Commercial Manager

Reporting to the Commercial Director, the Commercial Manager will provide leadership and direction to the regional buying and surveying team, ensuring robust commercial control across residential development projects.

The role is responsible for developing and managing accurate budgets, forecasts, cost control measures, and procurement strategies, while monitoring site performance against financial targets. Working closely with Sales, Land, Construction, Technical, and external consultants, the Commercial Manager ensures strong commercial governance, effective communication, and delivery of business objectives.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

The key responsibilities of the role include (but are not limited to):

• Provide day‑to‑day leadership for the buying and surveying team, motivating, supporting, and managing performance
• Undertake annual Performance Development Reviews and support both formal and informal training and development activity
• Maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of site performance, budgets, and financial forecasts across the development portfolio
• Provide guidance and challenge to the team in producing accurate and realistic estimates, budgets, and cost forecasts
• Monitor site performance against original plans, budgets, and financial targets, identifying risks and opportunities
• Assist in the preparation of Board papers, reports, and commercial updates
• Support the tendering process, including land bids and PTPs, providing appropriate commercial input
• Manage all post‑contract commercial responsibilities across developments
• Lead and manage the subcontractor procurement process, including ordering, valuation, and resolution of contractual disputes
• Create, monitor, and control budgets for subcontractors, materials, preliminaries, sales and marketing, technical, and land costs
• Approve order and payment variations in line with delegated authority levels
• Liaise closely with the buying function to manage material orders and cost control
• Produce accurate cost reports and key date updates within required deadlines
• Communicate regularly with other disciplines including Sales, Land, Construction, Technical, Architects, and Consultants to ensure alignment and informed decision‑making
• Promote continuous improvement and challenge existing ways of working to improve commercial performance
• Act as a professional ambassador for Cala, maintaining strong internal and external relationships

Knowledge, Skills & Experience

• Degree in Quantity Surveying or a related discipline, or equivalent experience
• Strong commercial management experience within the residential development or construction sector
• Good technical knowledge with working understanding of current Building Regulations and NHBC standards
• Knowledge of standard forms of contract and subcontract arrangements
• Proven experience leading, managing, and motivating commercial teams
• Strong commercial awareness and understanding of wider business objectives
• Ability to produce accurate cost reports, forecasts, and presentations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Highly organised, with strong planning skills and attention to detail
• Ability to work under own initiative and manage conflicting priorities in a time‑pressured environment
• Proficient in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel
• Strong relationship‑building skills with internal teams and external partners
• Self‑motivated and proactive, with the confidence to challenge and influence
• Willingness to learn, share ideas, and drive innovation
• Experience working within a PLC housebuilder or large regional developer
• Experience contributing to Board‑level reporting and business planning
• Experience supporting land acquisition and viability appraisals
• Professional membership (e.g. RICS) or working towards chartership

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