Commercial Manager Permanent

This is an exciting opportunity for a proactive, self-motivated and innovative individual to join one of the leading infrastructure and student accommodation investors in the UK. The Cost and Technical Manager will be based from our offices in London with some flexible working arrangements if required.
Working in the New Business team you will be supporting the Head of Cost and Technical in all aspects of Cost and Technical management for all Investment property projects including the acquisition of primarily new purpose-built student accommodation and (BTR) residential developments both on and off market.
The role will focus on pre-construction cost management from feasibility stage, land acquisition, planning, design typically up to RIBA Stage 3/4 and concluding at Financial Close / Contractor Appointment.
What you'll be doing
As a Cost and Technical Manager, your role will cover the following areas:
Feasibility
• Preparing or interrogating construction budgets / cost plans and ensuring all build costs are current and accurately appraised
• Contribute to any bid submissions and draft any commercial reports required for Investment approval
• Manage the process of procuring cost consultants from our panel of advisors
• Manage Cost Consultant relationship and manage fee account (if deemed required)
Design and Procurement
• Oversee the contractor procurement process either with external 3rd Party Contractor or with the internal Construction Team including preparation and agreement of PCSA scopes and costs
• Working with the Development Management Team, manage the design and construction costs through the design development stages of the project (RIBA stages 0-4)
• Contribute to the Risk Management at all stages of the design process
Costs, Estimates and Reporting
• Responsible for preparing cost plans and appraisals or interrogating externally produced cost plans
• Liaison with Development Management Team and Consultant team to provide continuous Value Engineering of design concepts and proposals
• Agreement of the Construction Cost either internally with the Construction division or with external 3rd Party Contractor and negotiate where appropriate to provide best value
• Monitoring and managing changes so as to continuously identify the status of costs
• Completing monthly cost reports / managing internal budgets
• Assisting in any technical due diligence requirements with Funders and manging any specification changes including cost and programme implications
• Negotiate fees with and appoint consultants. Instruct and appoint appropriate consultants – manage/control cost of consutants to ensure delivery of information on time.
Contract
• Oversee the production of full Employers Requirement’s
• Manage the process of Contract production and manage all technical documents required for the Contract
• Assist in the process of agreement of the Building Contract with internal legal team
• Provide Contractual advise to best protect the business
Management of Specification and Cost Models
• Drive cost savings from new materials, suppliers and construction innovations
• Manage and update internal Specifications, Cost Models and Benchmarks
Who we're looking for
This is a new position within the business due to increased workload and future pipeline. The role will suit an experienced Quantity Surveyor who can manage multiple and complex projects and may suit those looking to progress into a client side role. We are looking for candidates who can demonstrate the following
* Sound knowledge of the residential market including Build to Rent and Student Accommodation Sector, with experience of managing PBSA/residential projects in excess of £30million
* Strong feasibility and cost planning experience
* Good understanding of property financing
* Residential development background
* Qualified Quantity Surveyor and a member of the RICS or on path to membership
* Experience working on projects through early design stages and through planning as well as delivery to practical completion
* Commercially astute with strong negotiating skills
* Well-organised, self-motivated and with good project management skills
* A good communicator with effective presentation skills
* Meticulous, diligent and with an eye for detail
* Flexibility within the UK in terms of travel
* Commitment to personal development and to knowledge sharing and collaboration