Title: The Hybrid Manager in Construction: Integrating Financial Acumen and Strategic Foresight in Project-Based Enterprises Abstract: This study investigates the evolving role of the commercial manager within UK construction enterprises, positioned at the intersection of engineering management and commercial project leadership. Through structured interviews with practicing quantity surveyors, commercial managers, and legal specialists, the research delineates a competency framework essential for managing complex, profit-driven engineering projects. Key findings highlight the centrality of cash flow stewardship, risk intelligence, and procurement strategy as core commercial PM functions, supported by analytical reasoning, negotiation prowess, and systems thinking as critical engineering management capabilities. The study further examines pedagogical implications for developing these hybrid competencies within higher education, advocating for experiential learning models—including simulation, role-play, and supervised industry placements—to bridge the gap between technical training and commercial leadership. This paper contributes to the discourse on integrative management practices in project-oriented sectors, offering a evidence-based perspective on cultivating managers who can simultaneously deliver technical integrity, financial viability, and strategic value.