Workplace Head of Commercial - Sky Spaces

Full Job Description

Team:

This role sits with the Workplace team, which is part of Sky Spaces. We create environments and experiences for our colleagues to work, connect and thrive. Are sustainable and that our colleagues love, a with focus on the pillars of People, Planet and Place.

We understand the specific needs of your team, and design and construct environments that are both flexible and tailored for you to do what you do, easier and better.

Role Overview

You will work alongside the Head of Projects, Head of Accommodation Strategy, PMO and Project Management team, developing and managing all workplace and construction project budgets and capital expenditure within Sky’s portfolio in the UK, Ireland and Europe.

Be the subject matter expert and business interface for matters associated with cost, procurement and contract for all construction, fit-out and workplace projects together with ensuring the delivery teams comply with Sky’s rules and process.

Own the end-to-end project cost management process, responsible for project cost assurance, cost efficiency and value enhancement.

Establish robust, simple commercial processes and reporting techniques that enable Sky to make informed business decisions in a controlled manner whilst delivering cost efficiency and value over time.

Support the procurement of workplace and construction projects to inform and maintain programme flow and enact efficiencies when business critical dates are set.

Drive, manage and co-ordinate the contracting of Sky’s supply chain who design, support and deliver the workplace and construction projects in conjunction with our Legal team. Ensure all subsequent agreements, collateral warranties, insurances, and the like, are provided in the correct form and timely manner.

Understand, inform, guide and track how we deliver our projects to align with Sky’s finance, procurement and legal rules and processes. A key governance role across all our projects to ensure efficient approvals are obtained to maintain programme flow.

Key Relationships:

These are centred largely around the Workplace team, Sky Spaces and colleagues for whom workspaces are being designed and constructed.  I work closely with the Head of Workplace Projects, PMO Manager and Programme Heads to function solutions for effective and efficient project delivery.  

I work closely with the entire Sky Spaces group, Group and stakeholder Finance, Procurement and Legal teams to bind the work of Sky Spaces to Sky’s financial, procurement and legal systems, process and governance.

I report into the Workplace Director.

I am supported by the Workplace Finance Manager (direct report) who facilities the delivery of cost reports, purchase orders, Contract execution, and leads the relationship between Sky Spaces and Sky’s financial management systems.

Role Responsibilities:

• Being the subject matter expert and provide the link between Workplace and the Finance, Procurement and Legal teams to provide awareness and visibility to align on governance, process and principles.
• Providing expert cost advice – I know what everything costs, or who to ask to find out.
• Providing procurement and contract advice – I know what procurement routes and forms of contract best support programme, quality, risk and budget.
• Testing and reviewing what is happening in the market to ensure I maintain an up to date understanding of project costs, changes in procurement routes, insurance risks, etc.
• Effectively co-ordinating and ensuring commercial governance across the project portfolio, providing a clear structure for budget development, cost management and cost reporting – I maintain financial control.
• Focusing on commercial strategy and providing clear direction to the implementation teams and transparency across the project portfolio.
• Development and implementation of simple yet effective cost processes and supporting tools managing project budgets from strategy to inception and through closeout – ensuring that projects are delivered within budget – I support the Programme Heads every step of the way.
• Understanding the cost management resources available for current and future projects, prioritising and ensuring that projects being undertaken are the best use of Sky resources.
• Advising on and managing financial risks for Projects.
• Working closely with Sky Spaces Finance on operating and capital costs for projects, along with forecast capital requirements – I connect Workplace and Finance, understanding the present and forecasting the future.
• Reporting on Final Accounts for all projects.
• Maintaining an accurate cost record for all completed projects.
• Advising the Operational Sky Spaces teams on any likely financial and cost implications for the servicing of completed projects.
• Working with the PMO and project teams to bring creative ideas that maximise cost saving opportunities and operating costs on Projects – I am always looking for better ways to manage and report costs.

Required Experience:

• Qualification in Quantity Surveying or similar to degree level and professional accreditation to RICS or equivalent.
• Proven experience in the cost and contract management of workplace and construction projects, in a senior role, within a blue chip client side organisation.

• Experience of actively leading cost management to deliver results and value across a portfolio of projects.
• Knowledge and experience of driving best practice and innovation initiatives in cost management.
• Good communication, interpersonal, presentation and negotiation skills.
• An ability to develop, maintain and enhance relationships with a variety of internal and external colleagues / stakeholders, suppliers and contractors at all levels.
• A thirst for new ideas and thinking, an effective industry network, multiple sources of research and information, and a demonstrable CPD record.
• An open mind to new ideas – the ability to think differently and critically challenge the way we work to bring about positive change, drive value and efficiency.
• The ability to be flexible in my working day to support the Workplace team in the delivery of their projects, those I work closely with around strategy, and the wider Finance, Procurement and Legal teams in the delivery of their outputs.

Person Specification

• Strategic, critical and challenging, with a focus on driving value opportunities on projects.
• Committed to implementing a simple, agile process that enhances the way cost management integrates with project planning and delivery.
• Highly organised, able to quickly predict and identify potential issues, deep dive to find solutions.
• Excited by the opportunity to own a diverse programme of projects and drive value in their delivery.
• Driven by the desire to impact the business bottom line.
• Focussed on supporting the protection of Sky’s position in a mix of environments, with changing needs, in a 24/7 365 world, and has diverse range of business units.
• Persistent, agile and willing to do whatever is needed to complete the job.

The Rewards

There's one thing people can't stop talking about when it comes to #LifeAtSky : the perks. Here’s a taster:

• Sky Q, for the TV you love all in one place
• The magic of Sky Glass at an exclusive rate
• A generous pension package
• Private healthcare
• Discounted mobile and broadband
• A wide range of Sky VIP rewards and experiences

How you'll work:

We know the world has changed, and we want to offer our employees the chance to collaborate at our unique office spaces, whilst enjoying the convenience of working from home.

We've adopted a hybrid working approach to give more flexibility on where and how we work. You'll find out more about what this means for this role during the recruitment process.

Your office base:

Osterley:

Our Osterley Campus is a 10-minute walk from Syon Lane train station. Or you can hop on one of our free shuttle buses that run to and from Osterley, Gunnersbury, Ealing Broadway and South Ealing tube stations. There’s also plenty of bike shelters and showers.

On campus, you’ll find 13 subsidised restaurants, cafes, and a Waitrose. You can keep in shape at our subsidised gym, catch the latest shows and movies at our cinema, get your car washed and even get pampered at our beauty salon.

N.b. Whilst the role is based from Osterley, on occasion the role will require travel to one of our satellite campuses or sites to support projects.

At Sky we don’t just look at your CV. We’re more focused on who you are and your potential. We also know that everyone has a life outside work, so we’re happy to discuss flexible working.

We are a Disability Confident Accredited Employer, and welcome and encourage applications from all candidates. We will look to ensure a fair and consistent experience for all and will make reasonable adjustments to support you where appropriate. Please flag any adjustments you need to your recruiter as early as you can.

Apply now to build an amazing career and be part of a brilliant team. We can’t wait to hear from you.

To find out more about working with us, search #LifeAtSky on social media. A job you love to talk about.

Just so you know: if your application is successful, we’ll ask you to complete a criminal record check. And depending on the role you have applied for and the nature of any convictions you may have, we might have to withdraw the offer.