At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the Contracts Department and oversee commercial performance on high-end projects.
- Company: Respected specialist contractor known for luxury commercial and residential projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, senior leadership role, and opportunity for professional growth.
- Other info: Join a company with ambitious growth plans and a stellar reputation.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by leading a talented team in prestigious projects.
- Qualifications: 8+ years in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management with strong contract knowledge.
Are you an experienced Quantity Surveyor or Commercial Manager looking to take the lead within a specialist business delivering prestigious high-end fit-out and decorative finishes projects?
Our client is seeking a Senior Quantity Surveyor & Commercial Manager to lead their commercial and contracts function, reporting directly to the CEO. This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected specialist contractor with an outstanding reputation for delivering luxury commercial, hospitality and residential projects.
The Role
As Senior Quantity Surveyor & Commercial Manager, you will be responsible for leading the Contracts Department, ensuring strong commercial performance across multiple projects while developing and mentoring the wider commercial team.
You will oversee the commercial lifecycle from contract award through to final account, ensuring projects are delivered profitably while maintaining excellent client relationships and managing contractual risk.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and manage the Contracts Department, providing guidance and support to Contracts Managers and commercial support teams.
- Oversee commercial performance across multiple live projects.
- Review and negotiate client contracts, managing contractual risk.
- Manage applications for payment, variations, claims and final accounts.
- Monitor project profitability, cash flow and Work in Progress (WIP).
- Review commercial performance alongside senior leadership.
- Support cash collection and resolve commercial disputes.
- Approve subcontract procurement, valuations and final accounts.
- Drive continuous improvement across commercial processes and departmental procedures.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants and supply chain partners.
- Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, company procedures and health & safety standards.
About You
The successful candidate will have:
- A Degree, HNC or HND in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or a related discipline.
- 8+ years' experience in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management.
- Experience within specialist subcontracting, high-end fit-out, interiors or decorative finishes.
- Strong knowledge of JCT and NEC contracts.
- Previous experience leading commercial teams and developing staff.
- Excellent commercial negotiation and contract administration skills.
- Strong financial reporting and cost management experience.
- Exceptional communication and stakeholder management abilities.
- Membership of RICS or CIOB would be advantageous.
What's on Offer?
£65,000 - £70,000 per annum (DOE)
Location: Greater London
Senior leadership role reporting directly to the CEO.
Opportunity to lead and develop an established commercial department.
Work on prestigious, high-end projects across commercial, hospitality and residential sectors.
Join a respected specialist contractor with an excellent reputation and ambitious growth plans.
If you're an experienced commercial professional looking for your next leadership opportunity within a specialist contractor, we'd love to hear from you.
Senior QS / Commercial Manager employer: Brandon James
Brandon James is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and innovative work culture in the heart of Oxford. With a strong commitment to employee development, we offer numerous growth opportunities for junior professionals while providing competitive salaries, performance bonuses, and flexible hybrid working arrangements. Join us to lead impactful projects and be part of a team that values your expertise and ambition.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior QS / Commercial Manager
✨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 Senior QS / Commercial Manager at Brandon James.
We think you need these skills to ace Senior QS / Commercial Manager
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!
