Head of Commercial
Summary of the Role
Responsible for leading and managing the Commercial function at Peter Ward Homes, taking overall responsibility for the financial and contractual management of residential developments from pre-development, budgeting and procurement through to construction and final account. This role provides commercial leadership and oversight of cost management, procurement, forecasting, contractual risk and subcontractor performance, ensuring developments are delivered within agreed budgets and programmes whilst maximising profitability.
Working closely with the Managing Director, Construction Director, Finance, Land, Technical and wider teams, the Head of Commercial will provide commercially focused advice, challenge and solutions to support informed decision-making, manage risk and maximise value across the business.
This role is key in ensuring all key business deadlines and commitments to external stakeholders are met accurately, efficiently and within agreed timescales.
Please send all applications to alison.baillie@peterwardhomes.co.uk
The closing date is Friday 9th October 2026
Download Job Application Form
Key Responsibilities
Commercial Strategy and Cost Management
- Lead the commercial management of developments from pre-construction through to completion, ensuring robust budgets, cost plans and forecasts are established and maintained.
- Provide commercial input into land appraisals, development viability, build costs and value engineering opportunities.
- Oversee cost-to-date, cost-to-complete and Cost Value Reconciliation (CVR) processes, identifying and addressing variances and emerging risks.
- Monitor project profitability and provide senior management with clear commercial reporting, analysis and recommendations.
- Identify opportunities to improve value, efficiency and cost certainty whilst maintaining quality and programme.
Procurement and Supply Chain
- Lead the procurement strategy for new developments, ensuring subcontract and supplier packages are prepared and awarded in line with programme and commercial objectives.
- Oversee competitive tendering, evaluate bids and make recommendations on contract awards.
- Negotiate subcontractor and supplier rates, terms and agreements to achieve best value for the business.
- Maintain effective relationships with key subcontractors and suppliers and manage performance where required.
- Ensure the COINS system and commercial price books remain accurate and up to date.
Contract and Commercial Management
- Oversee the administration and management of subcontract agreements, ensuring contractual obligations and commercial controls are maintained.
- Monitor variations, additional costs, disputes, contra-charges, retentions and final accounts, ensuring commercial risks are appropriately managed and recovered.
- Oversee subcontractor valuations and payments, ensuring works are accurately valued and appropriately authorised.
- Work closely with the Construction Director to resolve contractual, supply chain and performance issues and minimise disruption to programme.
Reporting, Risk and Governance
- Provide regular commercial performance reporting to the Managing Director, Finance Director and senior management team, including commentary on key variances, risks and opportunities.
- Ensure accurate forecasting of final project costs and coordinate cost information across departments.
- Identify financial and operational risks and ensure appropriate mitigation is implemented.
- Maintain robust commercial processes and controls across the business.
Adoptions and Utilities
- Oversee NHBC Bond management and ensure S38, S278 and S104 bonds are appropriately managed, reduced and cancelled at the earliest opportunity.
- Oversee the procurement and management of utility services, ensuring costs, connections and payments are aligned with development programmes.
Leadership and Collaboration
- Provide leadership, direction and support to the QS/Buyer function, ensuring consistent and effective commercial practices.
- Work collaboratively with the Managing Director, Construction Director, Land, Sales, Site Management, Technical and Finance teams.
- Challenge and influence decisions across the business to ensure the appropriate balance between cost, quality, programme and buildability.
- Act as a commercial partner to senior management, providing clear, pragmatic advice and supporting informed business decisions.
- Promote a culture of commercial awareness, accountability and continuous improvement.
Person Specification
- Commercial acumen – Strong commercial and financial judgement, with an understanding of how cost, procurement, programme and quality impact profitability.
- Strategic thinking – Able to see the bigger picture, identify risks and opportunities, and translate commercial information into practical business decisions.
- Leadership – Able to lead, develop and motivate the Commercial team, promoting accountability, high standards and continuous improvement.
- Influencing and challenge – Confident challenging decisions constructively, negotiating effectively and providing credible advice to senior management.
