At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage financial admin and support commercial processes in highways maintenance.
- Company: Leading highways contractor with a focus on teamwork and efficiency.
- Benefits: Freelance role with competitive hourly rate and flexible working conditions.
- Other info: Opportunity for career growth and to work on impactful projects.
- Why this job: Gain hands-on experience in the civil engineering sector while enhancing your skills.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial roles and strong Microsoft Office skills required.
The predicted salary is between 15 - 20 £ per hour.
Freelance Commercial Administrator - Highways
Location: Aylesford
Contract: 6 months, freelance
Rate: £15-20 per hour DOE
Carrington West is working with a leading highways contractor to find an experienced Commercial Administrator for a 6-month freelance contract.
Quantity Surveying and commercial team on a live highways maintenance contract, keeping financial administration, subcontract payments and commercial processes accurate and on time.
What you'll be doing:
- Raising, amending and correcting purchase orders, and making sure the correct WBS codes are used
- Entering and maintaining GRNs in SAP and making sure they're actioned
- Chasing late subcontractor applications and helping prepare valuations, applications for payment and invoices
- Preparing payment notices for approval so subcontractors are paid on time against accurate valuations
- Running weekly checks on unmatched invoices, clearing old accruals and reallocating miscoded costs
- Working with site teams on Early Warning Notices (EWNs), Compensation Events (CEs), variations and remeasurement
- Supporting the weekly Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR)
- Keeping subcontractor records up to date and helping with subcontractor appraisals
- Providing general admin support to QS, Senior QS and operational managers, including audits, compliance reporting and collating tender information
What we're looking for:
Essential:
- Previous experience in a commercial or administrative role
- Strong Microsoft Office skills, and confidence using SAP or a similar ERP system (or the ability to pick it up quickly)
- Good with numbers, organised and with strong attention to detail
- Clear communicator, comfortable dealing with people at all levels
Desirable:
- Experience in highways maintenance or the wider civil engineering and infrastructure sector
- Knowledge of NEC contract administration, especially EWNs and CEs
- Experience with CPA or similar measurement systems
- An understanding of labour, plant and materials costing, rates build-ups and cost control
- Experience placing subcontract enquiries and orders
- A degree, or equivalent experience
Commercial Assistant in Aylesford employer: Confidential
As a leading employer in the data centre operations sector, we offer an exceptional work environment that prioritises employee growth and development. Our collaborative culture fosters innovation and accountability, while our commitment to safety and operational excellence ensures that you will be part of a team that values your contributions. With opportunities for international travel and the chance to lead critical operations across the EMEA region, this role provides a unique platform for impactful leadership and career advancement.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Assistant in Aylesford
✨Join Local Construction Groups
Tap into local construction communities and forums—think Facebook groups, Meetup, or even LinkedIn. These platforms often have job postings specifically for freelancers and can connect you with potential clients who are looking for your skills.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a public portfolio showcasing your previous projects. This could be through a personal website or platforms like Behance. Potential clients want to see what you can do, so let your best work do the talking!
✨Network at Construction Events
Get out there and attend construction trade shows and local networking events. These are great for making connections and can often lead directly to freelance opportunities, plus you get to meet people who share your passion for the industry.
✨Utilise Online Freelance Platforms
Don't forget to get on freelance job platforms like Upwork and Freelancer that cater to construction gigs. Build your profile there and start bidding on projects. It’s a solid way to get the ball rolling on your freelance journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Assistant in Aylesford
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Craft:In the construction field, it's all about your hands-on experience and the projects you've worked on. Make sure to include detailed descriptions of past projects in your CV or portfolio. Highlight specific skills, tools, and techniques you’ve mastered that are relevant to the work you're applying for at Confidential.
Provide a Portfolio:As this is a freelance role, having a solid portfolio is key! Include photos and descriptions of your previous work so potential clients can see what you bring to the table. Showcasing a variety of projects can really help demonstrate your versatility in the construction industry.
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:Freelancing is all about communication, so be clear about your availability and rates in your application. Let Confidential know when you can start and what your pricing structure looks like. This helps set the right expectations and shows you’re professional and organised.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In construction, having the right certifications can set you apart. Mention any industry-relevant qualifications you have, such as health and safety certifications or trade-specific licenses. This not only bolsters your CV but also shows you've got the expertise to get the job done safely and effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Confidential
✨Showcase Your Project Portfolio
For a freelance role in construction, we should prepare a strong portfolio demonstrating our previous work. Highlight completed projects, showcasing not just the end result but also the problem-solving skills and tools we used during construction. This visual evidence can really set us apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Understanding the latest construction tools and techniques is essential for standing out. Familiarise ourselves with current methodologies and any new software that's relevant to the industry. If we can discuss how we've used these tools in previous projects, it’ll show that we’re on the ball and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
During the interview, we might face practical questions related to site management or problem-solving on the job. Be ready to discuss specific challenges we've faced in past projects and how we overcame them. This will demonstrate our ability to think on our feet and handle the real-world pressures of the construction field.
✨Pitch Your Rates and Work Style
As freelancers, we need to be clear about our rates and working style. Be prepared to discuss our pricing strategy based on past projects. This is not just about the numbers but conveying the value we bring to potential clients like Confidential. Confidence in our worth can go a long way in these discussions!
