Barbara Biggs
Sutton,UK
Summary
Commercial and Infrastructure Professional with over 15 years of experience delivering large-scale telecoms, fibre, utilities and infrastructure programmes across the UK. Extensive expertise in NEC3 Option B contract administration, commercial governance, financial management, change control, supplier management and programme delivery. Proven success managing multi-million-pound CAPEX projects including nationwide Vodafone fibre deployment, CityFibre FTTH programmes valued at £150m+, and Ericsson fibre infrastructure projects. Experienced in securing commercial entitlements through EWN and Compensation Event management, controlling project budgets, improving financial performance and strengthening operational processes. Recognised for strong stakeholder management, commercial acumen, attention to detail and the ability to deliver results within demanding environments. Commercial Manager equipped with leadership and organisation abilities. Confident in directing staff, overseeing operations and implementing decisions to minimise roadblocks and achieve success. Professional with high-level experience in managing budgets and business operations. Excellent communication and problem-solving skills. Motivated to use leadership and strategic skills to achieve growth.
Overview
36
36
years of professional experience
Work history
Freelance Commercial Manager
CKWILD Consultants Ltd
2024.11 - 2026.06
- Manage invoicing, billing cycles and financial administration for various clients.
- Improve cash flow through proactive management of accounts receivable and outstanding payments.
- Maintain expense management processes and financial reporting accuracy.
- Manage timesheets and payment schedules for permanent and freelance personnel.
- Process pension contributions and support month-end financial activities.
- Deliver commercially focused support while maintaining confidentiality and accuracy.
- Maintained high-level knowledge of industry trends and competitor activities.
- Implemented cost-reduction initiatives, maximising profitability.
Commercial & Accounts Manager
FibreNetwork Design
2021.10 - 2024.11
- Managed company-wide financial operations including invoicing, payment recovery, budgeting and reporting.
- Produced regular financial reports, including profit and loss analysis.
- Implemented customer contract requirements into operational processes, ensuring contractual compliance.
- Managed EWNs and Compensation Events through CEMAR, protecting commercial entitlement and revenue recovery.
- Management of project cost mapping, financial forecasting and cost control activities.
- Oversight and management of bid evaluation and commercial viability assessments.
- Maintained financial records through QuickBooks and AgiCap systems.
- Key Achievement: successfully transitioned from Quality Control Manager into a senior commercial and financial leadership role, supporting the organisation's growth and financial governance.
- Assured timely delivery of products and services to meet customer expectations.
Quality Control Manager
FibreNetwork Design
2021.01 - 2022.01
- Managed Quality Controller Team responsible for fibre network deliverables.
- Designed and implemented quality training programmes.
- Led quality assurance activities across Vodafone and CityFibre projects.
- Improved quality pass rates from below 50% to consistently above 80%, frequently achieving 90–100%.
- Implemented new inspection methods for product standard improvement.
- Streamlined workflow processes with a focus on risk mitigation and cost reduction.
Senior Quantity Surveyor
CityFibre Holdings
2019.04 - 2021.09
- Managed commercial delivery of FTTH, PSN and BAU programmes across five major UK cities.
- Controlled budgets of approximately £30 million per city under NEC3 Option B contracts.
- Led commercial engagement between suppliers, build managers and regional contract teams.
- Managed CAPEX expenditure, risk forecasting and budget controls.
- Administered change management processes using CEMAR and DepotNet.
- Facilitated monthly commercial reviews and stakeholder governance meetings.
- Managed and delivered KPI monitoring and performance improvement initiatives.
- Ensured project delivery within set deadlines through proficient time management.
- Achieved cost savings with careful budget management.
Fibre Quantity Surveyor
Ericsson
2017.01 - 2019.02
- Developed and implemented supplier cost management procedures for Ericsson UK's FTTP programme.
- Managed commercial accounts for 27+ subcontractors from contract award through final account.
- Controlled valuations, variations, payments and contractual correspondence.
- Developed supplier cost tracking systems that improved financial visibility and reporting.
- Ensured timely payment certification and contract compliance.
- Advised on procurement strategy which was instrumental in successful contract attainment.