- Analytical ability – Highly analytical with strong attention to detail and the ability to interpret budgets, forecasts, cost reports and trends.
- Problem solving – Pragmatic and solutions-focused, with the ability to balance commercial priorities with buildability, programme and quality.
- Collaboration – Builds effective relationships across Construction, Land, Sales, Technical and Finance, while maintaining appropriate commercial independence.
- Communication – Clear, confident and concise communicator, able to explain complex commercial issues to a range of stakeholders.
- Organisation and accountability – Highly organised, proactive and able to manage multiple priorities while taking ownership for commercial outcomes.
- Resilience and adaptability – Remains calm under pressure and adapts effectively to changing priorities and commercial challenges.
- Integrity and professionalism – Demonstrates sound judgement, honesty, discretion and professionalism when dealing with commercially sensitive information.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The technical requirements to do the job
Essential
- Significant experience in a senior commercial role within residential housebuilding or construction.
- Strong understanding of construction contracts, subcontract management, procurement and commercial risk.
- Proven experience of cost planning, forecasting, CVRs, budget management and financial reporting.
- Experience of managing and negotiating with subcontractors and suppliers.
- Experience of leading, managing or developing a commercial team.
- Strong understanding of residential construction methods, build costs and development programmes.
- Excellent commercial and financial awareness, with the ability to identify risks, opportunities and potential impact on profitability.
- Strong IT skills and experience using commercial/construction cost management systems. Experience of COINS would be highly desirable
Desirable
- Relevant Professional Qualification
The above principal accountabilities are not exhaustive and may vary without changing the character of the job or level of responsibility
The above duties may involve having access to information of a confidential nature, which may be covered by the Data Protection Act. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times.
The post holder must be flexible to ensure the operational needs of the business are met. This includes undertaking duties of a similar nature and responsibility as and when required.
The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) and other legislation places responsibilities for Health & Safety on all employees. Therefore, it is the post holder’s responsibility to take reasonable care for the Health and Welfare of him/herself and other employees in accordance with legislation and the companies Policy and programme.
Where the post holder is disabled, every effort will be made to supply all the necessary employment aids, equipment or adaptations to enable him/her to perform the full duties of the job. If, however, a certain task proves to be non-achievable then job redesign will be given full consideration.
It is the responsibility of the individual to inform the Office Manager (In Strictest Confidence) of their medical history and any changes, which could affect their work duties.
The details contained in this Competency and Job Description reflect the content of the Role and Process at the date it was prepared. However, it is inevitable that over time, the nature of the jobs may change.
Existing duties may no longer be required, and other duties may be gained without changing the general nature of the post or the level of responsibility entailed. Consequently, the job description will be revised from time to time and the company will consult with the post holder at the appropriate time.
Bricklayers and Joiners wanted
We are looking for skilled bricklayers and joiners to start immediately at our current and upcoming sites in East Yorkshire and North East Lincolnshire.
Peter Ward Homes offers a good rate of pay and long continuity of work.
To speak to us about the vacancies, please contact us on 01482 861484 or email ward@peterwardhomes.co.uk
QS/ Buyer
Summary of the Role
The QS/Buyer role will provide commercial, procurement and administrative support to the Head of Commercial, with responsibility for the day-to-day procurement and cost management of residential developments. The role will manage the procurement of materials, plant, tools and subcontractor services, ensuring best value, appropriate payment terms and timely delivery in line with construction programmes.
The role will be responsible for utilities, bonds and the adoption of roads, sewers and public open spaces, processing weekly wages, placing orders and processing labour only and bone fide subcontract payment certs, producing key weekly and monthly commercial reports and maintaining accurate records, providing reliable information to support cost control, forecasting and informed decision-making across the business.
The role will also support the management of subcontractor payment certs, cashflow forecasting and budget production. Working closely with Site Management, Commercial, Finance, suppliers, subcontractors and external stakeholders, the QS/Buyer will ensure commercial information, orders and payments are accurate, timely and effectively managed.
