At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial audits, manage supplier relationships, and drive value for money.
- Company: Join a dynamic team at Sodexo, supporting high-profile government clients.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, mental health support, and lifestyle rewards.
- Other info: Great opportunities for growth and innovation in a supportive community.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced environment while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in FM or Building Services with strong analytical skills.
The predicted salary is between 35000 - 45000 € per year.
40 hours per week Monday to Friday
Competitive Salary
Sodexo rewards and benefits
Job Introduction
Are you commercially driven with a strong understanding of FM, building services, and supplier cost management? Do you enjoy analysing data, challenging costs, and driving value for money within a complex property environment? If so, we'd love to hear from you. We are looking for a Senior Commercial Assistant to join our Government UK & Ireland Property Professional Services team, supporting a high profile Government client across a substantial UK and European estate portfolio. In this exciting role, you will play a key part in ensuring commercial compliance across supplier estimates and applications for payment, while helping to drive best practice, governance, and continuous improvement throughout the Cost Audit service.
What you'll do:
- As the lead Commercial Assistant, you will manage higher value and more complex workstreams while supporting and coordinating Commercial Assistants across the team.
- Your responsibilities will include:
- Conducting desktop commercial audits on supplier estimates and applications for payment
- Reviewing reactive and minor works to ensure commercial compliance and value for money
- Challenging supplier submissions and negotiating agreements on behalf of the client
- Analysing data and identifying trends to support commercial insight and reporting
- Managing supplier queries and contractor escalations through to resolution
- Supporting month end activities and facilitating supplier payments
- Attending supplier meetings to resolve queries and review best practice
- Monitoring supplier performance against contractual obligations
- Maintaining accurate audit trails and transactional commentary
- Building strong working relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders
- Supporting continuous improvement, innovation, and knowledge sharing across the wider PPS community
What you bring:
- Previous experience within an FM or Building Services environment
- Good understanding of building fabric and M&E terminology
- Strong commercial acumen and numerical analysis capability
- Experience analysing data and identifying trends within large datasets
- Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
- Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment
- Eligibility to pass client security vetting
Desirable:
- Degree or working towards qualification in FM, Construction, Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, or similar
- Experience managing supplier/customer relationships
- Knowledge of PSA/NSR Schedule of Rates
- Experience using CAFM systems
What we offer:
- Mental health & wellbeing support
- Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
- 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
- Discounts for you & family
- Financial tools & retirement plan
- Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day
Ready to be part of something greater? Apply today!
Sodexo reserves the right to close this advert early if we are in receipt of a high number of applications.
Senior Commercial Assistant in Manchester employer: Sodexo
Sodexo is an exceptional employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and professional growth, offering a competitive salary alongside a comprehensive benefits package including mental health support, financial advice, and lifestyle rewards. Our collaborative work culture fosters innovation and continuous improvement, making it an ideal environment for those looking to make a meaningful impact within the Government UK & Ireland Property Professional Services team. Join us in a role that not only challenges you but also provides opportunities to develop your skills while supporting a high-profile Government client across a substantial estate portfolio.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Assistant in Manchester
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the FM and building services sectors. Attend industry events or webinars to meet potential employers and get your name out there. Remember, sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know!
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they align with your skills in commercial compliance and supplier management. This will help you stand out and show that you’re genuinely interested in the role.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! Since you'll be challenging supplier submissions, being able to articulate your points clearly and confidently is key. Role-play with a friend or use online resources to sharpen those skills before the big day.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. So, go ahead and hit that apply button!
We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Assistant in Manchester
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Commercial Assistant role. Highlight your experience in FM and building services, and don’t forget to showcase your numerical analysis skills. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific examples of how you've challenged costs or driven value for money in previous positions. We love a good story!
Show Off Your Data Skills:Since analysing data is key for this role, make sure to mention any relevant tools or methods you've used in the past. If you’ve identified trends or provided insights that led to improvements, we want to hear about it!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy – just follow the prompts and you’ll be on your way!
How to prepare for a job interview at Sodexo
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Senior Commercial Assistant, you'll need to demonstrate your strong numerical analysis skills. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive value for money in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've challenged costs or negotiated agreements.
✨Understand the FM Landscape
Familiarise yourself with the facilities management (FM) and building services terminology. This will not only help you communicate effectively during the interview but also show that you have a solid understanding of the industry. Consider reviewing recent trends or challenges in the FM sector to discuss.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are crucial for this role. Think of specific instances where you've built relationships with clients or suppliers. Be prepared to share how you resolved conflicts or improved collaboration, as this will highlight your ability to manage multiple priorities.
✨Prepare for Scenario Questions
Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Practice articulating your thought process when conducting audits or managing supplier queries. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses and showcase your experience effectively.