Commercial Manager - Auckland

Brief

This is an opportunity to step into a senior commercial leadership role with an established specialist construction business delivering complex plumbing and building-services projects across the commercial sector.

As Commercial Manager, you’ll lead the commercial and Quantity Surveying function, overseeing the full project lifecycle from tendering and contract negotiation through to payment claims, project handover and final account close-out.

You’ll have genuine influence across the business, leading a capable QS/commercial team, strengthening commercial processes, supporting operational leaders and working directly with key clients and stakeholders. The role combines strategic oversight with hands-on commercial management, making it well suited to an experienced QS or Commercial Manager who enjoys both leadership and getting into the detail when it matters.

What’s in it for you

• A senior role with real influence over commercial performance, systems and project outcomes.
• The opportunity to lead and develop a QS/commercial team, with scope to improve capability, consistency and accountability.
• Exposure to significant commercial construction projects and complex contractual environments.
• A varied remit spanning tendering, contract reviews, negotiations, payment claims, variations, disputes and final accounts.
• The opportunity to work closely with senior operational leaders and key clients rather than operating in a siloed commercial function.
• A business that is continuing to develop its systems and processes, giving you the opportunity to make a tangible impact rather than simply inherit an established framework.
• A practical, collaborative environment where commercial expertise is valued as part of the wider project team.
• The chance to build strong relationships across the client, project management, site and commercial functions.
• Competitive remuneration aligned with the level of responsibility and experience required.

Non-Negotiables

• Significant Quantity Surveying or commercial management experience within the New Zealand construction industry.
• Proven experience managing commercial functions across multiple projects.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, commercial risk and the New Zealand construction environment.
• Sound working knowledge of the Construction Contracts Act and payment claim processes.
• Demonstrated experience with tendering, pricing, contract reviews, variations, claims, final accounts and commercial negotiations.
• Experience leading, mentoring or managing QS/commercial professionals.
• Strong commercial judgement, with the ability to balance securing work against margin and contractual risk.
• Confident communication and negotiation skills, particularly when dealing with clients and senior stakeholders.
• Strong organisational skills and the ability to manage competing deadlines across multiple projects.
• A proactive approach to identifying commercial risks and resolving issues before they escalate.

Desirables

• Experience within plumbing, mechanical services, building services or another specialist subcontracting environment.
• Experience working across larger-scale commercial construction projects.
• Familiarity with Simpro or comparable construction/project management systems.
• Experience developing commercial processes, reporting frameworks or team KPIs.
• A track record of improving commercial performance, cashflow, claiming or project profitability.
• Experience managing contractual disputes or more complex commercial negotiations.
• Strong client relationships within the Auckland construction market.

Next Steps

If you’re an experienced commercial or QS professional looking for a role where you can influence both people and performance, we’d like to hear from you.
Apply with your CV for a confidential discussion about the opportunity, or get in touch to discuss the role directly and find out whether it aligns with what you’re looking for next. 
catherine@84recruitment.co.nz.