At a Glance
- Tasks: Support estimators and quantity surveyors in a dynamic commercial environment.
- Company: Join London Fire Solutions, a leader in passive fire protection since 2011.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, pension scheme, health support, and employee discounts.
- Other info: Potential to progress into a trainee QS role for the right candidate.
- Why this job: Be part of a growing team with opportunities for career development.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial roles and strong Excel skills required.
London Fire Solutions was established in 2011 and is a passive fire protection specialist. We make our own fire doors at our 30,000 sq ft manufacturing facility in Gillingham. Our operational team installs and maintains them, and also carries out fire stopping, surveys and remedial works for housing associations, local authorities and main contractors across London, the South Coast and the Midlands.
We're growing, and we have clear expansion plans through to 2030. Our commercial team is growing with us, and we need a capable, organised administrator to keep it running smoothly.
You'll report to our Commercial Manager and support the Quantity Surveyors and Estimators day to day. This isn't a pure admin role. We need someone who understands how estimating and quantity surveying work and can see the commercial side of what they're doing. It's varied and busy, and it suits someone who likes getting the detail right and doesn't let things slip.
What you'll be doing:
- Supporting the estimators with enquiries, tender documents, pricing schedules and quote submissions
- Supporting the QS team with valuations, variations and the supporting information needed for applications for payment
- Keeping variation registers, valuation trackers and commercial records up to date
- Tracking purchase orders, client order numbers and job references
- Keeping deals, quotes and contacts in HubSpot accurate and up to date, and pulling reports for the commercial team
- Chasing outstanding paperwork from site teams, such as timesheets, completion certificates and photos
- Processing subcontractor and self-employed operative payments, including CIS checks
- Pulling together information for monthly commercial reviews
- Spotting commercial issues such as missing orders, unrecorded variations or work not yet valued, and raising them early
- General support to the commercial team as needed
What we're looking for:
- Experience in a commercial, QS, estimating or contracts administration role in construction or facilities maintenance
- A good understanding of how estimating and quantity surveying work, including tenders, valuations, variations and applications for payment
- Good commercial awareness, with an understanding of how what you do affects margin and cash flow
- A reasonable level of HubSpot ability, or strong experience with a similar CRM system
- Strong Excel skills and comfortable with numbers
- Very well organised, with good attention to detail
- Confident chasing people for information, both internally and with clients
- Able to manage your own workload and meet deadlines
Desirable:
- Experience in passive fire protection or a related specialist trade
- Experience in social housing, planned works or repairs and maintenance contracts
- Knowledge of CIS
- Experience using client procurement portals
What we offer:
- Competitive salary
- Company pension scheme
- Cycle to work scheme
- Employee discount scheme
- Health and wellbeing support
- Life insurance
- The chance to join a growing business at an exciting time, with room to develop, including routes into a trainee QS role for the right person
How to apply:
Apply through CV Library with your CV. Please include a short note telling us about your commercial and HubSpot experience and why you're suited to the role.
Commercial Administrator employer: London Fire Solutions
London Fire Solutions is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture in Gillingham, where your skills as a Wood Machinist will be valued and nurtured. With competitive salaries, ongoing training, and clear pathways for career progression, you will thrive in a company committed to quality and safety in the fire protection industry. Enjoy additional benefits such as extra annual leave for each year of service, a Cycle to Work scheme, and a friendly team environment that prioritises your professional growth.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Administrator
✨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 London Fire Solutions, 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 Administrator at London Fire Solutions.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Administrator
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 London Fire Solutions
✨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!
