At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a dynamic team to shape and execute commercial strategies in housebuilding.
- Company: Join Vistry Cotswolds, a top UK housebuilder with a commitment to integrity and quality.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, company car, and up to 39 days leave.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the housing sector while inspiring a talented team.
- Qualifications: Proven experience in senior commercial roles within housebuilding and strong leadership skills.
- Other info: Flexible working options and a culture of collaboration await you.
The predicted salary is between 43200 - 72000 £ per year.
We have an exciting opportunity for a Commercial Director to join our team within Vistry Cotswolds, at our Cheltenham office. As our Commercial Director, you will help shape the business unit strategy. You will be leading a Commercial Team of 21, defining, directing, and leading the commercial strategy of the Business Unit whilst inspiring and motivating the team to control cost, generate cash, and profit for the Region. You will be reporting directly to the Managing Director, and this role requires a senior-level commercial professional with proven experience gained within the housebuilding sector.
We value in-person collaboration and team culture, but we’re 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.
This Vacancy has a closing date of 27th February 2026.
What’s 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 33 days annual leave plus bank holidays increasing to up to 39 days with service
- 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
- 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
- Experienced in a senior Commercial role
- Experienced in building regulations and legal obligations
- A good knowledge of construction methods and materials
- Experience with affordable housing contracts
- Experience of people management and project leading
- Extensive experience in working within a residential housebuilder
- Experience of supporting business growth
- Well developed analytical, oral and presentation/communication skills
- Ability to formulate commercial plans and ensure full engagement
- Be commercially and financially astute, including experience in cash management
- Be an inspirational leader and a strong team player
- Bring a ‘can do’ and ‘find a way’ mindset
Desirable:
- Degree in Surveying, Building or similar
- A Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), or Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
- Formal Leadership training
- Able to show commitment to their chosen profession by continued self-development (courses, seminars etc.)
- Knowledge and use of the COINS system
- Knowledge of JCT design and build contracts
More about the Commercial Director role:
- Manage and support the performance and development of the Commercial team
- Define, direct and lead a commercial strategy that balances opportunity and risk to the business for income generation to reinvest in the business
- Direct and lead the governance of the Commercial team, ensuring proper accountability for, and reporting of, all commercial activity and the development of appropriate control systems
- Ensure compliance with legal, regulatory, and internal procedural requirements
- Ensure compliance to Group protocols and procedures
- Help define and embed a commercial approach to the running of the department across all levels of the hierarchy
- Work with the senior management team to collaboratively guide the development of professional standards, commercial contracts, and service level agreements
- Effectively manage cash generation for the Region
- Maintain effective cost control for the Region
- Identify and manage opportunity and risk, commercial and otherwise
- Support the Land team in the land bidding process
- Provide affordable contract guidance and support through head of teams and contract engrossment
- Build and maintain effective relationships with affordable partners, including the development of strong links at all levels of the business
- Build and maintain effective relationships with supply chain partners, including the development of strong links at all levels of the business
- Market the organisation’s capabilities in the delivery and management of commercial activities and maintain Vistry Partnerships profile with customers/clients, external bodies, suppliers, and other stakeholders
We build more than homes, we’re 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 you’ll 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, we’re 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.
Commercial Director - Cheltenham employer: Vistry
Contact Detail:
Vistry Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Director - Cheltenham
✨Network Like a Pro
Get out there and connect with people in the industry! Attend events, join relevant groups on LinkedIn, and don’t be shy about reaching out to current employees at Vistry. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Ace the Interview
Prepare for your interview by researching Vistry’s values and recent projects. Think about how your experience aligns with their goals, especially in commercial strategy and team leadership. Practice common interview questions and have some insightful questions ready to show your interest!
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
As a Commercial Director, you’ll need to inspire and motivate your team. Be ready to share examples of how you’ve successfully led teams in the past, managed projects, and navigated challenges. Highlight your ‘can do’ mindset and how you’ve driven growth in previous roles.
✨Apply Through Our Website
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining Vistry and being part of our mission to build sustainable communities.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Director - Cheltenham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experience that match the Commercial Director role. Highlight your leadership experience and any relevant achievements in the housebuilding sector to grab our attention!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you're the perfect fit for the role. Share your vision for the commercial strategy and how you plan to inspire and lead our team.
Showcase Your Achievements: Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've driven growth, managed costs, or led successful projects in your previous roles to demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vistry
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Director, you'll need to demonstrate your financial acumen. Brush up on key metrics related to cash management and profitability in the housebuilding sector. Be ready to discuss how you've successfully managed budgets and driven financial performance in previous roles.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Style
This role requires an inspirational leader. Prepare examples of how you've motivated teams in the past, especially in high-pressure situations. Think about specific instances where your leadership directly contributed to team success or improved performance.
✨Understand the Market Landscape
Familiarise yourself with current trends in the housing market, particularly around affordable housing. Be prepared to discuss how these trends could impact Vistry Cotswolds and how you would adapt the commercial strategy accordingly.
✨Align with Company Values
Vistry places a strong emphasis on integrity, caring, and quality. Reflect on how your personal values align with these and be ready to share examples that illustrate your commitment to these principles in your professional life.