Job Department

Commercial

The process of building a house is both costly and time-consuming. From start to finish there are a huge amount of materials and manpower that need to be coordinated. It’s the job of the Commercial department to make sure that the company remains competitive as a business and financially stable. So, the Commercial department manages the financial elements of a development. For example, this means working out how many bricks are needed to build the houses, at what point the site will need them, and how much they will cost to purchase. To do this, they employ a range of technical specialists such as estimators, buyers and surveyors. It’s their job to make sure costs are controlled, ultimately helping the company make money.

Before any building starts, budgets are worked out to estimate what price would be reasonable for buying the land, how much construction will cost, and what types of housing will be built. This is the job of a commercial estimator. In order to succeed in this role, a thorough understanding of the company’s strategic and financial objectives is essential.

Buyers are responsible for ensuring continued and effective construction by specifying and supplying on-site craft workers with materials and plant. They know all about materials used in house building and the people who supply them. It’s their job to negotiate the right price and time for delivery, enabling the project to continue on schedule. Senior buyers will have responsibility for cost control and proper financial reporting. They will normally have a qualification from a recognised building course, such as an HNC, or relevant experience.

House building developments have to be completed on time and to budget. This means that builders must forecast and deal with variations in the cost of materials and other site associated costs. The commercial surveyor analyses costs, implements cost control procedures, co-ordinates the provision of statutory services, and maintains and develops health and safety plans. A commercial surveyor must have a quantity surveying background and hold appropriate qualifications.

Employment opportunities arise at several levels in this part of the company. Recently qualified professionals such as quantity surveyors are required, whilst other graduates and school leavers may be recruited to a variety of posts where in-house training can be given.

back
Top