At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts, prepare budgets, and oversee subcontractor processes in residential development.
- Company: Dynamic residential property developer with a close-knit team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary up to £90,000 plus benefits and opportunities for professional growth.
- Other info: Travel across various sites and work in a supportive, sociable environment.
- Why this job: Join a growing company and make a real impact on exciting development projects.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Commercial Manager or Senior Quantity Surveyor, ideally in residential development.
The predicted salary is between 42750 - 52250 £ per year.
Salary: Up to 90,000 + benefits
Location: Hammersmith office but role covers south region
Must be able to drive
The Company
Our client is a residential property developer operating across four connected areas of the business:
- Development - buying land, securing planning consent, and delivering schemes
- In-house contracting - a relatively young arm (4-5 years old) that is growing steadily
- Asset management
- Property management - including security/void management of around 20 empty buildings on behalf of insolvency administrators
Schemes typically range from single units up to c. 100-unit developments, with land deals ongoing at any given time. The team is small and close-knit - hardworking but sociable, with regular team lunches and drinks.
About the Role
We are looking for someone commercial and hands-on - someone who understands how to package work out to subcontractors and is comfortable managing the contracting process directly, not just advising on it from the sidelines. You will work alongside an in-house QS and draw on third-party building surveyors and cost consultants as needed. Over time, there is a clear opportunity to help build out a professional services offering within the business - such as cost consultancy or contract administration - potentially run semi-independently within the company. This role will involve travel across the client's site network, which currently spans Epsom, Bristol, Worthing, Hammersmith, Wandsworth, Chiswick, Bromley, Haslemere, and Prime London.
Key Responsibilities
- Pre-construction
- Cost new developments and contractor opportunities
- Prepare budgets and development appraisals
- Produce tender submissions
- Obtain and analyse subcontractor quotations
- Value landowner proposals from a build-cost perspective
- Contractual
- Prepare contract documentation using standard forms such as JCT Design and Build Contract and JCT Minor Works Contract where appropriate
- Manage appointments of subcontractors
- Liaise with solicitors on amendments and special conditions
- Ensure contracts are properly executed and administered
- Commercial Management
- Produce monthly cost reports
- Monitor project profitability
Person Specification
Essential
- Proven experience in a Commercial Manager or Senior Quantity Surveyor role, ideally within residential development and/or contracting
- Strong working knowledge of JCT contracts (Design and Build, Minor Works)
- Hands-on experience managing subcontractor packages and the tendering process
- Confident preparing budgets, cost reports, and development appraisals
- Commercially minded with strong attention to detail
- Comfortable working across multiple live sites and travelling as required
- Comfortable working in a small, close-knit team environment
Desirable
- MRICS or working towards chartership
- Experience or interest in helping build a professional services function (cost consultancy / contract administration)
Commercial Manager - Developer employer: Deverell Smith Ltd
Deverell Smith Ltd is an exceptional employer located in the vibrant Greater London area, offering a dynamic work culture that prioritises high-quality maintenance and exceptional service. Employees benefit from ongoing professional development opportunities, a supportive team environment, and the chance to make a meaningful impact on residents' lives through their work. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values collaboration and excellence in facilities management.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager - Developer
✨Get Involved in Local Property Events
Dive into local property expos and networking events! Real estate thrives on connections, so attending these events helps us meet potential employers and industry leaders, plus it's a chance to show off your enthusiasm for the field.
✨Connect with Local Agents on Social Media
Follow and engage with local real estate agents and firms on platforms like Instagram and LinkedIn. Sharing their posts and commenting with your insights can put you on their radar and might even lead to job opportunities at companies like Deverell Smith Ltd.
✨Don’t Underestimate the Power of Cold Outreach
Got your eye on a specific company like Deverell Smith Ltd? Don't hesitate to send a direct message or an email expressing your interest. Personalise your approach, maybe mentioning a recent listing or project of theirs, and it could set you apart from other candidates.
✨Utilise Property Management Platforms
Check out property management platforms and job boards tailored for the real estate sector. They often have exclusive listings, especially for full-time roles. Don't forget to visit Deverell Smith Ltd's careers page directly; we love seeing passionate candidates applying through our website!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Developer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Real-Estate Savvy:When crafting your CV and cover letter, make sure to highlight any relevant experience in the real estate sector. If you've done internships, assistant roles, or even relevant coursework, lay it out clearly. We want to see your familiarity with market trends, property management, or any sales experience you've got under your belt!
Quantify Your Achievements:In real estate, numbers speak volumes! When detailing your past roles, use concrete figures to demonstrate your achievements. For example, mention how many properties you sold, the percentage increase in client satisfaction, or any successful negotiations. These metrics can give your application that extra punch it needs!
Tailor Your Documents for the Job:Every application should feel personal. When applying for the Commercial Manager - Developer role at Deverell Smith Ltd, tweak your CV to focus on aspects that are important to them. If they value client relationships, emphasise your interpersonal skills. We want to see you aligning your experiences with what they're looking for!
Keep It Professional Yet Approachable:While we want you to show off your expertise, don't forget to let your personality shine through in your cover letter. A touch of friendliness can set you apart, especially in real estate where client interaction is key. Show that you're ready not just to work with the property but also with people!
How to prepare for a job interview at Deverell Smith Ltd
✨Know Your Market Trends
In real estate, it’s all about staying ahead of the curve. Make sure we brush up on the latest market trends in the area where Deverell Smith Ltd operates. Being able to discuss local property values, demand, and upcoming developments will show that we’re not just interested in the job, but genuinely invested in the industry.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect some scenario-based questions during the interview. We might get asked how we’d handle different client situations or property evaluations. Preparing our responses for common real estate scenarios not only demonstrates our problem-solving skills but also shows that we can think on our feet in a client-facing role.
✨Showcase Your Connections
In full-time real estate, networking is key! Let’s think about our connections in the industry and what we can bring to Deverell Smith Ltd. Whether it’s insights on prospective clients or relationships with local contractors, talking about these experiences can set us apart from other candidates.
✨Demonstrate Technical Savvy
Familiarity with different real estate software tools is a big plus. We should be ready to discuss any platforms we've used, whether it's for property management, CRM, or data analysis. Being comfortable with technology not only makes us more efficient, but also shows that we’re adaptable to the tools used at Deverell Smith Ltd.
