Commercial Manager – Capital Projects (Construction)

Contract: 24 Month FTC, Full-Time

University of East London

Founded in 1898, we at the University of East London (UEL) are proud to change lives through education. Our goal is to advance industry 5.0 careers-first education and provide a clear path to the jobs and opportunities of the future. We’re committed to driving diversity in the 5.0 talent pipeline, working in partnership to promote talent wherever it is found and creating a balanced, inclusive, and green future.

But we can't achieve this goal alone. We need forward-thinking, innovative, and curious individuals like you to join our community and help us craft our future. As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people who share your passion for creating positive change. We’re an inclusive and welcoming community that is constantly moving forward, never satisfied with the status quo.

About Us

The Estates and Facilities Directorate at University of East London (UEL) plays a critical role in supporting the university’s strategic objectives by delivering a range of services that are essential. Services that include strategic estate planning, campus facilities management and maintenance, security, sustainability initiatives, print services, capital investment, and space management. The directorate ensures that UEL’s physical infrastructure supports both the academic and operational needs of the university, maintaining a safe, functional, and sustainable environment across all campuses. 

About the Role

Shape the Future of UEL’s Estate

As Commercial Manager – Capital Projects, you’ll lead all commercial functions across a multi-million-pound capital delivery programme. From cost planning and procurement strategy to contract administration and financial reporting, you’ll play a central role in ensuring projects are delivered to budget, on time, and in line with UEL’s strategic priorities.

You’ll oversee project QSs, liaise with consultants and contractors, and act as a key advisor to senior stakeholders on all matters related to commercial risk, funding, value engineering, and cost assurance.

- Significant experience in commercial management of construction or estates capital projects (typically £5m+)
 - Strong knowledge of cost planning, contract administration (JCT and/or NEC), and procurement processes
 - Ability to oversee project budgets, financial reporting, cashflow forecasting, and commercial risk registers
 - Confident working in a client-side role, ideally in a public sector or higher education environment
 - Degree-qualified in Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management, or a related field
 - Professionally qualified (RICS, CIOB, etc.) or working towards chartership

What We’re Looking For

Are you a commercially minded professional with a strong Quantity Surveying or construction background? Join the University of East London as we invest in a major transformation of our campuses. We’re seeking a seasoned Commercial Manager to lead the cost and commercial management of capital projects across our dynamic and diverse estate.

About You

The ideal candidate will be someone who is innovative, curious and has experience of working on commercial projects. Build relationships, network and third-party vendor management with attention to details. Great communication skills, passionate about joining a committed, inclusive, ambitious team.

Why Join UEL?

You’ll be joining UEL at a pivotal time, helping us deliver key components of our Vision 2028 programme – a bold plan to create a fit-for-the-future university estate. We offer:
 - Competitive salary and benefits package
 - Flexible hybrid working
 - Opportunities for progression and CPD support
 - A diverse, inclusive, and ambitious working environment

Apply Now

This is a fantastic opportunity to lead commercial strategy across one of London’s most inclusive and impactful universities. If you have the experience, vision, and drive to deliver outstanding commercial outcomes in a fast-paced capital delivery environment, we want to hear from you.

UEL is proud to be an inclusive employer. We are a Disability Confident employer and welcome applications from all backgrounds. If you require reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process, please let us know.

Benefits Package

At UEL, we believe that a great role is about more than just a salary. It’s about the complete package, including our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture. We offer a genuinely competitive salary, dependent on experience (DOE), and a range of excellent benefits.

Here at UEL we understand it’s about more than just a salary. It’s about the entire package on offer along with our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture. We know the market rates for this vacancy and will offer a genuinely competitive salary.

We care deeply about your wellbeing and our benefits includes: 20% pension (4% from you, 16% from us), 25 days holiday (plus 3 days over Christmas) plus bank holidays, subsidised gym membership, 3 times base salary life assurance, a cashback healthcare scheme and wide variety of other generous benefits including discounts on: Apple and Samsung products, holidays, clothing, fitness, lifestyle, dining out and weekly shopping.

You can explore our full benefits package here: https://uel.ac.uk/benefits-professional-services-positions

Equal Opportunities

UEL is an inclusive equal opportunities employer and are proud of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity achievements, including: zero gender pay gap, members of Stonewall and have won Athena Swan awards. We expect all employees of UEL to accept our EDI policy and will not tolerate discrimination in any form.

Please note that this advert may close earlier than the deadline if we receive many applications. We encourage you to submit your application as soon as possible.

To contact the recruitment team please phone +44 20 8223 3000 x 4600 or e-mail jobs@uel.ac.uk

CVs without a completed application form will not be accepted.

At UEL we are committed to working together to build a community which values diversity in both our staff and student populations, is representative and inclusive, enabling all to progress and thrive.