Commercial Manager

Description:

THE COMPANY

With a history spanning more than 100 years, the SAUTER Group is a worldwide market-leading specialist in developing, manufacturing, and marketing energy-efficient solutions in Building Management Systems. With innovative technology, our solutions help significantly reduce energy consumption and thus protect the environment. We are proud to be committed to our trademark: “Creating Sustainable Environments”.

OBJECTIVES

The Commercial Manager provides contractual and commercial support to all divisions of Sauter UK and for other Sauter Group companies in the UK (London and Southeast).

The role involves working in close communication with the Senior Management Team and Service and Project Managers, together with the Accounts and Sales teams as necessary.

The position will be based in the Basingstoke office. However, it will be necessary, from time to time, to attend meetings at other locations across the UK. Such meetings may take place at project sites, client offices or the company’s other offices. The majority of such travel will be in and around the London area.

The primary function of the Commercial Manager is to protect the commercial interests of the company.

The position requires the ability to develop and maintain effective client relationships. With strong commercial awareness and client liaison skills, the Commercial Manager will ensure that any contractual issues are handled professionally and in the company’s best interest.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND MAJOR ACTIVITIES

The role involves the following tasks and responsibilities:

- review and negotiate contract terms and conditions and scope of works inclusions contained within sub-contract orders from the company’s clients;

- liaise with the Sales team and Project Managers to ensure that sub-contract orders from the company’s clients properly reflect what has been quoted. Ensure that robust scope of works documents are included within sub-contracts;

- manage the sub-contract order agreement process through to execution, submission and receipt of the final agreed sub-contract documentation;

- ensure that the company’s Project personnel understand and adhere to contractual obligations.

- advise Project Managers on commercial and contractual matters, including, delays, extensions of time, scope and the domestic sub-contract procurement process;

- authorise the use of selected sub-contractors in accordance with the company’s QA procedures.

- advise and/or assist Project Managers with payment issues, variation submissions, variations agreement, other account matters and the resolution of contractual issues and/or disputes. It may be necessary to intervene and lead this process depending on the complexity of the individual issues;

- advise and/or assist Project Managers with their domestic sub-contractors’ accounts. Maintain close dialogue with SAL’s subcontractors and ensure that SAL compiles with contractual and statutory requirements at all times;

- commercial risk management of contracts to minimise the possibility of financial penalty.

- dispute resolution; predominantly through negotiation but with the possibility of using dispute resolution mechanisms.

- preparation, submission, support and agreement of contractual claims.

- advise and/or assist in the preparation and agreement of final accounts.

- draft bespoke agreements as may be required from time to time.

- advise and/or assist the Accounts team with payment issues from the company’s clients and / or sub-contractors;

- produce and issue a monthly report to the Managing Director by the third working day of each month. This report should include commentary on all notable commercial issues (including, but not limited to; new project negotiation, account issues, contractual issues, risks).

- produce and issue to the Sauter head office major projects reports in line with the Sauter Group Major Projects procedure.

PERSON SPECIFICIATION

Essential

* A minimum level of Senior M&E QS experience.

* Well versed in all aspects of M&E Services.

* Familiar with standard forms of Contract and Sub-Contract; typically JCT / NEC / MF1.

* Familiar with the provisions of the Construction Act.

* Strong commercial awareness.

* Good negotiation skills.

* High attention to detail.

* Practical and logical mind and a methodical way of thinking.

* Creative and innovative approach to problem solving.

* The ability to write clear and precise reports and to relate complex information in a simple way to a diverse range of stakeholders.

* Computer literate and familiar with MS Office.

* Able to work to deadlines and under pressure.

* Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.

* Able to represent the company professionally when dealing with clients and others.

Desirable

* Suitable degree qualification.

* Experience in HVAC Controls/BMS industry