Job Description
Commercial/Development Manager
Rate - £700 (A day)
Duration - 6 months (Initially)
Ir35 - Inside (Must use an umbrella company)
We are seeking an experienced and strategically minded Commercial/Development Manager to support the planning, delivery and optimisation of estates and facilities operations within a Higher Education environment. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in commercial management, contract oversight, supplier performance, development of estates projects, and stakeholder engagement across complex multi-site estates.
This role plays a critical part in driving value, ensuring operational excellence, and supporting the long-term development of the campus estate.
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Management
* Lead the commercial strategy across estates and facilities, ensuring best value, compliance, and robust financial management.
* Oversee procurement processes, including tendering, contract negotiation and supplier evaluation.
* Manage large-scale contracts (FM, maintenance, construction, sustainability and infrastructure packages).
* Implement commercial risk management practices, ensuring risks are identified, mitigated and reported.
* Analyse costs, budgets, forecasts and business cases to support informed decision-making.
Estates Development
* Support the planning and delivery of capital and refurbishment projects across the campus estate.
* Contribute to long-term estates development strategies, ensuring alignment with institutional goals.
* Work collaboratively with project managers, consultants and contractors to ensure projects are delivered on time and within budget.
* Assist with feasibility studies, stakeholder engagement, and development of project proposals.
Operational & Supplier Performance
* Monitor and manage supplier and contractor performance, ensuring service delivery KPIs and SLAs are met.
* Lead performance reviews and drive continuous improvement initiatives.
* Ensure contracts are managed in line with Higher Education governance, statutory regulations and best-practice frameworks.
Stakeholder Engagement
* Build strong working relationships with academic departments, senior leadership, external partners and technical teams.
* Communicate complex commercial and estates matters clearly to non-technical stakeholders.
* Provide expert commercial guidance to support informed decision-making across the organisation.
Skills, Experience & Qualifications
Essential
* Proven experience in a commercial, development or contract management role within estates, facilities or building management.
* Higher Education sector experience (university or college environment) with an understanding of sector-specific governance and operational complexities.
* Strong commercial acumen and experience managing large contracts or capital projects.
* Knowledge of building compliance, estates operations, FM services and procurement best practice.
* Excellent negotiation, financial analysis and supplier management skills.
* Ability to engage, influence and collaborate with senior stakeholders across diverse functions.
Desirable
* Professional qualifications such as RICS, CIPS, IWFM or equivalent.
* Experience with NEC or JCT contract frameworks.
* Background in sustainability initiatives within estates or facilities.
* Experience contributing to large estates strategies or masterplanning programmes.
Personal Attributes
* Strategic thinker with a proactive, solutions-focused mindset.
* Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
* Comfortable working in a fast-paced, stakeholder-rich environment.
* Detail-oriented with excellent organisational capabilities.
* Demonstrates integrity, professionalism and commitment to best practice.