Commercial Manager | Canterbury

Job Description

About National Group Ltd

National Group Ltd delivers facilities maintenance services and capital works across New Zealand for organisations with nationwide property portfolios.

We partner with major brands including Fonterra, Bank of New Zealand, Department of Conservation, and the Ministry of Justice, providing consistent, high-quality outcomes from Kaitaia to Invercargill.

With our national footprint continuing to expand, we offer flexibility in location, with opportunities available in our Head Office in Oamaru, or in our Christchurch or Auckland branches.

The Opportunity

We are seeking a commercially astute and detail-oriented Commercial Manager to work in our Pre-Construction team, assisting with estimating, planning and commercial governance across our capital projects division.

This is a permanent, office-based leadership role suited to someone who thrives at the front end of projects — shaping scope, protecting margin and ensuring commercial clarity before delivery begins — while remaining actively involved throughout project execution to support successful financial outcomes.

Reporting to the National Operations Manager, this role includes a blend of estimating, commercial management and construction interface responsibilities. You will lead the QS function while working closely with Client Relations and Project Managers to ensure projects are strategically priced, commercially robust and positioned for seamless handover into delivery.

Beyond pre-construction, you will provide ongoing commercial oversight and advisory support to live projects, helping ensure cost control, contractual compliance and margin protection through to final account.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Construction & Estimating

• Lead detailed estimates, BOQs and tenders
• Manage end-to-end quoting, feasibility and cost planning
• Review drawings and specifications to ensure accurate pricing
• Set strategic pricing aligned to market conditions and margins
• Partner with Project Managers to ensure projects are scoped and delivery-ready

Commercial & Financial Oversight

• Prepare cost plans, forecasts and month-end reporting
• Oversee live project performance to protect margins
• Monitor budgets, costs and risk exposure
• Support financial tracking and cost-to-complete analysis
• Review head contract payment applications

Contracts & Procurement

• Lead subcontractor procurement and negotiations
• Manage contracts, variations, claims and final accounts
• Align contract terms with project and company objectives
• Identify and manage commercial and contractual risk

Leadership & Collaboration

• Lead the QS function and provide commercial guidance
• Ensure clear reporting to operations and senior leadership
• Support smooth transition from pre-construction to delivery
• Act as commercial partner to Project Managers
• Maintain legal, regulatory and company compliance

What We're Looking For

• Proven experience as a Costing, Construction or Commercial Manager.
• Strong background in refurbishment, restoration or other capital works projects.
• Experience administering construction contracts and managing variations and claims.
• Strong understanding of procurement strategy and subcontractor management.
• Ideally tertiary qualifications in Building, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or similar.
• A commercially strategic thinker with strong negotiation capability.
• Confident communicator who works effectively across operational and leadership teams.

Why Join National Group?

At NGL, you are part of the business — not just the payroll. Some of the benefits include:

• ProfitShare – Every team member shares in company profits
• Medical & Travel Insurance – Supporting your wellbeing
• Company Vehicle
• A performance-driven, team-first culture focused on speed, consistency and delivery

If you're ready to step into a commercially influential role within a growing nationwide business, we'd welcome your application.