Please send all applications to alison.baillie@peterwardhomes.co.uk
The closing date is Friday 16th October 2026
Download Job Application Form
Key Responsibilities
Procurement and Materials
- Obtain and evaluate material quotations, ensuring pricing is checked against enquiries, specifications and schedules and negotiate the best commercial terms.
- Negotiate payment terms and fixed-price periods with suppliers and agree appropriate call-off periods in conjunction with Site Management.
- Place material, PPE, welfare, tool and plant hire orders, ensuring requirements are met in line with the construction programme and that plant and equipment is off-hired promptly when no longer required.
- Prepare and maintain site-specific bulk order and material schedules, including brick and block schedules, to ensure timely delivery and continuity of production.
- Source new and alternative products where required, ensuring they meet specification, quality and commercial requirements.
- Resolve invoice and supplier queries in liaison with suppliers and the Finance team.
Subcontractor and Labour Management
- Assist the Head of Commercial with tendering new developments and obtaining competitive pricing from approved subcontractors.
- Place subcontract orders and manage associated documentation.
- Check subcontractor payment submissions and claims against agreed prices, rates and payment matrices, escalating discrepancies to the Head of Commercial where appropriate.
- Process and check weekly labour-only and directly employed wages in accordance with agreed rates and requirements.
- Manage buyer choices and extras, ensuring orders are placed accurately and appropriate records are maintained.
- Prepare rolling six-week cashflow forecasts and support ongoing budgeting and cost forecasting.
- Ensure invoices are appropriately coded and authorised in line with company procedures.
Utilities and Services
- Coordinate applications and enquiries for new utility services in line with construction programmes.
- Appoint utility providers, including individual and multi-utility arrangements, and administer service connection payments in line with agreed infrastructure programmes.
- Maintain accurate records of MPRN and MPAN plot connection payments.
- Arrange street lighting column orders and manage associated quarterly and annual unmetered billing in line with installation programmes.
Adoptions and Bonds
- Coordinate the adoption of roads, sewers and public open spaces, liaising with Highway Authorities, Water Authorities, Local Authorities and Civils Contractors to progress remedial works, as-built information and safety files.
- Ensure infrastructure is placed on maintenance and work proactively to secure adoption at the earliest opportunity.
- Support the management and application of bond reductions and cancellations.
- Coordinate pump station maintenance and telemetry requirements.
Plant and Assets
- Manage external plant hire, ensuring equipment is available when required and off-hired promptly when no longer required.
- Maintain the company asset register and ensure accurate records are maintained when assets are transferred between developments.
Reporting and Commercial Administration
- Prepare the weekly Non-Productive report and assist the Head of Commercial with monthly management reports, including Plant, Non-Productive Breakdown and Skips & Sweepers reports.
- Ensure monthly reports are accurate, complete and issued to the Managing Director and Finance Director by the fifth working day of each month.
- Maintain accurate commercial records and documentation and ensure relevant information is kept up to date within COINS.
- Support the Head of Commercial with commercial analysis, reporting, budgeting and forecasting as required.
Person Specification
- Commercial awareness – Understands the principles of procurement, cost control and commercial management and is able to recognise the financial impact of decisions.
- Procurement and negotiation – Confident obtaining quotations, negotiating with suppliers and subcontractors and achieving best value whilst maintaining quality and programme requirements.
- Analytical and detail-focused – Able to work accurately with pricing, payment claims, budgets, forecasts and commercial reports.
- Organisation – Highly organised and able to manage multiple suppliers, orders, developments and deadlines effectively.
- Communication – Communicates clearly and professionally with Site Managers, suppliers, subcontractors, Finance and external stakeholders.
- Problem solving – Proactive and practical in resolving procurement, supplier, payment and operational issues.
- Collaboration – Works effectively with the Commercial, Site and Finance teams and builds positive relationships with external suppliers and contractors.
- Accountability – Takes ownership of tasks and deadlines, ensuring work is completed accurately and within agreed timescales.
- Adaptability – Comfortable managing changing priorities within a fast-paced construction environment.
