Commercial Manager

Job description

Commercial Manager – Privately Owned Developer

Location: London

Reporting to: Managing Director / Operations Director

Sector: Co-Living / Residential / Mixed-Use Development

Role Overview:

We are seeking an experienced Commercial Manager to lead the commercial function for a fast-growing privately owned developer specialising in Co-Living developments in London.

The role will take ownership of the commercial strategy, procurement and cost management across a growing pipeline of Co-Living and residential-led mixed-use developments, ensuring projects are delivered profitably, efficiently and aligned with operational requirements for Co-Living assets.

The successful candidate will play a key role in supporting the business as it scales its development platform, working closely with development, design, project management and operations teams to deliver high-quality Co-Living schemes.

Key Responsibilities

Commercial Leadership

• Lead and manage the commercial department, including Quantity Surveyors and commercial support staff.
• Establish and implement the commercial strategy across the Co-Living development portfolio.
• Provide strategic commercial advice to senior leadership and the development team.
• Develop robust cost management frameworks and reporting systems.

Cost Planning & Financial Control

• Oversee project cost plans, budgets and financial reporting across multiple Co-Living developments.
• Ensure developments are delivered within approved budgets and target profit margins.
• Monitor cost value reconciliation (CVR), forecasting and project cash flow.
• Identify opportunities for value engineering while maintaining design quality and operational functionality.

Procurement & Contract Strategy

• Lead the procurement strategy for main contractors, consultants and supply chain partners.
• Manage tender processes and contract negotiations.
• Oversee contract administration and compliance with JCT construction contracts.
• Implement procurement strategies aligned with programme efficiency and cost certainty.

Development & Design Collaboration

• Work closely with the development and design teams during feasibility and pre-construction stages.
• Provide commercial input into development appraisals and viability assessments.
• Support design teams to ensure efficient unit layouts, buildability and cost-effective specifications suited to Co-Living models.

Operational Alignment (Co-Living)

• Work with asset management and operational teams to ensure developments align with Co-Living operational requirements.
• Ensure cost plans reflect shared amenity spaces, operational efficiencies and long-term asset performance.
• Support procurement of fit-out packages, FF&E and operational infrastructure required for Co-Living schemes.

Risk Management & Governance

• Identify and manage commercial risks across the development portfolio.
• Ensure appropriate contractual protections and risk allocation are in place.
• Implement strong commercial governance and reporting frameworks.

Stakeholder Management

• Manage relationships with main contractors, consultants and specialist subcontractors.
• Work closely with development, finance and project delivery teams.
• Provide commercial reporting to senior leadership and investors where required.

Candidate Profile

Essential Experience

• Experience as a Commercial Manager / Senior Quantity Surveyor within a developer, contractor or consultancy.
• Strong experience delivering residential, BTR, PBSA or Co-Living developments.
• Proven experience managing commercial aspects of multiple development projects.
• Strong knowledge of JCT contracts and UK construction procurement practices.

Skills & Competencies

• Strong commercial and financial acumen.
• Excellent negotiation and contract management skills.
• Ability to manage and develop commercial teams.
• Strong stakeholder management and communication skills.
• Strategic thinker with strong problem-solving ability.

Qualifications

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, Construction Management or related discipline.
• Professional membership preferred (RICS / CIOB or equivalent).

Package

• Competitive salary (Six Figures)
• Performance bonus
• Pension
• Opportunity to join a high-growth developer specialising in the rapidly expanding Co-Living sector.

Extra information

Status

Open

Education Level

Secondary School

Location

City of London

Type of Contract

Full-time jobs

Published at

16-03-2026

Profession type

Sales

Full UK/EU driving license preferred

No

Car Preferred

No

Must be eligible to work in the EU

No

Cover Letter Required

No

Languages

English