Commercial Manager

Industry: Mechanical Engineering

Sector Focus: Life Sciences, Semiconductor & Data Centre

Job Title: Commercial Manager

Location: Cork with requirement for site travel

Reports To: Commercial Director

About the Company

MSL Engineering Ltd is a leading Mechanical Engineering contractor delivering complex mechanical systems and process infrastructure projects across the Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical, Semiconductor and Data Centre sectors. We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to lead all commercial aspects of our projects and support the continued growth of the business.

Role Overview

The Commercial Manager will take responsibility for managing the commercial and contractual performance of multiple mechanical engineering projects from tender stage through to final account. The successful candidate will possess strong mechanical construction experience, a solid understanding of Life Science, Data Centre and Semiconductor environments, and a proven ability to maximise project profitability while effectively managing risk.

This is a senior leadership position requiring strong contract management expertise, and the ability to work closely with project delivery teams, clients, subcontractors, and senior management.

Key Responsibilities Commercial Management

• Lead all commercial activities across a portfolio of mechanical engineering projects.
• Manage project budgets, cost controls, cash flow forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Monitor project performance against commercial objectives and identify opportunities to improve margins.
• Prepare monthly cost reports and present commercial performance to senior management.

Contract Management

• Review, negotiate, and administer client and subcontractor contracts.
• Manage contractual risks, change control procedures, and commercial compliance.
• Prepare and submit variations, compensation events, claims, and final accounts.
• Provide commercial guidance to project teams on contractual matters.
• Ensure proper records are maintained to support commercial claims and negotiations.

Project Support

• Work closely with Project Managers and Engineering teams to ensure commercial objectives are achieved.
• Participate in regular project reviews and commercial governance meetings.
• Identify and mitigate risks impacting project costs, programme, or profitability.
• Provide commercial leadership throughout the project lifecycle.

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Build and maintain strong client relationships within the Pharmaceutical, Life Science, and Semiconductor sectors.
• Act as a key commercial interface between clients, consultants, and project teams.
• Lead commercial discussions and negotiations with clients and subcontractors.

Team Leadership

• Mentor and develop Quantity Surveyors and Commercial personnel.
• Promote commercial awareness across project delivery teams.
• Implement best practices and continuous improvement initiatives within the commercial function.

Requirements

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Mechanical Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Minimum 8-10 years' experience in a commercial management, senior quantity surveying, or commercial leadership role.
• Proven experience delivering projects within:
  • Life Sciences
  • Pharmaceutical Manufacturing
  • Semiconductor Facilities
  • Data Centre
• Extensive knowledge of construction contracts
• Experience managing large-scale mechanical projects valued at €5M-€100M+.
• Excellent commercial, financial, and contractual management skills.
• Strong negotiation and stakeholder management abilities.

Desirable

• Chartered status (MRICS, SCSI, CIOB, or equivalent).
• Experience in EPCM and Design & Build project environments.
• Knowledge of Irish, UK, or European industrial construction markets.
• Experience working with multinational pharmaceutical and semiconductor clients.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Performance-related bonus
• Opportunity to work on major Life Science, Data Centre and Semiconductor projects across Europe

MSL Engineering is an equal opportunities employer committed to ensuring our hiring process is fair and accessible to all to participate in the recruitment process. We aim to attract and retain best people and embrace diversity.