At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage contracts, budgets, and subcontractors for exciting residential development projects.
- 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 in the property development sector.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Commercial Manager or Senior Quantity Surveyor, ideally in residential development.
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 in London 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 in London
✨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 Deverell Smith Ltd, 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 - Developer at Deverell Smith Ltd.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager - Developer in London
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 Deverell Smith Ltd
✨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!
