At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial strategy for impactful social infrastructure projects in healthcare, education, and housing.
- Company: Join a forward-thinking team dedicated to improving communities through innovative projects.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, flexible working, and clear career progression opportunities.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on innovation and strategic decision-making.
- Why this job: Shape meaningful projects from the ground up and make a real difference in society.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial management or quantity surveying, ideally in pre-construction environments.
We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to join our growing Social Infrastructure Pre-Construction team. This key strategic role sits at the front end of project delivery, shaping commercial strategy, managing risk, and influencing project viability across a diverse portfolio of healthcare, education, housing, and public sector infrastructure schemes.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the commercial input into pre‑construction activities, including bids, tenders, and early contractor involvement (ECI) engagements.
- Develop and manage project budgets, cost plans, and financial modelling for complex schemes.
- Identify, manage, and mitigate commercial risks and opportunities at early stages.
- Provide strategic commercial advice to internal stakeholders and clients.
- Support procurement strategy development and supply chain engagement.
- Prepare and review pricing strategies, tender submissions, and contract terms.
- Ensure alignment with governance, compliance, and internal commercial procedures.
- Contribute to value engineering and optioneering to maximise project outcomes.
- Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, and key partners.
About You
- Proven experience in a Commercial Manager or Senior QS role, ideally within pre‑construction or bid environments.
- Strong track record delivering complex infrastructure or major project tenders (£20m+).
- Experience in social infrastructure sectors such as healthcare, education, residential, or public sector schemes.
- Excellent understanding of procurement routes, contracts (NEC/JCT), and risk management.
- Commercially astute with the ability to influence strategic decision‑making.
- Strong communication and stakeholder engagement skills.
- Degree‑qualified (or equivalent) in Quantity Surveying or Commercial Management.
- Professional membership (RICS or equivalent) desirable.
What We Offer
- Opportunity to work on high‑profile, meaningful projects that improve communities.
- A collaborative and forward‑thinking pre‑construction environment.
- Competitive salary and package.
- Flexible / hybrid working arrangements.
- Clear career progression within a growing business.
Why Join Us?
This is a chance to play a pivotal role in shaping complex, socially impactful projects from inception. You’ll be part of a team that values innovation, collaboration, and commercial excellence, with the opportunity to influence outcomes at the earliest stages.
Commercial Manager in Kent employer: United Living Group
Join a forward-thinking company that prioritises meaningful projects aimed at enhancing communities across the South of England. As a Commercial Manager, you will thrive in a collaborative environment that offers flexible working arrangements and clear pathways for career progression, all while contributing to high-profile social infrastructure initiatives. With a focus on innovation and commercial excellence, this role provides an exceptional opportunity to influence project outcomes from the very beginning.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager in Kent
✨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 United Living 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 Commercial Manager at United Living Group.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager in Kent
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 United Living 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!
