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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial projects, manage budgets, and negotiate contracts in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Join Unite Students, the UK's top provider of student accommodation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 25 days holiday, a generous pension, and health perks.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on student living while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management and strong negotiation skills required.
- Other info: Be part of an inclusive culture that values diversity and personal growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
Unite Students have an exciting opportunity for an experienced Commercial Manager. Ideally based in London but operating nationally, the Commercial Manager will provide commercial input into projects undertaken by the Development and Capital Projects team, including new builds and asset management initiatives. Duties will include:
- Estimating, benchmarking, inflation forecasting, budgetary control and reporting.
- Managing all financial aspects from inception through to practical completion.
- Supporting in the procurement of main contractors, contract negotiation and supply chain management.
What You'll Be Doing:
- Providing initial cost advice to aid in the assessment of potential PBSA / AMI opportunities.
- Preparing accurate / detailed cost plans to establish the project budget.
- Managing the project cost plan from inception, through contract award, to practical completion.
- Ensuring risks have been considered / managed and costs are accurate to inform the funding request.
- Being commercially responsible for on-site schemes, including cost reporting, value engineering, cash flows, dispute resolution, cost control and account management.
- Overseeing the production of tender documentation and managing contractor and supply chain relationships.
- Negotiating and overseeing construction contracts, retentions, bonds, warranties and other contractual documents.
- Agreeing final account in line with the Board approved level.
- Assisting in cost benchmarking analysis on all projects delivered by the team.
- Supporting the resolution of legacy issues, defects and claims.
- Role modelling Unite Students values and helping to deliver business initiatives such as implementing net zero carbon initiatives, diversity and inclusion, and Homes for Success.
What We're Looking for in You:
- Significant experience in a Quantity Surveying / Commercial management role, from a contractor, client or consultant background.
- A proven track record in commercial management covering large, complex schemes and knowledge of sustainability practices within the construction industry.
- RICS or CIOB qualified or working towards (desirable).
- Demonstrable strong negotiation, influencing and communication skills, with a willingness to participate and present in meetings at various levels.
- A quick learner who demonstrates a capability and willingness to acquire and apply new skills.
- Ability to build relationships and influence internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability to travel throughout the UK with a full driving licence.
What You'll Get in Return:
- A discretionary annual bonus so you can share in the company's success.
- 25 days' paid holiday and an annual holiday buying scheme, with 5 additional days awarded for long service.
- A generous pension scheme - employer contributions between 5% and 11% depending on how much you save.
- Various benefits to support your health and wellbeing including a Healthcare Cash Plan, an Employee Assistance Programme, a Wellbeing platform and a Gym benefit that you can share with your family and friends.
- Enhanced Family Leave including 18 weeks full pay for birthing parents and 4 weeks for non-birthing parents.
- Lots of other great benefits including an annual ShareSave scheme, Employee Life Assurance, a discounts portal and more!
About Unite Students:
Founded in 1991, Unite Students is the UK's leading provider of purpose-built student accommodation. You can find us in 23 leading university towns and cities, with 70,000 students calling US home! We are driven by our values, culture, and a commitment to develop diverse and inclusive teams, filled with positive energy and new ideas. Instinctive inclusion. We know that to create and maintain a happy healthy organisation, we have to work hard to ensure inclusion isn't just what we do but who we are. People make Unite Students. Employees, students and neighbours all contribute to building environments where we can all thrive. Room for Everyone. We're proud to be an employer that embraces individuality, and we're passionate about building inclusive teams. We focus on creating a collaborative culture where you can be you, where your voice is heard, and where you can truly belong. We take great pride in being rated Gold Investors in People and are constantly striving to provide the highest standard of learning and development opportunities and professional pathways for our people. Building a home for success, for both our employees and students, requires exceptional people. Join us as we build better experiences for students that live with us.
Commercial Manager employer: Unite Foundation
Contact Detail:
Unite Foundation Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the industry. Attend events, join online forums, or even hit up LinkedIn. The more connections you make, the better your chances of landing that Commercial Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching Unite Students and their values. Understand their projects and how you can contribute to their mission. Tailor your responses to show how your experience aligns with their goals, especially around sustainability and inclusion.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commercial Manager, you'll need to showcase your ability to negotiate contracts and manage relationships. Role-play with a friend or mentor to build confidence before those big discussions.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of the Unite Students team. Let’s get you that job!
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Manager role. Highlight your relevant experience in commercial management and any specific projects that align with what we do at Unite Students.
Showcase Your Skills: Don’t just list your qualifications; demonstrate how your skills in negotiation, cost control, and project management have led to successful outcomes in previous roles. We want to see how you can bring value to our team!
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your strengths.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to submit your application through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
How to prepare for a job interview at Unite Foundation
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Manager, you'll be dealing with budgets and cost plans. Brush up on your financial acumen and be ready to discuss how you've managed project costs in the past. Prepare specific examples of how you’ve estimated, benchmarked, and controlled budgets.
✨Showcase Your Negotiation Skills
Negotiation is key in this role, so come prepared with examples of successful negotiations you've led. Think about times when you’ve negotiated contracts or resolved disputes, and be ready to share your strategies and outcomes.
✨Understand Sustainability Practices
Unite Students values sustainability, so make sure you’re familiar with current practices in the construction industry. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to net zero carbon initiatives and any relevant experience you have in this area.
✨Build Relationships
This role requires strong relationship-building skills. Think about how you’ve influenced stakeholders in previous roles and be prepared to discuss your approach to managing contractor and supply chain relationships effectively.
