About the Role
Commercial Lead (Head of) - PBSA & Mixed-UseSalary: £100,000 - £125,000 (DOE) Location: London Sector: Property Development | Construction | Living / PBSA Contract: Permanent, Full TimeThe OpportunityAn established, privately owned UK property developer is seeking an experienced Commercial Lead to join its London-based team.This role will act as the Commercial lead across a growing portfolio of large-scale purpose-built student accommodation (PBSA) and mixed-use developments located across major UK cities.Reporting directly to the Group Construction Director, the successful candidate will take ownership of commercial strategy, cost planning and procurement from early-stage feasibility through pre-construction, delivery and final account. You will work closely with the Acquisitions, Development and Construction teams to ensure projects remain commercially viable while delivering high-quality schemes.This is an excellent opportunity for a commercially astute professional to influence major development projects and play a key role in a rapidly expanding developer environment.Key ResponsibilitiesAct as the client-side commercial lead across multiple development projects nationwideManage cost planning, benchmarking and commercial reporting across the development portfolioProvide cost input into development feasibility and viability assessments for new acquisitionsDevelop and implement procurement strategies for main contractors and specialist packagesSupport contractor procurement including PQQs, tender analysis, second-stage negotiations and contract documentationManage and monitor project budgets through design, pre-construction and delivery stagesOversee change control, valuations, forecasts and cost risk management during constructionLiaise with external quantity surveyors and cost consultants and manage their performanceProvide cost, programme and cashflow information to support development appraisals and funder reportingAssist with negotiating commercial terms with contractors, consultants and suppliersSupport drawdown processes and liaise with funders and monitoring surveyorsMonitor contractor performance in relation to cost and commercial complianceOversee post-Practical Completion commercial matters including final accounts, defects costs and retention releaseAbout YouYou are a commercially driven construction professional with strong cost management expertise and the confidence to operate within a client-side development environment.Essential experienceBackground in quantity surveying or commercial management within constructionTypically 5+ years' post-qualification experience in a developer, main contractor or consultancy environmentStrong knowledge of JCT Design & Build contractsExperience in main contractor procurement, including PCSA and pre-construction phasesStrong understanding of:Construction cost planning and budget managementProcurement strategy and risk managementCashflow forecasting and cost reportingBuilding Safety Act and Golden Thread requirementsStrong communication and stakeholder management skillsDesirableChartered status (MRICS or equivalent)Experience working on PBSA, residential, hotel or mixed-use developmentsExposure to schemes with construction values £25m+Experience supporting development viability assessmentsKnowledge of funder monitoring surveyor processes and development finance structuresWhy Apply?Senior client-side role within a growing national developerOpportunity to influence commercial strategy across multiple large-scale schemesExposure to projects in major UK cities with values typically between £30m and £90mCompetitive salary and strong long-term career progression