Commercial Manager – Capital Delivery

University of East London

Founded in 1898, we at the University of East London (UEL) are proud to change lives through education. Our goal is to advance industry 5.0 careers-first education and provide a clear path to the jobs and opportunities of the future. We’re committed to driving diversity in the 5.0 talent pipeline, working in partnership to promote talent wherever it is found and creating a balanced, inclusive, and green future.

But we can't achieve this goal alone. We need forward-thinking, innovative, and curious individuals like you to join our community and help us craft our future. As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to work with a diverse range of people who share your passion for creating positive change. We’re an inclusive and welcoming community that is constantly moving forward, never satisfied with the status quo.

About Us

The University of East London is redefining the future of education. Now in Year 5 of our ambitious Vision 2028 strategy, we are firmly focused on delivering transformational change, equipping our students, staff and communities with the skills, environments and opportunities they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

Home to one of the most diverse and vibrant communities in UK higher education, UEL is committed to creating a sustainable, inclusive and innovative future, with our campuses playing a critical role in that mission.

 Our Projects & Estates Development (PED) team sits at the heart of this transformation, leading the delivery of a complex and growing portfolio of major capital projects, refurbishments and campus-wide improvements across the University estate. As we move from strategy into sustained delivery, commercial leadership, robust governance and value-led decision-making are more important than ever.

 We are now seeking an experienced and proactive Commercial Manager to provide strategic commercial leadership across the capital programme, strengthening controls, driving value, managing risk, and supporting informed investment decisions as we continue to raise the bar for project delivery at UEL.

About the Job

The University of East London is delivering a multi-million-pound capital investment programme and is seeking a Commercial Manager to support its Capital Delivery team within Estates & Facilities.

This is a client-side, permanent role focused on the commercial and financial management of capital construction projects in a higher education environment. The role requires a blended skillset, combining Quantity Surveying expertise with strong financial and accounting capability.

Working closely with Project Managers and the Director of Development & Capital Delivery, you will support the delivery of a complex capital programme through robust cost control, procurement, contract administration, forecasting, and reporting.

About You

We’re looking for someone who has:

Proven experience in commercial management of capital works or construction projects

A strong QS background, combined with confidence in financial reporting and budget management

Experience working client-side, ideally in the public sector or higher education

Knowledge of JCT/NEC contracts and procurement processes

A relevant degree and professional qualification (RICS, CIMA, ACCA, CIOB or similar)

Benefits Package

Here at UEL we understand it’s about more than just a salary. It’s about the entire package on offer along with our outstanding work environment and inclusive culture. We know the market rates for this vacancy and will offer a genuinely competitive salary DOE.

We care deeply about your wellbeing and our benefits includes: 20% pension (4% from you, 16% from us), 25 days holiday (plus 3 days over Christmas) plus bank holidays, and we’re always open to consider flexible working arrangements. We have a subsidised gym membership, 3 times base salary life assurance, a cashback healthcare scheme and wide variety of other generous benefits including discounts on: Apple and Samsung products, holidays, clothing, fitness, lifestyle, dining out and weekly shopping.

https://uel.ac.uk/benefits-professional-services-positions

Equal Opportunities

UEL is an inclusive equal opportunities employer and are proud of our Equality, Diversity, and Inclusivity achievements, as members of Stonewall and have won Athena Swan awards. We expect all employees of UEL to accept our EDI policy and will not tolerate discrimination in any form.

Why join UEL?

A permanent role at the heart of a major capital delivery programme

Hybrid working and a supportive, inclusive environment

Opportunity to influence long-term investment in a growing university estate

If you’re a commercially astute professional looking to apply your skills in a purpose-driven capital works environment, we’d love to hear from you.

So, if you’d like to take your career to the next level with us here at the University of East London and are inspired by our environment and committed to success, we want you to apply today!

Closing Date: 30 Jan 2026

Team: Support - UELPS Ltd

Salary: £62,443 to £71,685 per annum inclusive of London Weighting