Senior Commercial Assistant in Manchester

Senior Commercial Assistant in Manchester

Manchester Full-Time 40000 - 50000 £ / year (est.) No working from home possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Support a high-profile Government client with commercial compliance and supplier management.
  • Company: Join Sodexo, a company that values your individuality and impact.
  • Benefits: Enjoy mental health support, discounts, and a cycle to work scheme.
  • Other info: Be part of a supportive team with excellent career growth opportunities.
  • Why this job: Make a real difference in a dynamic property environment while developing your skills.
  • Qualifications: Experience in FM or Building Services and strong analytical skills required.

The predicted salary is between 40000 - 50000 £ per year.

We are looking for a Senior Commercial Assistant to join our Government UK & Ireland Property Professional Services team, supporting a high profile Government client across a substantial UK and European estate portfolio. In this exciting role, you will play a key part in ensuring commercial compliance across supplier estimates and applications for payment, while helping to drive best practice, governance, and continuous improvement throughout the Cost Audit service.

Responsibilities

  • Conducting desktop commercial audits on supplier estimates and applications for payment
  • Reviewing reactive and minor works to ensure commercial compliance and value for money
  • Challenging supplier submissions and negotiating agreements on behalf of the client
  • Analysing data and identifying trends to support commercial insight and reporting
  • Managing supplier queries and contractor escalations through to resolution
  • Supporting month end activities and facilitating supplier payments
  • Attending supplier meetings to resolve queries and review best practice
  • Monitoring supplier performance against contractual obligations
  • Maintaining accurate audit trails and transactional commentary
  • Building strong working relationships with clients, suppliers, and internal stakeholders
  • Supporting continuous improvement, innovation, and knowledge sharing across the wider PPS community

Are you commercially driven with a strong understanding of FM, building services, and supplier cost management? Do you enjoy analysing data, challenging costs, and driving value for money within a complex property environment? If so, we'd love to hear from you.

Qualifications

  • Previous experience within an FM or Building Services environment
  • Good understanding of building fabric and M&E terminology
  • Strong commercial acumen and numerical analysis capability
  • Experience analysing data and identifying trends within large datasets
  • Highly organised with excellent attention to detail
  • Strong communication and stakeholder management skills
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast paced environment
  • Eligibility to pass client security vetting

Desirable

  • Degree or working towards qualification in FM, Construction, Quantity Surveying, Project Management, Supply Chain Management, or similar
  • Experience managing supplier/customer relationships
  • Knowledge of PSA/NSR Schedule of Rates
  • Experience using CAFM systems

What we offer

Working with Sodexo is more than a job; it's a chance to be part of something greater. You'll belong in a company and team that values you for you; you'll act with purpose and have an impact through your everyday actions; and you'll be able to thrive in your own way.

Mental health & wellbeing support

  • Employee Assistance Programme for personal, legal, and financial advice
  • 24/7 virtual GP & lifestyle rewards
  • Discounts for you & family
  • Financial tools & retirement plan
  • Cycle to Work & Paid volunteering day

Senior Commercial Assistant in Manchester employer: Workingwith Sodexo

Joining Sodexo as a Senior Commercial Assistant means becoming part of a dynamic team dedicated to supporting high-profile Government clients across a substantial UK and European estate portfolio. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, continuous improvement, and professional growth, Sodexo offers a supportive work culture that values your contributions and encourages innovation. Enjoy a range of benefits including mental health support, financial tools, and opportunities for personal development, all while making a meaningful impact in the property services sector.

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Contact Details:

Workingwith Sodexo Recruitment Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫

We think this is how you could land Senior Commercial Assistant in Manchester

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to people in the industry, attend events, and connect on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.

Tip Number 2

Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how your skills align with their needs. This will help you stand out and show that you're genuinely interested in the role.

Tip Number 3

Practice your negotiation skills! As a Senior Commercial Assistant, you'll need to challenge supplier submissions. Role-play scenarios with friends or family to build confidence in discussing costs and agreements.

Tip Number 4

Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who are proactive about joining our team.

We think you need these skills to ace Senior Commercial Assistant in Manchester

Commercial Compliance
Supplier Cost Management
Data Analysis
Trend Identification
Negotiation Skills
Stakeholder Management
Attention to Detail

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Senior Commercial Assistant role. Highlight your experience in FM or Building Services, and showcase your strong commercial acumen and numerical analysis skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!

Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about this role and how you can contribute to our Government UK & Ireland Property Professional Services team. Be sure to mention any relevant experience with supplier cost management and data analysis.

Showcase Your Skills:Don’t forget to highlight your proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel. If you've got experience with CAFM systems or managing supplier relationships, make sure to include that too! We love seeing candidates who can manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for the best chance of getting noticed. It’s super easy, and you’ll be part of a company that values you for you. Plus, we can’t wait to see your application come through!

How to prepare for a job interview at Workingwith Sodexo

Know Your Numbers

As a Senior Commercial Assistant, you'll need to demonstrate your strong numerical analysis skills. Brush up on key financial metrics and be ready to discuss how you've used data to drive value for money in previous roles. Prepare examples of how you've challenged costs or negotiated agreements.

Master the Terminology

Familiarise yourself with FM, building services, and M&E terminology. This will not only help you communicate effectively during the interview but also show that you understand the industry. Consider preparing a few examples where your knowledge of these terms has helped you in past projects.

Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills

Strong communication and stakeholder management skills are crucial for this role. Think of specific instances where you've built relationships with clients or suppliers, resolved conflicts, or facilitated discussions. Be ready to share how you approach these interactions to ensure successful outcomes.

Prepare for Scenario Questions

Expect scenario-based questions that assess your problem-solving abilities. Think about challenges you've faced in commercial compliance or supplier negotiations and how you overcame them. Practising your responses can help you articulate your thought process clearly during the interview.