Commercial Administrator – Construction / Quantity Surveying – East London / Essex Salary/Rate: £200–£300 per day, Temp-to-Perm O’Neill and Brennan are currently working with one of the largest and most reputable construction companies in the world, generating multi-billion-pound annual turnover, who are looking to appoint a Commercial Administrator to support their Quantity Surveying team. This is an excellent opportunity for someone with previous administrative experience within the construction industry who is looking to develop a long-term career in Quantity Surveying. The role will involve supporting a team of Quantity Surveyors with day-to-day commercial and administrative duties, providing valuable exposure to the fundamentals of quantity surveying and commercial management within a major construction business. The position is initially offered on a temp-to-perm basis, with the opportunity to join the company permanently after approximately three to four months. For the right person, there is also a genuine opportunity to progress into a Trainee Quantity Surveyor position over time, making this an ideal stepping stone for someone keen to learn, develop and build a career in construction. With the backing of a globally recognised contractor, the business can offer excellent long-term job security, structured career progression and opportunities to develop within one of the industry's leading organisations. Role Overview: Title: Commercial Administrator Sector: Construction / Quantity Surveying Location: East London / Essex Salary/Rate: £200–£300 per day Type: Temp-to-Perm, with the opportunity to go permanent after 3–4 months Progression: Potential pathway into a Trainee Quantity Surveyor role Start: ASAP, but can wait for the right person Responsibilities: Provide day-to-day administrative support to the commercial team and Quantity Surveyors. Assist with the preparation, organisation and maintenance of commercial documentation. Help manage subcontractor paperwork, including enquiries, quotations, orders and supporting documentation. Maintain accurate records of project costs, variations, valuations and commercial correspondence. Assist with tracking purchase orders, invoices, payments and subcontractor accounts. Support the Quantity Surveying team with spreadsheets, reports, trackers and general data entry. Organise and maintain electronic filing systems to ensure commercial information is easily accessible. Liaise with internal teams and subcontractors to obtain outstanding information and documentation. Assist with general commercial administration to streamline workflows and allow Quantity Surveyors to focus on key project and financial responsibilities. Develop an understanding of commercial processes, cost control and subcontractor management, with the opportunity to take on additional responsibilities as experience grows. Requirements: Previous administrative experience within a construction company or contractor environment. A genuine interest in developing a long-term career in Quantity Surveying or commercial management or in working in a commercial construction environment. Strong organisational skills and excellent attention to detail. Good IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel, Word and Outlook. Confident communication skills, with the ability to liaise professionally with colleagues, subcontractors and wider project teams. A proactive attitude and willingness to learn new systems, processes and commercial procedures. Ability to manage multiple administrative tasks while maintaining accurate records. Any previous exposure to Quantity Surveying, subcontractor packages, purchase orders or commercial documentation would be advantageous. A relevant construction or surveying qualification would be beneficial but is not essential. Right to work in the UK. If you're currently working in a construction administration role and are looking to take the next step towards a career in Quantity Surveying or are already working in a commercial administrator role, this is an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on commercial experience within one of the world's leading construction companies, with a genuine pathway for progression. Please contact Ned Scott-Mends on (phone number removed) to discuss the opportunity. O’Neill and Brennan values diversity and promotes equality, All individuals will be treated in a fair and equal manner and in accordance with the law regardless of gender, marital status, race, religion, colour, age, disability or sexual orientation
Commercial Administrator employer: O'Neill & Brennan
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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 O'Neill & Brennan, 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 O'Neill & Brennan.
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 O'Neill & Brennan
✨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!
