Senior Commercial Manager

Established in 2013, Sapphire Utility Solutions has quickly become the partner of choice for many clients across the UK in our chosen markets.

We provide award winning services to the clean water, wastewater, gas, digital networks, and highways sector and are passionate about working alongside our client’s and partners to maintain the utility services essential to modern life.

About the Role:

Sapphire Utility Solutions are looking for a Senior Commercial Manager for our United Utilities Contract.

Salary:  TBC

What we offer:

• Holidays package 


• Pension Scheme


• Company Car


• Death in Service

Responsibilities:

• Lead negotiations of complex contracts.


• Manage internal and external stakeholder relationships


• Carry out negotiations with customers on contract terms, valuation of works, and final account settlement.


• Attend & Present contract reviews to Internal & External stakeholders


• Ensure terms mitigate risks, protect margin, and comply with legal frameworks


• Monitor contract performance and resolve disputes/claims


• Oversee budgets, forecasts, cash flow, and profitability across projects


• Conduct value engineering and commercial risk reviews


• Work closely with finance and project teams to track cost vs. value


• Manage procurement of subcontractors, suppliers, and services


• Develop strategic partnerships and long-term supplier relationships


• Identify and manage commercial risks (contractual, regulatory, financial)

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Experience/key skills needed for the role:

• Significant experience of responsibility for the commercial performance of Utility projects


• ​Strong knowledge of standard forms of contract.


• Skilled in contract negotiation, interpretation, claims, and dispute resolution


• Able to ensure contract compliance and limit commercial exposure


• Experience managing project budgets, cash flow, and forecasts


• Understanding of cost value reconciliation (CVR).


• Ability to optimise margins and drive profitability


• Capable of leading and mentoring a large team

What you will get in return:

In joining Sapphire Utility Solutions as part of the Lanes Group - the UK’s largest independent provider, we are committed to fostering a workplace culture that prioritises the well-being, growth, and safety of our employees. Through continuous training, professional development opportunities, and a supportive environment that values every individual's unique contribution, we empower our team to uphold the highest standards of integrity, collaboration, and inclusivity.

The Lanes Group plc comprises of a range of established service providers subsidiaries, which complement the specialist service of Lanes, by both work type and geography. Increasing our overall capability, assets and offering to our customers.

We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from under-represented members of the community

Strictly no agencies please

LAN