Commercial Director

We are a Chinese-invested property developer with a growing presence in the UK market, currently delivering residential and mixed-use projects across key London locations.

Backed by strong financial resources and a long-term strategic commitment from our Group, we are entering a rapid growth phase in our UK operations.

Unlike many developers in the market, we operate with a highly integrated project delivery model —retaining direct operational control over design quality, supply chain management, and cost control.

This means our commercial team is not a traditional “consultant oversight” function, but a value-creating partner deeply engaged throughout the full project lifecycle.

Job Summary

As Commercial Director, you will be a key member of the UK leadership team , taking full ownership of end-to-end commercial management across our development projects—from land acquisition feasibility and development appraisals, through procurement strategy and contract negotiation, to cost control during construction and final account settlement.

This is a highly hands‑on director‑level role .

We are not looking for a pure consultant or remote management profile.

We seek a leader with a solid QS background and practical site‑facing experience, capable of personally producing and reviewing cost analysis at the required level of detail.

You will lead a lean, high‑performing commercial team, report directly to the Group Chairman, and contribute to strategic business decisions at board level.

• Key Accountabilities
• Cost Planning & Control
• Establish and maintain project cost benchmarks (£/m² GIA), segmented by building type, height, and discipline
• Lead cost forecasting, tracking, variance analysis, and corrective actions across RIBA Stages 0–6
• Lead value engineering with quantifiable savings without compromising design quality or planning consent
• Provide cost data and commercial input for land acquisitions, feasibility studies, and development appraisals
• Tailor procurement routes to project specifics, design maturity, and market conditions
• Lead drafting and negotiation of contracts with main contractors, specialist subcontractors, and suppliers (JCT framework)
• Define clear contractual interfaces: scope boundaries, pricing units, payment schedules, remedy and mitigation clauses
• Manage supply chain relationships to ensure procurement decisions meet quality, programme, and cost objectives
• Supply Chain & Subcontractor Management
• Establish and manage multi‑tier contractual chains covering main contractors, subcontractors, and material/equipment suppliers
• Identify and mitigate supply chain risks (payment delays, programme slippage, quality disputes)
• Build and maintain long‑term strategic relationships with subcontractors and supply chain partners
• Commercial Reporting & Decision Support
• Produce regular cost reports, cash flow forecasts, risk registers, and CVR reports
• Clearly explain commercial logic, market differences, and decision rationale to the Group Chairman and Board
• Collaborate closely with design, planning, construction, and finance teams to align commercial and project objectives
• Degree in Quantity Surveying or related discipline; must have started from hands‑on QS roles with site‑facing experience
• 10+ years in commercial management for UK development or main contracting, with at least 5 years at Senior Manager or Director level
• Full involvement in at least 2 London residential or mixed‑use projects (from feasibility to final account)
• Deep expertise in JCT contract forms; familiarity with residential development delivery models
• Proficient in cost reports, change management tools, cash flow forecasts, risk registers, and CVR reporting
• Proven team leadership experience with ability to inspire, develop, and mentor team members
• Preferred Qualifications
• RICS chartered status
• Prior commercial leadership role at a major UK developer or main contractor
• Hands‑on experience in dispute resolution, claims, and arbitration
• Experience with Chinese‑invested real estate firms or understanding of Chinese developer management culture
• Familiarity with affordable housing contract frameworks and delivery models

What We Offer

• Core leadership role in a fast‑growing UK platform with direct strategic influence
• Competitive compensation with long‑term incentive potential
• High autonomy in a flat organisational structure
• A genuine opportunity to shape team, systems, and strategy within a growing business
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