Utilities Project Manager
Mace
2014.02 - 2016.12
- Managed fibre, copper and utility infrastructure delivery for Metro Bank developments across London and the South East.
- Coordinated telecoms installations, utility diversions and permanent utility connections.
- Produced coordinated buried services drawings using AutoCAD.
- Managed stakeholder engagement with utility providers, local authorities and facilities management teams.
- Delivered utility diversion works through full project lifecycle stages.
- Mitigated potential risks effectively, safeguarded against possible pitfalls within projects.
Fibre Network Records Coordinator / Quantity Surveyor
Vodafone (Formerly Cable & Wireless)
2009.05 - 2014.02
- Managed high-profile fibre network documentation and as-built records.
- Supported nationwide fibre infrastructure projects through commercial verification processes.
- Reviewed Bills of Quantities and verified contractor payments.
- Managed purchase orders, budget allocation and cost reporting.
- Produced management reports analysing forecast versus actual expenditure.
- Held Vodafone and Government security clearance for sensitive network projects.
- Coordinated project tasks for successful and timely completion.
Telecommunications Planner
Atkins
2001.10 - 2009.05
- Designed fibre optic infrastructure routes and produced project cost estimates.
- Conducted site surveys and coordinated civil engineering works.
- Managed customer approvals, landlord consents and wayleave applications.
- Delivered planning, routing and cost modelling for fibre infrastructure projects.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, enhancing workflow efficiency.
- Maintained accurate records of all planning activities for transparency and accountability.
Telecommunications Planner
Cable & Wireless
1998.06 - 2001.10
- Conducted fibre feasibility studies and managed infrastructure planning.
- Managed external design, routing and civil works planning activities.
- Managed delivery of telecommunications network expansion programmes.
- Conducted regular progress reviews, maintaining alignment with project objectives.
CAD Operator
Engineering Management Services Ltd
1995.01 - 1998.01
CAD Operator
John Thompson Africa Pty Ltd
1994.01 - 1995.01
CAD Operator
Soekor Pty Ltd
1990.01 - 1993.01
Education
Engineering Studies
Technikon of The Witwatersrand
Matric - Equivalent to UK A-Levels
Sir Pierre Van Ryneveld High School
Skills
Proficient with the following software and systems: Microsoft Excel Word PowerPoint SharePoint CEMAR DepotNet Salesforce SAP QuickBooks AgiCap Mondaycom AutoCAD Built Intelligence GIS Systems
References
References available upon request
CORE COMPETENCIES
Commercial Management
NEC3 Option B Contracts
Quantity Surveying
Change Control (EWNs & CEs)
CAPEX Management
Budgeting & Forecasting
Cost Control & Reporting
Profit & Loss Analysis
Financial Operations
Supply Chain Management
Risk Management
Contract Administration
Stakeholder Engagement
Team Leadership
Telecoms Infrastructure
Fibre Network Delivery
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
- Nationality: British
- Full UK Driving Licence
Timeline
Freelance Commercial Manager
CKWILD Consultants Ltd
2024.11 - 2026.06
Commercial & Accounts Manager
FibreNetwork Design
2021.10 - 2024.11
Quality Control Manager
FibreNetwork Design
2021.01 - 2022.01
Senior Quantity Surveyor
CityFibre Holdings
2019.04 - 2021.09
Fibre Quantity Surveyor
Ericsson
2017.01 - 2019.02
Utilities Project Manager
Mace
2014.02 - 2016.12
Fibre Network Records Coordinator / Quantity Surveyor
Vodafone (Formerly Cable & Wireless)
2009.05 - 2014.02
Telecommunications Planner
Atkins
2001.10 - 2009.05
Telecommunications Planner
Cable & Wireless
1998.06 - 2001.10
CAD Operator
Engineering Management Services Ltd
1995.01 - 1998.01
CAD Operator
John Thompson Africa Pty Ltd
1994.01 - 1995.01
CAD Operator
Soekor Pty Ltd
1990.01 - 1993.01
Engineering Studies
Technikon of The Witwatersrand
Matric - Equivalent to UK A-Levels
Sir Pierre Van Ryneveld High School