Commercial Assistant

Job Title: Commercial Assistant

Location: Hitchin, Hertfordshire
Reporting to: Managing Director
Sector: Passive Fire Protection
Salary: Competitive, dependent on experience

The Opportunity

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a commercially minded individual to join a newly established and rapidly growing passive fire protection business based in Hitchin.

Part of a wider, established group, the business specialises in delivering passive fire protection solutions across a variety of sectors, including fire door installations, fire door remedial works and fire stopping.

Having made an excellent start in the market, the business is continuing to grow its client base, project portfolio and operational capabilities. As a result, they are looking to recruit a Commercial Assistant to work directly alongside the Managing Director, supporting the commercial management and continued development of the business.

This is a fantastic opportunity for a recent graduate or someone at the beginning of their career within Quantity Surveying, Commercial Management or Construction who is looking to gain hands-on experience, develop their commercial skill set and progress their career within a growing specialist contractor.

Unlike a role within a large, established organisation where responsibilities can be quite narrow, this position will offer genuine exposure to all aspects of the commercial function, giving you the opportunity to learn, take ownership and make a real contribution to the business.

Key Responsibilities

Working closely with the Managing Director, your responsibilities will include:

• Estimating & Pricing: Assisting with the preparation of project estimates, quotations and tender submissions for fire door installations, remedial works and fire stopping projects.

• Quantity Surveying: Supporting project surveys, reviewing specifications, assessing quantities and identifying the scope of works required.

• Cost Management: Assisting with project costing, monitoring expenditure and supporting the commercial performance of projects.

• Variations: Identifying, pricing and managing variations, ensuring additional works are accurately costed and commercially accounted for.

• Contract Reviews: Reviewing client contracts, terms and conditions, identifying potential commercial risks and supporting the MD with contract negotiations.

• Bid Writing: Assisting with the preparation and submission of tenders, PQQs, quality responses and bid documentation.

• Procurement: Supporting the procurement of materials, subcontractors and specialist services, ensuring value for money and effective supply chain management.

• Commercial Administration: Maintaining accurate commercial records, preparing reports and supporting the smooth running of the commercial function.

• Client & Supplier Liaison: Building relationships with clients, suppliers and subcontractors to support the successful delivery of projects.

About You

We are looking for someone who is ambitious, commercially aware and eager to build a long-term career within the construction industry.

This role would suit a recent graduate in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related discipline, although applications from candidates with relevant commercial or construction experience will also be considered.

You will ideally have:

• A degree, HNC/HND or relevant qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or a related subject.

• A genuine interest in the commercial side of construction.

• Strong numerical, analytical and organisational skills.

• Good written and verbal communication skills.

• A proactive approach with the confidence to ask questions and take initiative.

• A keen eye for detail and the ability to work methodically.

• A strong desire to learn, develop and progress professionally.

• A positive attitude and the ability to work in a fast-paced, growing business.

Most importantly, we are looking for someone with the right attitude, ambition and commercial mindset. You don't need to know everything from day one; the business is prepared to invest in the right individual.

What's in It for You?

This is much more than an entry-level administrative position. It is an opportunity to join a growing business at an exciting stage of its development and play an important part in its future.

The successful candidate will benefit from:

• Direct exposure to the Managing Director: Working closely with the MD and gaining valuable insight into the commercial and operational running of a construction business.

• Structured training and development: Full support with your professional development, including relevant training courses and qualifications, with costs covered by the business.

• Career progression: The opportunity to develop into a more senior commercial or Quantity Surveying position as the business continues to grow.

• Broad commercial experience: Exposure to estimating, surveying, procurement, contract management, tendering and project cost control.

• Real responsibility: The opportunity to take ownership of tasks, develop your skills and make a tangible contribution.

• A growing business environment: Join a business where your input will be valued and where you can grow alongside the company.

The Ideal Candidate

If you are a recent Quantity Surveying or Construction graduate looking for an opportunity to put your academic knowledge into practice, gain experience across the full commercial function and work directly with senior management, this could be an excellent next step.

The business is looking for someone who is ambitious, driven and commercially minded, with the desire to develop into a well-rounded commercial professional.

If you're looking for a role where you can learn, develop and build a long-term career rather than simply fill a position, we'd love to hear from you.