At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage commercial aspects of 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 respected team and make a real impact in commercial management.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management within residential construction is essential.
- Other info: Culture of accountability and trust with strong career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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.
Commercial Manager in Essex employer: Cognisant
Contact Detail:
Cognisant Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Essex
✨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 culture 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 opportunities that might just be the perfect fit for you. Plus, applying directly shows your enthusiasm and commitment to joining our team.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Essex
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV speaks directly to the role of Commercial Manager. Highlight your experience in residential construction and any specific projects that showcase your commercial management skills. We want to see how you’ve made an impact in previous roles!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention your proactive mindset and how you’ve successfully managed costs and risks in past projects. Let us know what excites you about joining our team!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: As a Commercial Manager, clear communication is key. In your application, demonstrate your ability to communicate complex information simply. Whether it’s through your CV or cover letter, we want to see examples of how you’ve effectively collaborated with teams and senior leadership.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our community 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 the Company’s Projects
Familiarise yourself with the developer's recent projects and their design-led approach. Being able to discuss their work and how you can contribute to their success will show your genuine interest in the role and the company. Tailor your responses to align with their values and objectives.