Development/Commercial Manager (Estates & Facilities)
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