At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team in managing budgets and driving commercial success in residential projects.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking company committed to diversity and innovation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a supportive work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to contribute to meaningful projects.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction sector while developing your leadership skills.
- Qualifications: Degree in Quantity Surveying or related field; strong commercial management experience required.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 65000 £ per year.
Reporting to the Commercial Director, the Commercial Manager will provide leadership and direction to the regional buying and surveying team, ensuring robust commercial control across residential development projects. The role is responsible for developing and managing accurate budgets, forecasts, cost control measures, and procurement strategies, while monitoring site performance against financial targets. Working closely with Sales, Land, Construction, Technical, and external consultants, the Commercial Manager ensures strong commercial governance, effective communication, and delivery of business objectives.
Key Responsibilities & Duties
- Provide day‑to‑day leadership for the buying and surveying team, motivating, supporting, and managing performance.
- Undertake annual Performance Development Reviews and support both formal and informal training and development activity.
- Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of site performance, budgets, and financial forecasts across the development portfolio.
- Provide guidance and challenge to the team in producing accurate and realistic estimates, budgets, and cost forecasts.
- Monitor site performance against original plans, budgets, and financial targets, identifying risks and opportunities.
- Assist in the preparation of Board papers, reports, and commercial updates.
- Support the tendering process, including land bids and PTPs, providing appropriate commercial input.
- Manage all post‑contract commercial responsibilities across developments.
- Lead and manage the subcontractor procurement process, including ordering, valuation, and resolution of contractual disputes.
- Create, monitor, and control budgets for subcontractors, materials, preliminaries, sales and marketing, technical, and land costs.
- Approve order and payment variations in line with delegated authority levels.
- Liaise closely with the buying function to manage material orders and cost control.
- Produce accurate cost reports and key date updates within required deadlines.
- Communicate regularly with other disciplines including Sales, Land, Construction, Technical, Architects, and Consultants to ensure alignment and informed decision‑making.
- Promote continuous improvement and challenge existing ways of working to improve commercial performance.
- Act as a professional ambassador for Cala, maintaining strong internal and external relationships.
About You
- Degree in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline, or equivalent experience.
- Strong commercial management experience within the residential development or construction sector.
- Good technical knowledge with working understanding of current Building Regulations and NHBC standards.
- Knowledge of standard forms of contract and subcontract arrangements.
- Proven experience leading, managing, and motivating commercial teams.
- Strong commercial awareness and understanding of wider business objectives.
- Ability to produce accurate cost reports, forecasts, and presentations.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Highly organised, with strong planning skills and attention to detail.
- Ability to work under own initiative and manage conflicting priorities in a time‑pressured environment.
- Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Strong relationship‑building skills with internal teams and external partners.
- Self‑motivated and proactive, with the confidence to challenge and influence.
- Willingness to learn, share ideas, and drive innovation.
- Experience working within a PLC housebuilder or large regional developer.
- Experience contributing to Board‑level reporting and business planning.
- Experience supporting land acquisition and viability appraisals.
- Professional membership (e.g. RICS) or working towards chartership.
Equal Opportunities & Diversity Statement
We recognise that a diverse team makes us a stronger and more successful company. We value different ideas and perspectives as it helps improve our decision‑making, products and services. And we’re striving to create an inclusive work environment, in which everyone can feel comfortable as themselves, uniquely contribute and do their best work.
Commercial Manager in Dorking employer: CALA Homes
As a leading player in the residential development sector, our company offers an exceptional work environment for the Commercial Manager role, fostering a culture of collaboration and continuous improvement. Employees benefit from comprehensive training and development opportunities, ensuring personal and professional growth while working on impactful projects. Located in a vibrant area, we promote a diverse and inclusive workplace where innovative ideas are welcomed, making it an ideal place for those seeking meaningful and rewarding employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Dorking
✨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 CALA Homes, 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 Commercial Manager at CALA Homes.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Dorking
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 CALA Homes
✨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!