- Integrity and professionalism – Demonstrates sound judgement, confidentiality and professionalism when handling financial and commercially sensitive information.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
The technical requirements to do the job
Essential
- Experience in a procurement, buying, quantity surveying or commercial role, preferably within construction or housebuilding
- Experience of obtaining and evaluating supplier and subcontractor quotations and negotiating commercial terms
- Understanding of construction materials, procurement processes and supplier management
- Experience of working with orders, invoices, payment claims and financial information
- Strong numerical and analytical skills with excellent attention to detail
- Good organisational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, particularly Excel
- Strong written and verbal communication skills
- Ability to work independently, use initiative and escalate issues appropriately
Desirable
- Experience using COINS or a similar construction/commercial management system
- Relevant professional qualification
The above principal accountabilities are not exhaustive and may vary without changing the character of the job or level of responsibility
The above duties may involve having access to information of a confidential nature, which may be covered by the Data Protection Act. Confidentiality must be maintained at all times.
The post holder must be flexible to ensure the operational needs of the business are met. This includes undertaking duties of a similar nature and responsibility as and when required.
The Health & Safety at Work Act (1974) and other legislation places responsibilities for Health & Safety on all employees. Therefore, it is the post holder’s responsibility to take reasonable care for the Health and Welfare of him/herself and other employees in accordance with legislation and the companies Policy and programme.
Where the post holder is disabled, every effort will be made to supply all the necessary employment aids, equipment or adaptations to enable him/her to perform the full duties of the job. If, however, a certain task proves to be non-achievable then job redesign will be given full consideration.
It is the responsibility of the individual to inform the Office Manager (In Strictest Confidence) of their medical history and any changes, which could affect their work duties.
The details contained in this Competency and Job Description reflect the content of the Role and Process at the date it was prepared. However, it is inevitable that over time, the nature of the jobs may change.
Existing duties may no longer be required, and other duties may be gained without changing the general nature of the post or the level of responsibility entailed. Consequently, the job description will be revised from time to time and the company will consult with the post holder at the appropriate time.
Have you land to sell?
We are constantly looking for land to build new homes on…
Our sites vary between 1 acre and 12 acres. Below are some recent land acquisitions:
- Pig farmer in East Yorkshire who sold his holding to us for nearly £1 million pounds.
- Retired civil servant in Cheshire who sold us 12 acres in Goole. We obtained detail planning permission on this land despite orchestrated opposition by neighbours who even enlisted the support of a local MP.
- Commercial property development company in Leeds, sold us a 3 acre site at Holme upon Spalding Moor.
- Two previous well known house building companies had backed out of deals due to their unwillingness to solve technical problems on the site. We made an unconditional offer on the land and completed the purchase in record time.
- A Supermarket Group sold 6 acres of land to Peter Ward Homes on condition the company obtained planning permission to build 96 homes. The company succeeded and now the supermarket has many new residents as customers.
So, if you have any land in Yorkshire or Lincolnshire that you want to sell, with or without planning permission, contact:
Peter Ward
Chairman
T: 01482 861484
F: 01482 863227
E: ward@peterwardhomes.co.uk
Vacancies and recruitment
This is your opportunity to join one of East Yorkshire and Northern Lincolnshire’s leading, independent housebuilders.
Based in Beverley we have been building Award winning homes since 1978. If you want to work with a progressive team, where quality of work, commitment and job satisfaction are still important, then apply now.
Download Job Application Form
Opportunities for Contractors and Tradesmen
As housebuilders, we use some self-employed tradesmen (Labour Only) as well as many Supply and Fix Contractors, e.g Plumbing and Electrical.
If you would like to work with one of the region’s most progressive housebuilders please contact us by email: ward@peterwardhomes.co.uk
Opportunities for suppliers
We buy a wide range of supplies and materials from a diverse number of suppliers.:
If you have an excellent customer service record and a value for money approach to supply, e-mail us with your product details and pricing structure. Our Commercial Manager will look at your proposal and, if it is competitive with our existing supplier(s) or provides us with a new product to use, we will contact you to arrange a visit.
Contact us by email: ward@peterwardhomes.co.uk
