Head of Commercial
Location: Bedfordshire (with hybrid working)
Reporting to: Assistant Director of Development
About the role
We're looking for an experienced and commercially astute Head of Commercial to lead procurement, commercial and risk management activity across our Development directorate.
This is a senior leadership role with responsibility for ensuring our new homes are compliant, delivered efficiently, and to the highest standards. You'll play a pivotal role in shaping specifications, managing risk at precontract stage and providing expert commercial and contractual advice throughout the development lifecycle.
What you'll be doing
Leading on procurement, commercial strategy and risk management for new development projects
Owning and maintaining Employer's Requirements, Design Briefs and specifications across all tenure types
Chairing and leading the Specification Review Group, ensuring continuous improvement driven by lessons learnt and customer feedback
Providing build cost budgets, procurement advice and value engineering input to support new business opportunities
Ensuring all contractual documentation, due diligence and risk mitigation is in place before contracts are entered into
Leading and managing the Employer's Agent Framework, including performance management and allocation of work
Leading on compliance with H&S and CDM, providing expert advice and guidance to the development team
Supporting our delivery teams with commercial advice and dispute avoidance
Monitoring construction cost trends, benchmarking and value for money
Contributing to budget setting, financial control and audits within the Commercial and Technical function
What we're looking for
You'll bring strong leadership skills, commercial expertise and the confidence to influence at senior level.
Essential:
Proven experience providing commercial, procurement, risk and technical advice on residential development schemes
Strong background in contract administration (ideally JCT Design & Build) at senior QS or Commercial Manager level
Expertise in preparing, negotiating and reviewing building contracts and professional appointments
Excellent knowledge of construction legislation, including CDM Regulations
Experience of leading teams and managing people
Strong analytical, negotiating and communication skills
Professional membership (e.g. RICS, CIOB, RIBA ) or equivalent experience
Chartered Quantity Surveyor or equivalent qualification
Commitment to ongoing CPD
Desirable:
Experience within the affordable housing sector
Knowledge of planning legislation and sustainable construction
Understanding of Homes England funding and development appraisal models
Why join bpha?
At bpha, we're committed to building quality homes and thriving communities. You'll be joining an organisation that values collaboration, innovation and professional growth, where your expertise will genuinely shape how we deliver our development programme.
How to apply
If you're ready to make a real impact and lead commercial excellence across our development programme, we'd love to hear from you.
Please note that applications will be reviewed as received, bpha reserves the right to close applications prior to the advertised end date. We recommend early applications to avoid disappointment.
TPBN1_UKTJ