Service Lead – Commercial, QS

Overview

In this role you will lead commercial, cost control and contractual assurance across housing and corporate property projects to deliver value for money. You will supervise a small professional team, drive governance and performance reporting, and shape procurement and contract practice. You’ll work within a transformation program, collaborating with stakeholders to ensure projects stay on budget and meet quality and safety standards. This is an opportunity to influence public-service delivery and support Swindon’s regeneration agenda.

Pay / Benefits

• salary £56,293 p.a.
• hybrid working: 4 days in office, 1 day WFH (Mondays)
• diverse and supportive environment
• personal development opportunities
• flexible work life balance

Responsibilities

• Lead commercial and cost management across lifecycle of works (cost planning, tender preparation and evaluation, valuations, variations, final accounts)
• Oversee contractor performance from a commercial perspective, manage risk and ensure financial control and compliance
• Provide guidance to internal teams, contractors, and consultants to deliver projects within budgets and contractual frameworks
• Governance, performance reporting and continuous improvement in commercial practice
• Contribute to procurement strategies and support strategic decision-making
• Embed accountability and best practice in contract administration to achieve sustainable, cost‑effective outcomes
• Lead a small professional team and oversee significant budgets
• Support housing and corporate repairs transformation initiatives

Key requirements

• Experience in quantity surveying or commercial management within a local authority or social housing environment
• Solid understanding of contract administration, cost control and public sector procurement
• Experience managing contractors, budgets and professional teams
• Degree or professional qualification in Quantity Surveying is desirable
• Membership of a recognised professional body such as RICS is desirable
• Relevant health and safety qualification is desirable
• Fluency in English for customer-facing role

• confident, methodical approach
• strong commercial judgement
• ability to collaborate cross-functionally
• contract administration
• cost control
• public sector procurement

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