Commercial Manager Commercial

Who are we?

Overview

We are a diverse property and investment company who deliver opportunities to improve prosperity, tackle inequalities and drive economic growth in support of Northumberland County Council. We collaborate with stakeholders and partners to deliver positive physical and economic development and focus on the needs and aspirations of the county.

We have the recognition of being a Real Living Wage Employer, and other awards such as our Advanced accreditation of Shine from NECA and the Ambassador Status for the Better Health at Work Award.

The Commercial Team

As our Ascent Homes Commercial Manager, you will work with Richard Lindsay our Head of Commercial, supporting a range of new build and refurbishment projects. You will manage a team of Quantity Surveyors working on new build and refurbishment projects within Northumberland. You will support the needs of the team and the wider business ensuring commercial activities are accurate and timely.

OUR VALUES

Our values are at the centre of our activities, linking to our vision to make Northumberland a wonderful place for people to live work and do business.

•Collaboration

•Accountability

•Respect

•Ambition

Working for Advance Northumberland

We care about our colleagues and their wellbeing and have been nationally recognised for this. Apart from the competitive salary, we also have fantastic benefits. We focus on our colleague’s health, wealth, and lifestyle. We like to think our benefits package is one of the best around! Here is an example below on what you can expect.

Annual leave - Start with 26 days, increasing to 31 days with service. Of course, you’ll have public holidays too!

Pension - Generous employer contributions of 8%. You pay 2%, although you can choose to pay more if you want.

Financial Benefits - Enjoy the security of free life assurance, an employee referral scheme (earning £1,000 per recruited referral), and our Cash plan App with discounts and cashback at top retailers. Free on-site parking at all locations.

Performance Related Incentive Scheme – subject to achievement of company and individual performance targets, annual incentive payable.

Wellbeing & Lifestyle Services - Access our colleague assistance programme with 24/7 support, GP services, mental health support and, dental and optical plus a range of other health therapies. We also have a cycle to work scheme and home electronics schemes, both of which are salary exchange, so you pay less National Insurance. We have extensive health campaigns from our award-winning Better Health at work team.

Motoring Benefits - Take advantage of exclusive employee vehicle-leasing schemes, through NHS Fleet.

Hybrid Working – We offer the capacity to work on a hybrid basis, with four days in the office / on site. Of course, initially you might be in the office more, whilst you get to know your colleagues and our activities in more detail.

Role profile

Job title: Commercial Manager

Reports to: Head of Commercial

Team members: QS team – various roles

Location: Wansbeck Workspace and sites according to role

Duties and Responsibilities:

Cost Management

•Effectively monitor and control project costs by preparing detailed budgets and providing accurate forecasting throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring optimal financial performance and alignment with corporate financial goals.

Procurement

•Lead strategic negotiations with suppliers and contractors to secure competitive pricing and high-quality services, ensuring the company maximizes value for money while adhering to corporate governance and procurement standards.

Tendering & Negotiation

•Oversee the tendering process, conducting thorough evaluations of bids to ensure they meet company objectives. Negotiate contracts that align with the company’s long-term strategy and mitigate any potential financial or operational risks.

Financial Reporting

•Prepare comprehensive and transparent reports on project costs, cash flow, and profitability to inform key stakeholders, including senior management and investors, ensuring alignment with the company’s financial performance and growth targets.

Risk Management

•Identify and proactively address commercial and financial risks throughout the project lifecycle, ensuring timely mitigation strategies are in place to protect shareholder value and company assets.

Relationship Management

•Build and sustain strong relationships with key suppliers, contractors, and internal stakeholders, fostering collaboration and cross departmental working that supports the company’s strategic objectives while maintaining a focus on long-term partnerships.

Payment Management

•Ensure the timely and accurate processing of payments to suppliers and contractors, optimizing cash flow management in alignment with corporate financial policies and maintaining strong supplier relationships.

Project Support

•Provide continuous commercial support to project teams, ensuring resources and budgets are managed efficiently while helping to drive the successful delivery of projects that align with the company’s overall strategy.

Compliance

•Ensure full compliance with industry regulations, corporate governance standards, and health and safety policies. Regularly review and update processes to meet evolving regulatory requirements and uphold the company’s reputation.

People Management

•Lead, motivate, and develop cross-functional teams, cultivating a positive and high-performance culture that contributes to achieving the company's objectives and enhancing employee engagement and retention.

Generic Requirements for all colleagues

•Contribute to the creation of a positive culture in line with Advance Northumberland values

•Show commitment to equality and diversity in the workplace and ensure this is reflected in all activities

•Ensure a safe working environment is promoted across the business

•Contribute to the financial performance of the business, in line with role responsibilities

•Undertake other reasonable duties as requested

Personal Specification

Essential Criteria

You must have:

•Strong commercial acumen and financial management skills.

•Proven experience in cost management, procurement, and contract negotiation.

•Excellent communication, negotiation, and interpersonal skills.

•Ability to work under pressure and manage multiple tasks simultaneously.

•Experience in the construction industry, ideally within residential development.

•Strong leadership and team management skills.

•Proficiency in relevant software and systems.

•Full UK Driving licence

It would be good but not essential if you also have:

•Experience of using COINs software

How to apply

To apply for this position, please send us your CV, and a letter of application, stating why you want to work for us, and what you would bring to the role.

Please also complete the application form attached within this pack, and send these to workforus@advancenorthumberland.co.uk

If you would like to have an informal discussion regarding this role, please contact Richard Lindsay on 07355 028 934.

Please complete the following application by clicking on the link below:

Application Form.pdf