Commercial Administrator

OCU; Leeds; On-site; GBP 25,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a Commercial Assistant to join their dynamic team. This role focuses on providing essential administrative and operational support to the commercial team, ensuring efficient contract management, budget preparation, and procurement processes for construction projects. The ideal candidate will possess strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and a collaborative spirit, thriving in a fast-paced environment. Join a forward-thinking company dedicated to empowering its employees and fostering personal development while contributing to innovative solutions in the utility engineering sector.

Qualifications

• Experience in administrative roles within the construction industry is preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and construction management software is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist in managing contracts, budgets, and procurement activities.
• Prepare cost reports and financial summaries for project management review.
• Support the commercial team in tracking project costs and compliance.

Skills

Organisational Skills

Time Management

Communication Skills

Teamwork

Attention to Detail

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor's degree in Business Administration

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Construction Management Software

Job description

Established in 1994, OCU Group is one of the fastest growing utility engineering contractors in the UK, with a long successful track record in delivering customer-focused civil engineering solutions.

Working directly with many of the country’s leading blue-chip power, water, telecoms and rail clients, we are looking for the very best talent to join our growing team.

We pride ourselves on empowering our employees and offering opportunities for them to take control of their own personal development and career progression in a supportive environment.

We believe that being successful is a choice.

We choose to be successful.

We are OCU, ‘One Company United’.

Role Overview

The Commercial Assistant will provide administrative and operational support to the commercial team. They will assist in managing contracts, budgets, procurement, and other commercial activities to ensure the smooth and efficient operation of construction projects.

Duties And Responsibilities

1. Contract Administration:
2. Assist in the preparation, review, and administration of contracts, subcontract agreements, and change orders.
3. Maintain contract documentation, including contract files, correspondence, and amendments.
4. Monitor contract compliance, track contract milestones, and facilitate communication between project stakeholders.
5. Support the commercial team in budget preparation, cost estimation, and forecasting for projects.
6. Assist in tracking project costs, expenditures, and commitments against budget allocations.
7. Prepare cost reports, variance analyses, and financial summaries for project management review.
8. Assist in the procurement process, including soliciting bids, evaluating proposals, and negotiating contracts with suppliers and subcontractors.
9. Maintain supplier and subcontractor databases, including contact information, qualifications, and performance records.
10. Coordinate with procurement and logistics teams to ensure timely delivery of materials and equipment to construction sites.
11. Organize and maintain commercial documents and records, including contracts, purchase orders, invoices, and correspondence.
12. Prepare and distribute reports, presentations, and other documents for internal and external stakeholders.
13. Assist in data entry, database management, and information retrieval using construction management software and tools.
14. Assist in identifying and assessing commercial risks associated with construction projects, such as contract disputes, claims, and delays.
15. Support efforts to mitigate risks through contract negotiation, insurance coverage, and dispute resolution strategies.
16. Ensure compliance with relevant regulations, policies, and procedures governing construction contracts, procurement, and financial management.

Skills And Experience

1. Bachelor's degree in business administration, construction management, or a related field; relevant professional certifications or qualifications may be advantageous.
2. Previous experience in a similar administrative or support role within the construction industry is preferred.
3. Strong organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
4. Excellent communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams and external stakeholders.
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) and construction management software.
6. Attention to detail, accuracy, and confidentiality in handling sensitive commercial information.
7. Knowledge of construction contracts, procurement processes, and commercial terms and conditions.

What We Value
We value our commitment to each other, summed up in our five values, we all sign up to these… We care about safety. We lead with integrity. We strive to be better every day. We make a positive impact. We deliver to grow. We are one company united.

Our Aim & Vision at OCU
To be the UK's leading energy transition and utilities contractor.

We are committed to leading the way in utilities and energy transition contracting, our mission is to innovate and deliver sustainability. At OCU, our passion for addressing complex challenges brings new standards of growth in our people and capabilities.