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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial management of exciting residential projects and ensure robust cost control.
- Company: Reputable residential developer known for quality and design excellence.
- Benefits: Opportunity to influence outcomes and work on high-quality projects.
- Why this job: Join a team where your commercial leadership truly matters and make a real impact.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management within residential construction and strong communication skills.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with a focus on accountability and long-term success.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 72000 £ per year.
I’m working exclusively with a residential developer to appoint a Commercial Manager as the business continues to strengthen its commercial and operational capability. This is an opportunity to join a highly regarded developer with a strong reputation for quality, design excellence, and long-term delivery. The business delivers new-build residential schemes and consistently achieves premium sales values through design-led product and disciplined execution.
The role will work closely with the operational leadership team, reporting directly to the Commercial Director, and will play a pivotal role in tightening commercial control, improving margin visibility, and embedding best-practice commercial management across live projects.
The Role
As Commercial Manager, you will take a hands-on position in the commercial management of residential projects, working closely with construction and operational teams to ensure robust cost control, clear reporting, and proactive risk management. Key responsibilities include:
- End-to-end commercial management of residential new-build schemes.
- Producing, owning, and presenting cost value reconciliation (CVR) reports and margin analysis.
- Procuring, managing, and administering subcontract packages through to final account.
- Identifying, interrogating, and closing scope gaps and commercial risk.
- Challenging costs, assumptions, and proposals to secure best value without compromising quality.
- Working collaboratively with construction teams to resolve issues in a pragmatic, commercial manner.
- Providing accurate, timely reporting and clear commercial insight to senior leadership.
What They’re Looking For
- Proven commercial management experience within residential construction or development.
- A proactive, delivery-focused mindset — not a passive or purely administrative approach.
- Strong understanding of subcontract procurement, package scope, and risk allocation.
- Confidence interrogating costs, challenging proposals, and managing value.
- A clear and credible communicator, comfortable operating across disciplines and at senior level.
- Strong commercial acumen with a clear understanding of margins, numbers, and accountability.
Why This Opportunity?
This role offers the chance to join a respected developer at a stage where commercial leadership genuinely matters, offering:
- A strong and visible forward pipeline of residential schemes.
- High-quality, design-led projects that consistently outperform the market.
- Direct exposure to senior leadership with genuine influence over outcomes.
- A culture built on accountability, trust, and long-term thinking.
- The opportunity to make a tangible impact by strengthening the fundamentals of the commercial function.
Contact
Dan Petrie
Commercial Manager in Chelmsford employer: Cognisant
Contact Detail:
Cognisant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Chelmsford
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of hearing about opportunities before they even hit the job boards.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and what makes them tick. This way, you can tailor your responses to show how you fit into their vision and can contribute to their success.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience and how it aligns with the role of Commercial Manager. Highlight your commercial acumen and ability to manage costs effectively, as these are key to impressing potential employers.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’ve got loads of great opportunities waiting for you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Chelmsford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your experience in residential construction and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our team. Be specific about your achievements and how they relate to the responsibilities outlined in the job description.
Showcase Your Commercial Acumen: In your application, make sure to demonstrate your strong commercial acumen. Talk about your experience with cost control, margin analysis, and risk management. We want to know how you've successfully navigated these areas in past roles!
Apply Through Our Website: Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our team at StudySmarter!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cognisant
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Manager, you'll need to demonstrate a strong grasp of margins and cost control. Brush up on your financial acumen before the interview. Be ready to discuss specific examples where you've successfully managed costs or improved margins in previous projects.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
This role requires clear communication across various teams. Prepare to share instances where you've effectively communicated complex information to senior leadership or collaborated with construction teams to resolve issues. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently.
✨Be Proactive in Problem-Solving
The company is looking for someone with a proactive mindset. Think of examples where you've identified potential risks or scope gaps before they became issues. Highlight your ability to challenge assumptions and propose solutions that maintain quality while securing best value.
✨Understand Their Culture
Familiarise yourself with the company's values around accountability and long-term thinking. During the interview, express how your personal work ethic aligns with their culture. This will show that you're not just a fit for the role, but also for the team and the company's vision.
