At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage residential projects from budgeting to final accounts and ensure financial success.
- Company: Established residential developer in Dartford with a growing commercial team.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £60,000 and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with strong relationships across teams and stakeholders.
- Why this job: Take on greater commercial responsibility and make a real impact in housebuilding.
- Qualifications: Experience in quantity surveying or commercial management with strong residential development background.
An established residential developer based in the Dartford area is looking to appoint an experienced Quantity Surveyor / Commercial Manager to join its growing commercial team. This is a hands-on role suited to someone with a strong background in housebuilding or residential development who is comfortable managing projects from pre-construction and procurement through to final account.
The successful candidate will work closely with the construction, commercial and senior management teams, taking responsibility for the financial and commercial performance of residential developments.
Key responsibilities will include:
- Preparing project budgets, cost plans and commercial forecasts
- Supporting estimating and pre-construction activities
- Procuring subcontractors and suppliers
- Preparing and issuing tender packages
- Analysing subcontractor quotations and negotiating packages
- Managing subcontractor accounts throughout the project lifecycle
- Preparing and assessing valuations, variations and payment applications
- Monitoring project costs against budget
- Producing regular cost reports and forecasts
- Identifying commercial risks and opportunities
- Managing change control throughout the project
- Supporting cash-flow forecasting
- Agreeing subcontractor final accounts
- Working closely with Site Managers and Project Managers to ensure projects remain commercially viable
- Maintaining strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers and internal stakeholders
The ideal candidate will have:
- Previous experience as a Quantity Surveyor, Senior Quantity Surveyor or Commercial Manager
- Strong residential development or housebuilding experience
- Good understanding of subcontractor procurement and commercial management
- Experience managing projects from pre-construction through to completion
- Strong knowledge of valuations, variations, cost reporting and final accounts
- Good negotiation and communication skills
- The ability to work independently and take ownership of the commercial function
- Previous estimating experience would be beneficial but is not essential
Salary: Up to £60,000 depending on experience
Location: Dartford
Sector: Residential / Housebuilding
This is a good opportunity for an experienced residential Quantity Surveyor looking to take greater commercial responsibility within an established developer. If you have a strong housebuilding background and would be interested in discussing the opportunity further, apply with your CV for more information.
QS/Commercial Manager in Dartford employer: Brandon James
Join a well-established independent consultancy in Birmingham, where you will enjoy a dynamic work culture that fosters autonomy and direct client engagement. With a strong focus on professional development, the firm offers excellent benefits including a competitive salary, private healthcare, and opportunities for mentorship, making it an ideal environment for ambitious Chartered Building Surveyors looking to shape their careers while contributing to a growing team.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land QS/Commercial Manager in Dartford
✨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 Brandon James, 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 QS/Commercial Manager at Brandon James.
We think you need these skills to ace QS/Commercial Manager in Dartford
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 Brandon James
✨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!
