At a Glance
- Tasks: Drive profitability and enhance business performance in social housing projects.
- Company: Join Cardo Group, a trusted provider in building maintenance and retrofit services.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, 25 days holiday, wellbeing resources, and career development opportunities.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace with excellent growth potential.
- Why this job: Be part of a forward-thinking team making a real impact in communities.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management within social housing and strong negotiation skills.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Cardo Group is a trusted provider of building maintenance, refurbishment, and retrofit services for social housing and public sector buildings across the UK. With nationwide coverage and skilled local teams, we deliver a reliable end-to-end service that ensures homes and public spaces are safe, sustainable, and well-maintained. We specialise in responsive repairs and voids, planned maintenance, energy‑efficiency upgrades, compliance works, and major improvement programmes. Our approach combines quality workmanship, strong resident communication, and efficient project delivery to achieve the best outcomes for customers and communities. Driven by ambitious growth plans, we continue to expand our capabilities and adapt to the evolving needs of our clients. Our reputation is built on consistent service delivery, trusted partnerships, and a commitment to doing things the right way. As we grow, so do the opportunities – for our people, our clients, and the communities we support. Cardo Group is becoming one of the UK’s most forward‑thinking maintenance and retrofit providers.
Role Overview
The Commercial Manager will play a pivotal role in driving profitability and enhancing overall business performance.
Responsibilities
- Develop and implement commercial strategies that support the growth of social housing retrofit and decarbonisation programmes.
- Manage the commercial performance of retrofit, refurbishment, and planned investment contracts across social housing portfolios.
- Monitor project budgets, forecasts, and cost plans to ensure effective financial control and contract profitability.
- Lead negotiations with clients, subcontractors, suppliers, and delivery partners to secure commercially advantageous outcomes.
- Support bid submissions and framework opportunities relating to SHDF, ECO, decarbonisation, and public sector retrofit programmes.
- Work collaboratively with operational, technical, and delivery teams to ensure successful project delivery in line with PAS 2035 and client KPIs.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with housing associations, local authorities, local health boards, and public sector stakeholders.
- Analyse market trends, government funding opportunities, and sector developments within retrofit and sustainability.
- Prepare detailed commercial reports, valuations, risk assessments, and performance reviews.
- Ensure compliance with contractual obligations, procurement regulations, health and safety requirements, and industry standards.
- Support continuous improvement initiatives that enhance resident satisfaction, sustainability outcomes, and operational efficiency.
You Will Need
- Proven experience in a Commercial Manager or senior commercial role within social housing retrofit, planned maintenance, refurbishment, or decarbonisation projects.
- Strong understanding of PAS 2035, retrofit coordination principles, and energy efficiency improvement programmes.
- Demonstrable experience working with local authorities, housing associations, government bodies, local health boards, and public sector clients.
- Knowledge of SHDF, ECO funding streams, and wider social housing sustainability initiatives.
- Proven track record delivering commercial, residential, educational, healthcare, and public sector refurbishment programmes.
- Strong financial and commercial acumen with experience in cost management, forecasting, valuations, and risk mitigation.
- Excellent negotiation and stakeholder management skills.
- Ability to build trusted client relationships and identify opportunities for contract growth.
- Exceptional communication, analytical, and organisational skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced, delivery‑focused environment.
We Will Provide
- Excellent development and progression opportunities
- Competitive Salary - DOE
- 25 days holiday, plus bank holidays
- Range of Salary Sacrifice Schemes [holiday purchase, EV schemes, AVC Pension contributions]
- Life Assurance cover
- Wellbeing Resources and Counselling services
- Retail & Lifestyle Discount Platform
- Enhanced Family Leave Provisions
- Recognition initiatives and awards
- Occupational Sick Pay
Please note all our roles are subject to Background, Identity & Security checks before commencement of employment.
Why Join Cardo Group?
We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to succeed. Diverse perspectives strengthen our business, drive innovation, and help us better serve the communities we work with. Our commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion:
- Teamwork – We collaborate, support one another, and achieve more together.
- Integrity – We act with honesty, fairness, and transparency in everything we do.
- Excellence – We set high standards and deliver quality for our people and our customers.
- Respect – We value every individual and create a space where all voices are heard.
We ensure fair opportunities, embrace diverse backgrounds and experiences, and foster a culture where everyone truly belongs. Join us on our ambitious, exciting, and inclusive journey.
Commercial Manager - Social Housing in Cardiff employer: Cardo Group
At Cardo Group, we pride ourselves on being a forward-thinking employer that values diversity, teamwork, and integrity. Our commitment to employee development is reflected in our excellent progression opportunities, competitive salary packages, and comprehensive benefits, including wellbeing resources and enhanced family leave provisions. Join us in making a meaningful impact in social housing while enjoying a supportive work culture that empowers you to thrive.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Social Housing in Cardiff
✨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 Cardo Group, 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 - Social Housing at Cardo Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Social Housing in Cardiff
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 Cardo Group
✨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!
