Divisional Commercial Manager

The Vacancy

WPS is seeking an experienced Divisional Commercial Manager to lead the commercial function across a high-value Planned Works portfolio within the social housing sector.

This is a senior, influential role with responsibility for a diverse mix of workstreams, including internal refurbishments, external planned works and Net Zero / decarbonisation programmes. You will provide strategic commercial leadership across multiple contracts, working closely with operational and client teams to ensure strong commercial control, risk management and profitable delivery.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead the commercial strategy and governance across multiple planned works contracts
• Full accountability for commercial performance on high-turnover, high-profile projects
• Manage, mentor and develop a commercial team across the region
• Provide commercial support to operational teams throughout the project lifecycle
• Oversee cost control, forecasting, valuations, variations and final accounts
• Ensure robust commercial risk management and compliance with company governance
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key, high-profile social housing clients
• Support margin improvement and continuous commercial best practice
• Contribute to business planning, work-winning support and long-term client relationships

Workstreams Covered:

• Internal Planned Works (kitchens, bathrooms, internal refurbishments)
• External Planned Works (windows, doors, roofing, envelope works)
• Net Zero / Decarbonisation programmes

About You:

• Proven experience in a Divisional / Senior Commercial Manager role
• Strong background in social housing planned works
• Demonstrable experience managing large, complex and high-value contracts
• Confident leader with experience of managing and developing commercial teams
• High level of commercial acumen, with a strong understanding of cost, risk and value
• Comfortable working with senior internal stakeholders and client leadership teams
• Background in repairs and maintenance / planned maintenance is essential

What We Offer:

• Competitive senior-level salary and benefits package
• Opportunity to work on major, long-term social housing frameworks
• Exposure to Net Zero and future-focused investment programmes
• High-profile role with real influence across the business
• Long-term career development within a growing and stable organisation

Why Join WPS?

WPS delivers essential planned investment programmes for social housing providers, with a strong reputation for quality, compliance and partnership working. This role offers the opportunity to play a pivotal part in shaping commercial performance across a key region and portfolio

Given the nature of this position, you will need to undergo a Basic Disclosure and Barring Service Check (DBS) at offer stage. Applicants with criminal convictions will be assessed individually, and we assure you that we do not discriminate based on an applicant’s criminal record or the details of any disclosed offenses. Additionally, certain roles may be subject to additional pre-employment checks.

To learn more about the checks included in this process, please click on the following link: National Security Vetting

Work for Wates

Wates is one of the UK’s leading family-owned development, building and property maintenance companies.  Founded over 125 years ago, we have a proud legacy in the built environment.

We are driven by our purpose, ‘reimagining places for people to thrive’ and our three promises:

• Thriving places – working with customers, partners and communities to create places that are more sustainable, inclusive, and full of opportunity.
• Thriving planet – protecting nature and taking action on climate change by collaborating and innovating with our partners.
• Thriving people – creating opportunities and relationships so that everyone who works for and with us feels included, invested in and treated with care.

We are proud to be recognised as Gold Investors in People and as a Disability Confident employer.  We also ensure that our recruitment processes do not treat anyone less favourably due to an offending background.