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- Tasks: Lead the commercial strategy for a major student accommodation project in East London.
- Company: Watkin Jones is a leading UK developer with a rich history and a focus on sustainable living.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, 25 days annual leave, bonuses, and exclusive discounts.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make a real impact in a fast-paced, innovative environment.
- Qualifications: HND or degree in a relevant field, with experience as a Senior Quantity Surveyor or Commercial Manager.
- Other info: Be part of a company committed to professional growth and community development.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
Watkin Jones is seeking a proactive and experienced Commercial Manager to support with the commercial delivery of our Grove Crescent project—a 397-bed purpose-built student accommodation scheme in Stratford, East London.
In this key role, you'll take ownership of the commercial strategy and execution, overseeing everything from procurement and subcontractor management to CVR reporting, valuations, and risk mitigation. You'll manage project finances with precision, lead a team of Quantity Surveyors, and ensure all reporting is accurate and aligned with programme goals.
Acting as the commercial lead on-site and with the client, you'll drive value, manage risk, and support the successful delivery of the scheme—providing strong leadership and commercial insight throughout the project lifecycle.
About You:
You'll hold an HND, degree, or bring substantial experience in a relevant field, with a commitment to ongoing professional development. With strong knowledge of contract administration and health and safety legislation, you have proven experience as a Senior Quantity Surveyor or Commercial Manager and a track record of managing teams and multiple schemes simultaneously. You're confident using Microsoft Office—particularly Excel—and are comfortable balancing administrative duties with practical site-based tasks. Highly organised and assertive, you can influence decisions while maintaining positive working relationships, and you communicate clearly in person, in writing, and through digital channels.
Why Join Us?
At Watkin Jones, we believe in investing in our people. Here's what we can offer you:
- Professional Growth: Individual support for your career advancement.
- Rewards: Discretionary annual bonus, health cash plan, life insurance, and more.
- Work-Life Balance: 25 days of annual leave (increasing with tenure), flexible working from home, and discounted gym memberships.
- Benefits: Company car or allowance, exclusive shopping discounts, and a contributory pension scheme.
Why Choose Watkin Jones Group?
Watkin Jones Group is the UK's leading developer, builder, and manager of residential-for-rent homes, with a rich history dating back to 1791. With 54,000+ homes developed and in-build across over 254 schemes, we have a proven track record of success. Our operating arm, Fresh, manages over 18,500 units across 58 schemes, representing approximately £1.7bn of assets under management.
Joining us means becoming part of a company that's not only deeply rooted in history but also firmly focused on the future. We're committed to creating high-quality rental homes, fostering vibrant communities, and driving sustainable development. This is more than just a job – it's a chance to grow your career in a fast-paced, innovative environment. If you're ready to make a significant impact and advance your career with a market leader, we'd love to hear from you!
Contact Detail:
Watkin Jones Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Familiarise yourself with the specific project details of the Grove Crescent scheme. Understanding the unique challenges and opportunities of this 397-bed student accommodation project will help you demonstrate your proactive approach and strategic thinking during discussions.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with professionals in the construction and property management sectors. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with others who may have insights into Watkin Jones and their projects, which can give you an edge in interviews.
✨Tip Number 3
Brush up on your knowledge of contract administration and health and safety legislation. Being well-versed in these areas will not only boost your confidence but also show that you are prepared to take on the responsibilities of a Commercial Manager.
✨Tip Number 4
Prepare to discuss your leadership style and experience managing teams. Be ready to provide examples of how you've successfully led Quantity Surveyors or similar teams in the past, as this will be crucial for demonstrating your fit for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience in commercial management and quantity surveying. Emphasise your leadership skills and any specific projects you've managed that align with the role at Watkin Jones.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the commercial strategy and execution. Mention your familiarity with procurement, subcontractor management, and risk mitigation, and explain how your background makes you a perfect fit for the role.
Highlight Relevant Qualifications: Clearly state your qualifications, such as your HND or degree, and any additional certifications related to contract administration and health and safety legislation. This will demonstrate your commitment to professional development.
Showcase Communication Skills: In your application, provide examples of how you've effectively communicated in previous roles, both in writing and verbally. Highlight instances where your communication skills helped influence decisions or maintain positive relationships on-site.
How to prepare for a job interview at Watkin Jones
✨Showcase Your Commercial Acumen
As a Commercial Manager, it's crucial to demonstrate your understanding of commercial strategy and execution. Be prepared to discuss specific examples from your past experiences where you successfully managed project finances, procurement, and subcontractor relationships.
✨Highlight Leadership Skills
Since you'll be leading a team of Quantity Surveyors, emphasise your leadership style and how you've effectively managed teams in the past. Share instances where you influenced decisions while maintaining positive working relationships.
✨Demonstrate Technical Proficiency
Familiarity with Microsoft Office, especially Excel, is essential for this role. Be ready to discuss how you've used these tools in previous roles to manage budgets, track expenses, or report on project progress.
✨Prepare for Scenario-Based Questions
Expect questions that assess your problem-solving abilities, particularly in risk mitigation and contract administration. Prepare scenarios where you successfully navigated challenges in project delivery, showcasing your analytical skills and decision-making process.
