At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead recovery efforts for construction projects, ensuring compliance and effective communication across teams.
- Company: Join Vistry Services, a top UK housebuilder with a commitment to integrity and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, bonus, company car, generous leave, and private medical insurance.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a culture that values collaboration and personal development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction industry while developing your career in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: Strong experience in commercial contracts and litigation within the construction sector.
The predicted salary is between 56700 - 69300 £ per year.
Head of Commercial Recoveries - Brentwood
Job Type: Full time
In a Nutshell
We have an exciting opportunity for a Head of Commercial Recoveries to join our team within Vistry Services Special Projects, at our Brentwood office. As our Head of Commercial Recoveries, you will manage and co-ordinate the key recovery targets for all projects within the division, liaising with the relevant technical, legal and commercial functions.
This role is specifically focused on the recovery channels from supply chain and insurance where a statutory or contractual duty has been breached.
We value in-person collaboration and team culture, but were also committed to supporting flexible working where possible. We encourage you to raise any specific requirements during the interview process so we can explore how this could be accommodated.
Lets cut to the chase, whats in it for you
- Competitive basic salary and annual bonus
- Company car, car allowance or travel allowance
- Salary sacrifice car scheme available to all employees
- Up to 39 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- 2 Volunteering days per annum
- Private medical insurance, with employee paid cover
- Enhanced maternity, paternity and adoption leave
- Competitive pension scheme through salary sacrifice
- Life assurance at 4 x your annual salary
- Share save and share incentive schemes
- Christmas company shutdown
- Employee rewards portal with many more benefits
In return, what we would like from you
- Behave in line with our company values Integrity, Caring and Quality
- Strong experience in commercial contracts for construction of residential properties with evidence of litigation or recovery actions achieved.
- Specific experience in contract litigation and determination of liability.
- A good knowledge of the Building Safety Act and relevant statute for claims under this legislation.
- Extensive experience working within a residential contractor or cost consultancy practice.
- Previous experience as a Managing QS or Commercial Manager within the industry
- A good understanding or building regulations and legal obligations
- Knowledge or construction methods and materials
- Experience or people management and project leading.
- Strong contract understanding.
- Strong mathematical and IT ability
- Ability to assess and analyse information
- Good business sense
- Good understanding of budget management
- Negotiating and networking skills
- Must be proficient with Coins IT system & Viewpoint document management system.
- Excellent communications skills
- Able to work under pressure, and accept criticism of work
- Good team working skills
- Accurate with an eye for detail
- A methodical approach
- Capable of strategic vision
- Decision making/problem solving/multi-tasking
- Willing to work extra to meet deadlines as and when the business needs require it.
- Understanding of pre-action protocol for construction disputes
Desirable..
- A member of Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Degree in Surveying, Building, Construction Law or similar.
- Adjudication training.
More about the Head of Commercial Recoveries role
- Develop and be key account holder of recoveries from third party consultants, contractors and insurers including but not limited to, assisting with instructing experts, counsel, quantum and/or witness statements for building our defence.
- Central conduit for project teams to provide particulars, development of recoveries target matrix and regular updates of target.
- Liaising with internal and external legal teams for defence claims, dispute resolution and contract awareness. Co-ordinated reporting of all live litigation actions both up and down stream.
- Ensure compliance with the companys Quantity Assurance Procedures and Health & Safety Policy.
- Where possible to look for areas of cost savings whilst projects are live, ensuring mitigation of loss as part of any claim.
- Liaise with all other departments to ensure cost effective delivery of the regions budgeted output.
- From time to time take on any other specific requirements requested by the Managing Director/Commercial Director/Head of Commercial to the benefit of the regions commercial operations.
- Attend design review meetings and pre-planning technical department meetings to understand and the consequences on the developments financial forecasts.
- Work with build and commercial teams to ensure that the contractual position of the company is protected as can be reasonably foreseen.
- Attend group best practice meetings to share and gain knowledge.
- Provide accurate build costs for use in budgets, forecasts and valuations.
- Ensure build cost information is up to date to enable accurate estimating.
- Periodically review and update forecasts and budgets. Including for later sites.
- Respond to any variations, errors or omissions.
- Ensure that costs are kept within forecast and estimates where possible, and that the department operates within the guidelines determined in the Group Commercial Best Practice.
- Coordinate the measure and payments to subcontractors including guidance to Surveyors to ensure that works are certified for payment in accordance with Company procedures.
- Coordinate cash flow forecasts of the recovery targets for each site, to be monitored against monthly payments.
- Liaise with Technical, Development & Finance to ensure accurate & timely reporting of fee schedules.
- Carry out monthly cost/value report for the Region including coordinating and checking of CVRs and back up prior to the monthly meeting, all in accordance with Group Audit requirements and company procedures.
- Report of any major variances to the Regional Commercial Director.
- Respond to contract variances in respect of quality, performance, programme, costs and specification.
- Liaises with all Departments in matters relating to the effective administration of site development schemes.
- Identify non-compliance and rectify and resolve problems.
- If non-compliance with above, then discuss determination of the contract with the Regional Commercial Director and Contract Managers.
- Ensure you keep up to date with legislation changes and attend training and technical training as and when require by the company.
- Attend departmental meetings as required.
- Deal with queries from build teams.
- Maintain open lines of communication with colleagues in other regions.
- Work with Build and other depts to ensure working relationship with key suppliers & subcontractors is maintained where possible.
- Ensure all relevant stakeholders are informed of key departmental developments.
Finally, lets tell you a bit more about us
We build more than homes, were making Vistry. Being a responsible developer and award-winning employer means we live each day through our ethos - doing the right thing. Our behaviours reflect this, as well as our values of integrity, caring and quality. Shaping all we do; they empower us to develop sustainable communities across affordable and private housing. We work in a partnership-led way, and youll recognise our renowned brands Bovis Homes, Linden Homes and Countryside Homes. Together with Vistry Works, our manufacturing operation, and the functional support of Vistry Services, were a proud UK Green Building Council member, UK top five housebuilder with a five-star House Builders Federation (HBF) customer satisfaction rating, and winner of many awards including Top Employer, Global Top Inspiring Workplaces, and Best for Talent Attraction and Outreach.
Join us in making Vistry.
#LI-WS1
Head of Commercial Recoveries - Brentwood in Billericay employer: Vistry
Vistry is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and supportive work culture in Cheltenham, where employees are encouraged to grow and develop their skills. As a Finance Manager, you will benefit from comprehensive training opportunities and a commitment to work-life balance, making it a rewarding place to build your career while contributing to meaningful financial strategies.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Commercial Recoveries - Brentwood in Billericay
✨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 Vistry, 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 Head of Commercial Recoveries - Brentwood at Vistry.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Commercial Recoveries - Brentwood in Billericay
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 Vistry
✨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!