Commercial Assistant

About Barhale

Barhale is a business founded on family values, having been established by our Chairman, Dennis Curran, in 1980. We are one of the largest privately owned civil engineering and infrastructure specialists in the UK, with over 40 years of experience in providing design, civil engineering and maintenance services working across multiple sectors, including:

• Water
• Transport
• Built environment
• Energy

We operate as a tier one partner for blue chip, regulated and private clients, working as part of large frameworks, joint ventures and alliances, as well as on individual standalone projects, developing long‑term relationships based on delivering to the Barhale values which have been integral to our business since their inception in 1985. Our direct delivery model is at the core of everything we do, as we believe that people are our greatest asset. Therefore, we robustly source, train and retain all our own frontline delivery teams as well as management and support services. We employ over 1,200 employees nationwide. We possess a range of specialist skills to support our civil engineering and infrastructure activities, including:

• Tunnelling
• MEICA
• Temporary and permanent design
• Steel‑fabrication
• Signs (design and fabrication)
• Health & safety equipment and products, including PPE

Why join Barhale?

• As Gold Investors in People, we are committed to a high standard of people practices, creating an inclusive environment and ensuring cultural alignment to business strategy, ethos and philosophies.
• Job security, long‑term secured work through various frameworks and large infrastructure schemes.
• Broad range of civil engineering, mechanical and electrical schemes across some of the UK's largest infrastructure projects and clients.
• Strong career progression as demonstrated by our track record in promoting from within, as we believe this is a key driver of our success.

The Role

The role of the Commercial Assistant is to liaise and support the Commercial Team and assist in the commercial management of projects in both the pre and post Contract stages. The post‑holder will demonstrate organisational and administrative skills with the ability to work as part of the overall Barhale Commercial Team striving to achieve the Company's Three Pillar Objectives.

Key Responsibilities

• Keep project lists up to date by regularly updating any changes to the site personnel and status of the project.
• Create and send out weekly plant reports for all projects.
• Regularly contact subcontractors to update the procurement database with all relevant Quality, Insurance, Health, Safety and Environment documents.
• Collect and update the electronic version of the Monthly Progress Meeting.
• Take meeting minutes for the commercial team as and when requested.
• Update the invoices received log and allocate all invoices to the relevant QS.
• Carry out admin tasks as required.

Tasks specific to the project

• Compile new subcontractor orders.
• Compile tender packages from client specifications and send them out to potential subcontractors and suppliers.
• Ensure subcontractors and suppliers return tenders by the completion date and chase up where late.
• Collect quotations for tender packages and create Tender Quotation comparisons, highlighting all differences including price, specification, terms, lead times etc.
• Keep up to date with plant on site and make sure it matches daily record sheets.
• Collect and update specified areas of the Commercial Plan.
• Put together an application for payment to the client, including all substantiation.
• Keep track of subcontractor invoices and process for payment.
• Assist Quantity Surveyors with updating forecasts and preparing supervision costs for various projects.
• Contact suppliers to obtain proof of delivery of products.
• Ensure all daily site records are accurate and available for client inspection.
• Prepare and print invoices from all Subcontractors for client Final Account audits.
• Update weekly subcontractor payment forecast.

About you

Essential

• IT literate with the ability to effectively use the Microsoft Office package.
• Good written and oral communication skills.
• General education to GCSE grade A‑C or above, or equivalent.
• Strong numerical and analytical skills.
• Strong attention to detail.
• Excellent organisation skills.
• Ability to closely follow, and enforce procedures.
• Proactive with the ability to work alone or as part of the overall team.

Desirable

• Interest in Contract Law.

Caring and investing in you

Our values have embedded at Barhale for over 40 years, and they are our guiding principles regarding how we care and invest in people. Our values are our commitment to being a people‑centric company. As a Gold Investors in People company and a Sunday Times 100 Best Company to Work For, we are committed to investing in people. We are passionate about creating a working environment where people are supported throughout their careers, where people can enjoy security and be part of a company that cares about them. From the moment you join us, your well‑being and career aspirations will be supported by:

• Competitive salary.
• Company Pension.
• Life Assurance.
• Private Medical.
• 25 days of annual leave in addition to 8 public bank holidays and loyalty days.
• 8 hours volunteering.
• Employee Assistance Programme to support your mental, physiological and financial wellbeing.
• Flexible benefits via salary sacrifice.
• Company car/green car scheme/car allowance/Van (dependent on position).
• Leadership & management training and coaching.
• Regular line management engagement and appraisal to support your career progression.
• Development supported by internal and externally delivered training.
• Continuous service awards.

Would you like to know more? Please contact our Recruitment team via careers@barhale.co.uk.