Commercial Manager - Real Estate Development Job titleCommercial Manager LocationHead Office, five days a week in the office Reports toSenior Commercial Manager SectorReal estate development - student accommodation, build to rent, hotel and commercial The business A privately held UK property group with a focus on purpose-built student housing, build to rent, hotels and commercial space, operating in London and other UK markets. The group has been trading for more than ten years and now manages assets worth over £2bn. It runs the whole property lifecycle in-house, from sourcing and buying sites through design, planning and delivery to ongoing asset management. Each scheme is treated on its own merits, with a tailored plan for getting the best return. Experienced people, supported by long-standing partners, have earned the group a strong name for build quality. The opportunity This hire will take ownership of cost control across the group's design and build developments. The remit covers early cost planning, challenging designs on price, running procurement and keeping each project inside its approved budget. The post also works alongside colleagues in other functions, notably the development lead who looks at sites before purchase, to give a commercial view on opportunities and issues from the acquisition stage onward. Core duties Build cost plans and budgets for each scheme that match the brief and financial limits set by the investment team. Keep precise cost estimates, procurement programmes and cash flow forecasts up to date. Partner with development managers and designers so that proposals are affordable and buildable within the agreed budget. Engage contractors, sub-contractors and suppliers to secure competitive pricing on materials and services. Produce tender packages, assess the bids that come back, and put recommendations to the development managers and the projects director. Run project budgets and the change control process, judge how changes affect cost and programme, and act early to protect margin. Make sure contract terms are followed, anticipating risk, dealing with claims and settling disputes so that project results are protected. Administer variations, change control and time extension claims strictly in line with the contract. Supply the finance team with regular updates on project spend and budget position. How the role supports each project stage Concept and feasibility (RIBA 0) Carry out feasibility reviews and early cost estimates for prospective schemes. Tell the investment team what different design choices and requirements will cost.Briefing (RIBA 1) Give cost input while the investment team's brief takes shape. Set up the first cost plan and budget.Concept design (RIBA 2) Work with the development managers and designers to keep the design affordable and deliverable. Turn the concept design into a more detailed cost plan and budget.Developed design (RIBA 3) Direct the external quantity surveyors, who join at this point to produce detailed bills of quantities. Analyse tender returns and advise the project team. Help shape the construction programme and the cash flow forecast.Technical design (RIBA 4) Examine the detailed design and flag any cost consequences to the team. Draw up the procurement schedule and assess tenders.Construction (RIBA 5) Control change, weighing the cost and programme effect of each instruction. Report to the development manager and projects director on spend, budget and progress. Visit site and value variations.Handover and close-out (RIBA 6) Keep a full and accurate record of project costs. Issue final cost reports and explain variances. Wider remit Governance Join the monthly project review meeting and keep senior management updated on progress and problems.Stakeholders Inside the business: regular contact with the development, projects and planning directors. Outside the business: the main point of contact for counterparts at contractors, suppliers, manufacturers and cost consultancies.Typical external contacts include: Lenders' representatives: building a working relationship with the monitoring surveyors who act for the funder on your schemes. Contractors: collaborating closely with the firms delivering your projects, and developing links with dependable, experienced builders so work lands on time and on budget. Consultant teams: contributing to design development with the professional team to hold quality high. Trade bodies: keeping up with market trends, meeting peers and spotting new opportunities. A flavour of the live pipeline Student scheme of around 500 beds in a large regional city - in planning Student scheme of around 700 beds in central London - tendering and on site Hotel of around 900 rooms in the capital - tendering and on site Student scheme of around 700 beds in the capital - in planning A second central London student scheme of around 700 beds - on site Hotel of around 300 rooms in the capital - pre-contract and in planning About you A degree in quantity surveying or a related discipline. Client-side or developer experience, ideally in student housing, hotels or co-living. Confident with Excel and cost estimating tools. Analytical, with a careful eye for detail. Clear communicator who builds good working relationships with contractors, suppliers and internal clients. Resilient under pressure and a natural problem solver who hits deadlines. Working knowledge of industry standards, regulations and codes of practice. Has managed a portfolio of several schemes at once, from inception through to completion
Commercial Manager- Real estate developer in London employer: Deverell Smith Ltd
Join a dynamic and growing main contractor in London, where your expertise as an Estimator will be valued and rewarded. With a strong pipeline of work, you'll enjoy a collaborative work culture that fosters professional growth and offers clear career progression opportunities. The company prioritises building lasting relationships and encourages you to take ownership of your projects, making it an ideal environment for those seeking meaningful and impactful employment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager- Real estate 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- Real estate developer at Deverell Smith Ltd.
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!
