Commercial Assistant (Entry Level)

Qualter Hall & Company Ltd; Barnsley; On-site; GBP 21,000 - 26,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Career progression

Health and wellbeing

Work-life balance

Commuter support

Job summary

Qualter Hall & Company Ltd in Barnsley is seeking an entry-level Commercial Assistant to support cost engineering, procurement and commercial management on live heavy engineering projects. You will receive structured coaching and mentorship as you learn to manage multiple projects and become proficient in ERP systems.

The role focuses on developing foundational commercial and procurement insights, with long-term career progression in either commercial operations or procurement within a growing

Qualifications

• Basic understanding of the construction industry.
• Foundational knowledge of commercial and procurement functions.
• Analytical thinking with attention to detail.
• Experience with data verification checks is a plus.
• Proficiency in MS Word and Excel.
• Positive attitude and ability to work efficiently.

Responsibilities

• Gather data and research current construction costs under supervision.
• Assist with measurement, record-keeping and valuation of works.
• Record site progress and maintain internal records including timesheets.
• Learn to use and maintain the company's ERP system.
• Collate cost and value information across projects.
• Help measure physical works and collect subcontractor performance data.
• Support digital transformation and digitalisation initiatives.
• Assist with compensation events, early warnings and variations.
• Raise material and subcontractor orders; monitor acknowledgements.
• Source pricing and product information via internet, phone, and email.

Skills

Basic construction industry knowledge

Basic procurement understanding

Analytical thinking

Data verification checks

MS Word

MS Excel

Positive attitude

Ability to work efficiently

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

Job description

Are you looking to build a long-term career in commercial management and procurement? We are looking for an ambitious, entry-level individual to join our established team as a Commercial Assistant.

This role is specifically structured for someone with foundational industry knowledge who wants to develop their skills over the long term. You will receive structured coaching and mentorship from experienced members of our team as you learn the ropes of managing multiple, live heavy engineering/construction projects.

What You Will Do

Cost Engineering and Planning:

• Gather data and research current construction costs under experienced team supervision.
• Assist with the measurement, record-keeping and valuation of works in line with company procedures.
• Record progress on site and support the maintenance of internal records, including timesheet tracking.

Cost and Commercial Management:

• Learn to use and maintain the company’s internal ERP software system.
• Collate cost and value information across various projects.
• Help measure physical works and compile data regarding subcontractor performance.
• Support our digital transformation and digitalisation initiatives.
• Support the team in raising compensation event notices, early warning notices and variations/quotations.

Procurement:

• Raise material and subcontractor orders in compliance with company processes.
• Monitor, track and respond to order acknowledgements from our supply chain.
• Source pricing and product information using the internet, phone, networks and email.

What We Offer

We believe in supporting our team members both personally and professionally. Alongside a competitive, industry-benchmarked salary, you will receive:

• Career Progression: Because this role bridges two key departments, our successful candidate will have a long-term opportunity to specialise in either commercial operations or procurement as the business grows and their skills evolve.
• Health and Wellbeing: Access to free annual health checks, free eye tests and the reassurance of having trained Mental Health First Aiders within our team.
• Work-Life Balance: Comprehensive paid annual leave and sick leave, parental leave policies.
• Commuter support: Free parking at our Barnsley site and access to a corporate Cycle to Work Scheme.

We are focusing on potential, attitude and foundational understanding rather than years of experience. Our ideal candidate will bring:

• A basic understanding of the construction industry or a construction-related commercial environment.
• A basic knowledge of what a commercial and procurement function does, alongside a basic understanding of contract terms and conditions. Relevant work experience is an advantage.
• Analytical thinking, strong attention to detail and a basic understanding of data verification checks.
• Good digital skills (particularly with MS Word and MS Excel)
• A positive attitude and ability to work efficiently.

Competitive Depending on Experience + Benefits