Commercial Manager/ QS

Commercial Manager / Quantity Surveyor

Location: Sutton | relocating to Purley around Christmas

Salary: £60,000–£70,000+ per annum, depending on experience Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time Projects: London and the South East

Job Overview

We are recruiting for a commercially minded and proactive Commercial Manager / Quantity Surveyor to join an established specialist construction contractor delivering high-quality plasterwork and interior finishes on prestigious projects.

The company works across high-end residential, commercial and heritage sectors, including luxury properties, historic landmarks, five-star hotels and exclusive interiors. Projects range in value from £100,000 to £200 million, offering an excellent opportunity to work on diverse and high-profile developments.

This role offers a 50/50 split between office-based work and visiting sites across London and the South East. The successful candidate will take responsibility for project delivery, commercial management, subcontractors and client relationships, working closely with design, manufacturing and site teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage projects from initial order through to completion and final account.

• Oversee subcontractors and coordinate site teams across multiple projects.

• Manage project finances, commercial performance, valuations and final accounts.

• Identify, assess and manage variations, ensuring costs and changes are accurately recorded.

• Maintain strong relationships with clients, interior designers, subcontractors and project stakeholders.

• Prepare and provide weekly client progress and commercial reports.

• Review construction drawings, specifications and programmes of work.

• Develop and manage project-specific programmes to ensure work is delivered on time and to the required standard.

• Work closely with design and manufacturing teams to coordinate materials, production schedules and site requirements.

• Manage material call-offs from the workshop to support efficient project delivery.

• Review and manage site documentation, including method statements and risk assessments (RAMS).

• Support site management activities, ensuring health and safety, organisation and quality standards are maintained.

• Review and approve invoices where required.

• Use Excel and other IT systems to manage project calculations, commercial data and reporting.

Candidate Requirements

The ideal candidate will have:

• Experience in a Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or similar construction role.

• Experience managing high-end residential or commercial construction projects.

• Strong commercial awareness and experience managing project finances and variations.

• Excellent Microsoft Excel skills, including formulas, calculations and working with project data.

• Good general IT skills and confidence using digital reporting systems.

• Strong organisational, communication and problem-solving skills.

• The ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications and project programmes.

• Experience coordinating subcontractors, site teams and project stakeholders.

• A relevant construction qualification, required for CSCS eligibility.

• A proactive and professional approach, with the ability to manage multiple projects and competing priorities.

Experience in specialist interiors, plasterwork or other finishing trades would be advantageous, but is not essential for the right candidate.

Desirable Qualifications and Experience

• CSCS card.

• SMSTS certification, or willingness to undertake the qualification.

• Experience preparing and reviewing RAMS.

• Experience with invoice checking and approval.

• Experience working alongside design and manufacturing teams.

What's on Offer?

• Salary of approximately £60,000–£70,000+ per annum, depending on experience.

• Profit-share bonus.

• Permanent, full-time position with long-term career progression.

• Support with further qualifications and professional training, including SMSTS.

• Life insurance covering three times annual salary.

• Pension scheme with a 4% employer contribution.

• 25 days' annual leave plus bank holidays.

• Retail discount scheme.

• Regular salary reviews.

• The opportunity to work on prestigious, high-value residential, commercial and heritage projects.

• The chance to join an established specialist contractor with a long history and a strong reputation for quality.

Interview Process

Candidates should be prepared for a multi-stage selection process:

1. Initial Microsoft Teams interview, including a live Excel exercise.

2. Online assessment.

3. Interview with the Directors.

4. Final office-based trial lasting approximately 2–3 hours.

How to Apply

If you have a strong commercial background in construction, excellent Excel skills and experience managing projects, subcontractors and variations, we would like to hear from you.

Please submit your CV for consideration.