Strategic Commercial Manager – Social Housing Projects

Wates Smartspace; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

Wates Property Services are seeking a Commercial Manager to oversee a portfolio of social housing planned maintenance and refurbishment contracts across London. You will lead a team of Quantity Surveyors, drive profitability, manage client relationships, and ensure robust commercial controls to deliver projects on time and within budget.

The role requires extensive experience in social housing projects, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of JCT/NEC contracts.

Qualifications

• Proven experience as Commercial Manager or Senior Quantity Surveyor in social housing planned works.
• Experience managing multiple contracts simultaneously.
• Strong leadership with responsibility for commercial teams.
• Excellent knowledge of planned maintenance, refurbishment, and housing investment programmes.
• Solid understanding of JCT and NEC contracts.

Responsibilities

• Lead the commercial performance of multiple social housing planned works contracts across London.
• Manage and develop a team of Quantity Surveyors and Assistant Quantity Surveyors.
• Ensure robust commercial controls across all contracts.
• Drive profitability, cash collection, and commercial best practice.
• Oversee valuations, variations, change control, and final accounts.
• Support operational teams in achieving commercial and delivery objectives.
• Manage client commercial relationships and attend contractual review meetings.
• Identify and mitigate commercial risks while maximising opportunities.
• Produce accurate forecasting, budgeting, and monthly reporting.
• Support bid submissions, contract mobilisation, and business growth initiatives.
• Promote collaboration and continuous improvement across the team.

Skills

Commercial management

Leadership

Social housing

Contract knowledge

Forecasting

Stakeholder management

Education

QS/CM degree or professional qualification

Job description

Wates Property Services are seeking a Commercial Manager to oversee a portfolio of social housing planned maintenance and refurbishment contracts across London. You will lead a team of Quantity Surveyors, drive profitability, manage client relationships, and ensure robust commercial controls to deliver projects on time and within budget.

The role requires extensive experience in social housing projects, strong leadership, and a deep understanding of JCT/NEC contracts.