accountability for commercial success within multidisciplinary project teams
- Preference: Membership of professional bodies (RICS, CIOB, or ACostE)
What We Offer
- 28 days annual leave (+ public holidays)
- Bupa Medical Cover
- YuLife Wellbeing Membership:
- Fast-access GP appointments
- Health and wellbeing initiatives
- Daily quests undertaken for YuCoin rewards (redeemable for vouchers)
- Career development in a challenging and progressive working environment
- Cycle-to-Work Scheme
- Pension Scheme with Aviva
- Achievers Employee Recognition Platform – build points redeemable for discounts, gifts and awards
Diversity & Inclusion
Vanderlande is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. Applicants are considered without regard to race, religion, colour, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, martial status or disabilities.
Reasonable adjustements can be made to accommodate applications. If you encounter barriers, we encourage you to discuss them for inclusive support.
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