Commercial Manager

Unite Foundation; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - GBP 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading accommodation provider in London is looking for an experienced Commercial Manager to oversee financial aspects of development projects. The ideal candidate will manage project costs, enable procurement, and negotiate contracts while ensuring financial integrity. Strong experience in commercial management within construction is essential, alongside a proven ability to travel across the UK. The position offers a competitive salary and generous benefits, including a discretionary annual bonus and a substantial pension scheme.

Benefits

Discretionary annual bonus

25 days paid holiday

Generous pension scheme

Healthcare Cash Plan

Employee Assistance Programme

Wellbeing platform

Enhanced Family Leave

Discounts portal

Qualifications

• Significant experience in Quantity Surveying or Commercial management.
• Proven track record in commercial management of large schemes.
• Ability to travel throughout the UK with a full driving licence.

Responsibilities

• Provide commercial input into projects including budgeting and reporting.
• Prepare detailed cost plans for project budgets.
• Manage contractor relationships and oversee tender documentation.

Skills

Negotiation skills

Communication skills

Relationship building

Quick learner

Education

RICS or CIOB qualification

Job description

Unite Students have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Commercial Manager. Ideally based in London but operating nationally, the Commercial Manager will provide commercial input into projects undertaken by the Development and Capital Projects team, including new builds and asset management initiatives. Duties will include estimating, benchmarking, inflation forecasting, budgetary control and reporting, and managing all financial aspects from inception through to practical completion. The role will also involve supporting in the procurement of main contractors, contract negotiation and supply chain management.

What You`ll Be Doing

• Providing initial cost advice to aid in the assessment of potential PBSA / AMI opportunities.
• Preparing accurate / detailed cost plans to establish the project budget.
• Managing the project cost plan from inception, through contract award, to practical completion.
• Ensure risks have been considered / managed and costs are accurate to inform the funding request
• Being commercially responsible for on-site schemes, including cost reporting, value engineering, cash flows, dispute resolution, cost control and account management.
• Overseeing the production of tender documentation and managing contractor and supply chain relationships.
• Negotiating and overseeing construction contracts, retentions, bonds, warranties and other contractual documents.
• Agreeing final account in line with the Board approved level
• Assisting in cost benchmarking analysis on all projects delivered by the team.
• Supporting the resolution of legacy issues, defects and claims.
• Role modelling Unite Students` values and helping to deliver business initiatives such as implementing net zero carbon initiatives, diversity and inclusion, and Homes for Success.

What We`re Looking for in You

• Significant experience in a Quantity Surveying / Commercial management role, from a contractor, client or consultant background
• A proven track record in commercial management covering large, complex schemes and knowledge of sustainability practices within the construction industry
• RICS or CIOB qualified or working towards (desirable).
• Demonstrable strong negotiation, influencing and communication skills, with a willingness to participate and present in meetings at various levels.
• A quick learner who demonstrates a capability and willingness to acquire and apply new skills.
• Ability to build relationships and influence internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability to travel throughout the UK with a full driving licence.

What You`ll Get in Return

• A discretionary annual bonus so you can share in the company`s success
• 25 days` paid holiday and an annual holiday buying scheme, with 5 additional days awarded for long service
• A generous pension scheme - employer contributions between 5% and 11% depending on how much you save
• Various benefits to support your health and wellbeing including a Healthcare Cash Plan, an Employee Assistance Programme, a Wellbeing platform and a Gym benefit that you can share with your family and friends
• Enhanced Family Leave including 18 weeks full pay for birthing parents and 4 weeks for non-birthing parents
• Lots of other great benefits including an annual ShareSave scheme, Employee Life Assurance, a discounts portal and more!

About Unite Students

Founded in 1991, Unite Students is the UK`s leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation. You can find us in 23 leading university towns and cities, with 70,000 students calling US home! We are driven by our values, culture, and a commitment to develop diverse and inclusive teams, filled with positive energy and new ideas.

Instinctive inclusion.

We know that to create and maintain a happy healthy organisation, we have to work hard to ensure inclusion isn`t just what we do but who we are.

People make Unite Students.

Employees, students and neighbours all contribute to building environments where we can all thrive.

Room for Everyone

We`re proud to be an employer that embraces individuality, and we`re passionate about building inclusive teams. We focus on creating a collaborative culture where you can be you, where your voice is heard, and where you can truly belong. We take great pride in being rated Gold Investors in People and are constantly striving to provide the highest standard of learning and development opportunities and professional pathways for our people. Building a home for success, for both our employees and students, requires exceptional people. Join us as we build better experiences for students that live with us.