The Role
At South West Water we believe that the strongest businesses are built on solid, stable foundations - with a vision and a culture that gives them the freedom to change, improve and innovate.
We’re proud to be responsible for providing reliable, efficient and high-quality drinking water and wastewater services for the beautiful South West area.
And we have huge ambitions.
Not only are we committed to reaching net-zero by 2030, but we’ve also partnered with Wildlife Trusts, National Parks and local partners to help ensure a better future for generations to come.
So, if you want to be part of a diverse team where opportunities flow and fresh ideas are welcomed, #JustAddWater.
We have an exciting opportunity for Commercial Managers to join our team in Exeter.
This is a full-time, permanent position offering a competitive salary of £52,000 – £60,000 per annum, plus a relocation package of up to £8,000 (subject to eligibility), alongside excellent benefits and development opportunities within our established Engineering team.
About the Role
You’ll be joining South West Water at a pivotal time as we support the newly formed amplify alliance—an ambitious partnership driving the successful delivery of our £3bn AMP8 capital programme.
As a Commercial Manager, you will play a critical role in managing a portfolio of NEC3 and NEC4 contracts, supporting both infrastructure and non-infrastructure schemes—from minor capital maintenance to high-profile, industry-leading projects.
Your primary responsibility will be to lead the commercial process throughout the entire project lifecycle—ensuring that contracts are delivered on time, within budget, and to the required standard. A key part of your role will also involve fostering strong, collaborative relationships with our Delivery Partners to support programme success.
What you'll be doing:
- Provide a high level of expertise in NEC3 and NEC4 contracts as a key member of the Client’s ‘centre of excellence’ in contract management.
- Manage the full lifecycle of NEC contracts using contract administration platforms, from pre-contract award through to final account.
- Provide sound commercial advice on sourcing strategies, procurement events, and framework call-off contract awards to ensure value for money and optimal supplier selection.
- Negotiate and agree target prices, ensuring contract risk registers are appropriate, updated, and risks are allocated correctly to contracted parties.
- Support effective and efficient contract management by enforcing governance, improving documentation and processes in collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.
- Track and report key performance metrics, contract awards, and delivery partner analysis to ensure performance visibility and commercial insight.
- Develop and manage performance indicators and continuous improvement systems, including open book processes, cost benchmarking, and value-for-money assessments.
- Collect, analyse, and apply unit cost data in line with organisational methodology to support accurate estimating and optioneering for capital schemes.
- Liaise with the Group Procurement team to ensure compliance with company procedures and integration with wider contractual arrangements.
- Provide contract packaging strategies that promote clarity, efficiency, and measurable outcomes.
- Maintain strong control over early warnings, compensation events, and the change control process to manage risk and cost exposure.
- Support the Lead Commercial Manager and wider management team with reporting, advice, and recommendations for improvements across all contract activities.
What we're looking for:
- Proven experience as a QS/Contract/Commercial Manager
- A Civil/Commercial/Quantity Surveying degree or equivalent
- Strong commercial awareness and a demonstrable history of adding significant value
- Extensive knowledge and experience of construction contracts, cost management and estimating, ideally water/utility industry or a similar capital-intensive client.
- Advanced analytical skills
- Microsoft Office skills, particularly in Excel/Word/Outlook
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills with a confident, articulate, and approachable manner.
- RICS accredited (or evidence of working towards)
- A full UK driving licence
What's in it for you:
- We know that the support and commitment of our staff is key to our success so you will receive the opportunity for ongoing development and training for a long-term career with us. We’re one of the largest companies in the South West and are proud to have been awarded Investors in People recognition. In return, we offer an excellent range of benefits including:
- Generous holiday allowance plus bank holidays
- A discretionary Bonus
- Competitive Contributory Pension
- Share-save Scheme
- Various health benefits
- Wellbeing support programmes
- A range of Group Discounts
- Cycle to Work Scheme
- Financial support services
- And plenty more!
Closing Date: 8th May 2025
Be yourself, we like it that way. Together, we will build a culture of belonging, where inclusion is instinctive. Diversity is our strength and a reflection of our communities. We care, we value everyone, we celebrate uniqueness.
Our core values which are essential to our success are:
Be Rock Solid - Build trust and be trusted. Be the one we all look to and can depend on.
Be You - We want you to bring your best everyday. Be yourself and make your mark in your individual way.
Be the Future - Embrace change. Drive Progress. Own the challenge.
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The Company
What We Do
South West Water is part of Pennon Group plc. We provide reliable, efficient and high quality drinking water and waste water services throughout Cornwall and Devon and in small areas of Dorset and Somerset. We also look after the region's bathing waters and coastline.
South West Water came into being in 1989 with the privatisation of the water industry. We inherited a water system suffering from a century of neglect but, thanks to the tireless work of our 1,300 employees, have brought the region's drinking water, sewerage systems and bathing waters into line with the stringent UK and European Union standards.
This extensive programme of environmental improvement has resulted in some of the finest bathing waters in Europe, picturesque scenery and clean rivers with stunning wildlife.
We believe that by investing in the future of our region, we are not only improving the quality of life for today's residents and visitors but are also taking responsibility for future generations.
