Job Description

The Commercial Manager plays a key role in driving the commercial success of themed entertainment, creative design, and experiential projects. You'll lead the commercial aspects of projects from opportunity through delivery, ensuring strong client relationships, effective contract management, financial performance, and commercial governance.

Working closely with the Managing director, Project Managers, Creative teams, Finance, and Operations, you'll help identify new business opportunities, manage commercial risk, negotiate contracts, and support the successful delivery of innovative projects. This is a highly collaborative role requiring strong commercial judgement, relationship management skills, and a proactive approach to continuous improvement.

Key Responsibilities

The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:

Business Development

• Identify and pursue new business opportunities that support company growth.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with prospective and existing clients.
• Contribute to strategies that expand Journey's client portfolio and market presence.

Commercial & Contract Management

• Lead commercial negotiations with clients, suppliers, and subcontractors.
• Review, negotiate, and manage commercial contracts and agreements.
• Ensure contractual obligations are clearly understood and effectively managed throughout project delivery.

Financial Management

• Oversee project budgets, forecasting, profitability, and financial performance.
• Monitor project costs and revenue, identifying opportunities to improve commercial outcomes.
• Provide commercial reporting and insights to support informed decision-making.

Project Delivery & Risk Management

• Partner with Project Managers and creative teams to support successful project delivery.
• Identify commercial risks and develop mitigation strategies.
• Support effective change control, resource planning, and project governance.
• Promote compliance with health and safety requirements and company policies.

Client Relationship Management

• Act as a key commercial contact for clients throughout project delivery.
• Build trusted relationships by understanding client objectives and delivering excellent service.
• Resolve commercial issues professionally while maintaining positive client partnerships.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Provide leadership, guidance, and mentoring to members of the commercial team where appropriate.
• Work collaboratively across departments to support business objectives.
• Foster a culture of continuous improvement, knowledge sharing, and commercial excellence.

Strategy & Continuous Improvement

• Contribute to business planning and strategic initiatives.
• Analyse market trends and identify opportunities to improve commercial performance.
• Support the development of efficient commercial processes and best practices.

Candidate Qualifications & Skills

Required

• Experience in a commercial management, contracts, or business development role within a project-based environment.
• Strong commercial acumen with experience negotiating and managing contracts.
• Understanding of project budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong organisational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Analytical mindset with strong problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel.

Desirable

• Experience within themed entertainment, creative design, construction, experiential, or related industries.
• Bachelor's degree in Business, Finance, Project Management, Marketing, or a related discipline.
• Professional project management qualification such as PRINCE2 or PMP.
• Experience leading commercial teams or mentoring colleagues.
• Knowledge of commercial risk management and contract administration.