At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial management of exciting refurbishment and retrofit projects across London.
- Company: Join Ambit, a top specialist in innovative fit-out and refurbishment projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and the chance to work on complex projects.
- Other info: Dynamic team environment focused on quality, collaboration, and excellence.
- Why this job: Make a real impact transforming existing buildings into future-ready spaces.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Quantity Surveyor with strong commercial acumen required.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Ambit is a leading specialist delivering high-quality commercial fit-out, refurbishment, and complex cut & carve projects across London and the UK. As part of the Workplace Futures Group, we combine technical excellence with forward-thinking design to transform existing buildings into high-performing, future-ready spaces.
We are seeking a Project Commercial Manager (Quantity Surveyor) with proven experience in refurbishment, retrofit, and cut & carve environments, where complexity, risk, and technical understanding are critical to success.
The Role
You will take ownership of the commercial delivery of projects that involve working within and transforming existing structures — often in live environments, constrained sites, and technically challenging conditions. This is a role for a commercially astute professional who understands the nuances of refurbishment and cut & carve delivery, from managing unknowns and risk to driving value through strong procurement and cost control.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the commercial management of refurbishment, retrofit, and cut & carve projects from pre-construction through to final account.
- Develop and manage cost plans, budgets, and financial reporting aligned to complex project conditions.
- Drive procurement strategies suited to phased works, specialist packages, and constrained environments.
- Manage and administer valuations, variations, and change control, including managing design development impacts.
- Identify and mitigate commercial risks associated with existing buildings, including surveys, unknown conditions, and structural interfaces.
- Work closely with project and site teams to align construction sequencing, programme, and commercial planning.
- Administer contracts (typically JCT), ensuring robust commercial protection in complex delivery scenarios.
- Manage subcontractor performance, ensuring value, compliance, and cost certainty.
- Lead on final accounts, ensuring timely and commercially favourable close-out.
Required Experience & Skills
- Proven experience as a Quantity Surveyor / Commercial Manager within a fit-out or main contractor environment.
- Essential experience delivering cut & carve, retrofit, and refurbishment projects.
- Strong understanding of working within existing buildings and associated commercial risks.
- Experience managing projects from pre-construction through to completion and final account.
- Knowledge of JCT contracts and commercial processes.
- Strong commercial acumen across cost planning, procurement, and financial reporting.
- Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying or related discipline (or equivalent experience).
What We're Looking For
- A commercially driven professional with a deep understanding of refurbishment and complex project delivery.
- Someone confident managing uncertainty, change, and evolving design information.
- Strong communicator able to work across technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Detail-oriented, proactive, and capable of delivering in a fast-paced, high-expectation environment.
- A team player aligned to Ambit's values of quality, collaboration, and excellence.
Project Commercial Manager (Quantity Surveyor) in London employer: Ambit
Ambit, part of the Workplace Futures Group, is an exceptional employer that champions a culture of collaboration and excellence in the heart of London. With a focus on delivering high-quality refurbishment and fit-out projects, employees benefit from a dynamic work environment that fosters professional growth and development through challenging, complex projects. The company prioritises employee well-being and offers unique opportunities to engage with innovative design and technical excellence, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding careers.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Commercial Manager (Quantity Surveyor) in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Ambit, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Project Commercial Manager (Quantity Surveyor) at Ambit.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Commercial Manager (Quantity Surveyor) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ambit
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!