At a Glance
- Tasks: Support high-value contracts and manage commercial operations for infrastructure projects.
- Company: Join Southern Water, a leader in transforming the water industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career growth, and a chance to make a real impact.
- Other info: Diverse environment welcoming fresh perspectives and passionate individuals.
- Why this job: Be part of a team driving significant change in water services management.
- Qualifications: Degree in quantity surveying or similar, with solid commercial management experience.
The predicted salary is between 51750 - 63250 £ per year.
Location: Chichester, Worthing
Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37
Salary: Competitive – to be discussed at interview
About the role:
Southern Water’s Commercial Management discipline leads the effective and efficient delivery and management of commercial operations and provides commercial assurance to infrastructure projects, including the tracking of variations and resolution of commercial risks and issues.
What you will be responsible for:
- The Commercial Manager supports the Senior Commercial Manager within a specified directorate to deliver pre and post contract processes for high value contracts.
- Act as a commercial business partner and be considered an expert and trusted advisor whilst providing cost management services, commercial support pre-contract award, contractual compliance, and dispute resolution.
- Support the Senior Commercial Manager in delivery of commercial management services to our NEC 4 Networks and Capital Delivery Frameworks.
- Operate within our market leading commercial/cost management, pre and post contract best practices and techniques.
- Work closely with Procurement, Project and Field Managers to provide pre-contract capabilities, including support on contract strategy, contract creation, pre-contract assurance and agreement.
- Align commercial management activity with quality management and other audits undertaken, liaising with appropriate stakeholders to drive efficiency.
- Develop and implement standardised audit/site visit procedures, undertake targeted ad hoc audits, and support auditors on site visits.
- Work with Project/Field Managers and contractors to support setting of target costs/fixed prices as appropriate for the contract form.
- Provide Project Managers with commercial guidance and advice, including managing contract difficulties/cost variance, inadequate contract performance, and emerging issues.
What you’ll bring to the role:
- Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent) in quantity surveying or a similar discipline.
- Solid commercial management experience, preferably in a water or utilities industry.
- Knowledge of the standard forms of contract and NEC in particular.
- Professional qualification and full membership is desirable (e.g. MRICS).
- Microsoft Office suite including advanced MS Excel and PowerPoint.
- Significant experience of cost management and/or quantity surveying for large projects or framework arrangements.
- Experience of supplier/contractor relationship management.
- Experience of risk identification and management.
- Experience and knowledge of contract terms and conditions, project lifecycles and commercial models.
- Experience monitoring and assuring compliance with internal governance procedures.
- Experience delivering continued improvement to commercial processes and procedures.
Capability:
- Excellent communication skills – including verbal, written and presenting to a group.
- Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to engage and influence senior stakeholders.
- Ability to demonstrate a proactive/can do style of work.
- Continuous improvement mindset.
- Highly organised with the ability to multi-task.
- Ability to build sustainable relationships as a trusted advisor.
- Strong commercial acumen and problem-solving, and excellent analytical and data presentation skills.
- Strong ability to deliver against financial targets and timescales.
- Ability to manage commercial performance and cost drivers in a complex environment.
Southern Water is at the forefront of transforming Britain’s water industry, investing significantly to enhance resilience, sustainability, and service excellence. With £7.8bn planned investment for 2025-30, this is an unparalleled opportunity to join a business committed to delivering a generational shift in the way water services are managed.
We offer an environment where senior professionals can make a meaningful impact, influence major strategic decisions, and drive long-term value creation.
Our Commitment to Diversity: We welcome applicants from all backgrounds, identities, and experiences. We do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, or any other protected characteristic.
Additional information: In line with Southern Water’s security requirements, successful candidates will be required to provide evidence of their identity, eligibility to work in the UK, criminal record check (DBS) and verification of their employment and/or education history for the past three years.
Commercial Quantity Surveyor in Chichester employer: SouthernWaterServices
Southern Water is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where you can lead transformative water and wastewater projects that make a real difference in communities. With a strong commitment to employee growth, a collaborative culture, and a focus on sustainability, you'll find ample opportunities to develop your skills while contributing to a vital mission. Located in the vibrant areas of Falmer and Durrington, our flexible hybrid working model ensures a healthy work-life balance, making it an ideal place for passionate individuals looking to drive change in the water industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Quantity Surveyor in Chichester
✨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 SouthernWaterServices, 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 Quantity Surveyor at SouthernWaterServices.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Quantity Surveyor in Chichester
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 SouthernWaterServices
✨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!
