At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy and cost governance for high-profile capital projects.
- Company: Join a leading global corporate occupier in commercial real estate.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and excellent career development opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative environment with exposure to industry-leading professionals.
- Why this job: Shape strategic decisions and make a significant impact on major projects.
- Qualifications: Experience in cost management, strong analytical skills, and excellent communication.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
- Director / Commercial PMO Lead (Client-Side Secondment)
- London | Client Office Based | Commercial Real Estate Programme
An outstanding opportunity has arisen for an experienced Cost Manager / Quantity Surveyor to join a high-profile commercial real estate programme, working directly within the Programme Management Office (PMO) of a leading global corporate occupier.
This is a client-facing role where you will play a key part in shaping commercial strategy, providing robust cost governance and supporting the successful delivery of a diverse portfolio of capital projects.
Working alongside senior programme leadership, you will help drive consistency, transparency and commercial excellence across multiple projects.
This position is ideal for someone who enjoys working in a strategic environment, influencing decision-making through data, commercial insight and best practice.
The Opportunity
As part of the Commercial PMO, you will support the programme's commercial leadership by delivering cost management, financial reporting and portfolio-level commercial controls.
You will work closely with project teams, procurement, finance and client stakeholders to ensure projects are accurately budgeted, effectively governed and commercially successful.
Key Responsibilities
- Provide commercial oversight across a portfolio of capital projects, ensuring consistent cost management processes and reporting.
- Develop and maintain project budgets, forecasts, cash flow projections and financial performance reporting.
- Produce benchmarking and cost intelligence to support investment decisions and future project planning.
- Monitor project budgets, commitments, contingency allowances, risks and change control throughout the project lifecycle.
- Support procurement activities by providing commercial analysis and cost advice.
- Maintain and continuously improve commercial data, reporting systems and cost databases to ensure accuracy and consistency.
- Analyse programme performance using reporting tools and dashboards, identifying trends, risks and opportunities.
- Produce high-quality reports and commercial insights for senior stakeholders and programme leadership.
- Build collaborative relationships across project teams, consultants and client representatives.
- Contribute to continuous improvement initiatives that enhance commercial performance, governance and sustainability objectives.
About You
You will be an experienced Cost Manager or Quantity Surveyor with a strong commercial background and the ability to operate confidently within complex capital programmes.
You will ideally have
- A degree in Quantity Surveying, Cost Management or a related discipline.
- MRICS or working towards professional accreditation.
- Proven experience in cost planning, estimating, forecasting and commercial management.
- Strong understanding of procurement, contracts and project financial controls.
- Advanced Excel and data analysis skills with the ability to interpret and present complex information.
- Experience producing portfolio-level commercial reporting and performance analysis.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills with the confidence to influence senior decision-makers.
- A proactive, analytical approach with a focus on delivering value and continuous improvement.
- What's on Offer
- Opportunity to work within a globally recognised corporate real estate environment.
- Exposure to a major capital investment programme with significant strategic impact.
- Collaborative, client-facing role with excellent career development opportunities.
- Work alongside industry-leading professionals on complex and high-value projects.
- Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
Director - Commercial PMO Lead (Client-Side Secondment) in Slough employer: People Group
At People Group, we pride ourselves on being an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters innovation and collaboration. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through tailored development programmes and the opportunity to work on high-profile projects like the £700M HS2 scheme, ensuring that our team members are at the forefront of MEP design in rail and aviation. Located in the UK, we provide a supportive environment where your expertise can thrive, making a meaningful impact in the industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Director - Commercial PMO Lead (Client-Side Secondment) in Slough
✨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 People Group, 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 Director - Commercial PMO Lead (Client-Side Secondment) at People Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Director - Commercial PMO Lead (Client-Side Secondment) in Slough
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 People Group
✨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!
