Assistant Commercial Manager Review

I commercially manage works packages on major construction projects London. Depending on the stage of the project, this can involve: tendering the works; placing contracts; pricing the impact of design changes; assessing progress on site; completing interim valuations and assessing variations. Most of my time is spent working in excel spreadsheets, attending meetings, walking around site or writing emails.

I have developed my communication skills as well as skills specific to my role such as learning more about excel and how to use my company's internal systems. I have also gained a lot of technical knowledge about construction from my university studies and spending time walking around site and asking questions.

My apprenticeship programme is enjoyable, I get to work on some of the most exiting construction projects in London alongside industry professionals. The best advice is to always stay busy as the days will go much quicker. Obviously there will be long days when you have to do boring tasks but there will also be exiting days too.

The Mace apprenticeship is very well organised. The onboarding process was very smooth and I was immediately made to feel welcome. The Mace emerging talent team do a great job at organising regular training sessions for apprentices, delivered by senior members of the business; they also organise site walks and team building days.

I receive adequate support from my employer between my line manager, my colleagues my RICS mentor, my skills assessor (from LSBU) and the emerging talent team I have all the support I require. I have regular check ins with my line manager and my RICS mentor to make sure I'm on track.

I sometimes catch up with my skills assessor (from LSBU) who lets me know what I need to do to prorgess towards the completion of my RICS chartership. I am able to ask questions to my lecturers about their teaching modules, however sometimes the assignment briefs are unclear and the exams throw up surprises (i.e questions we hadn't been told to prepare for). Although I have had some good lecturers, generally I have not been impressed with the standard of teaching at LSBU, however this is no reflection on Mace.

Some of the topics I learn about at university are certainly relevant to my role. Particularly the modules focusing on construction technology, construction law and construction contract practice all help me understand my industry better. On the other hand, some of the other modules have little relevance to my day-to-day role.

I've been involved in lots of social activities since I've been at Mace which is always a good way to get to know your colleagues outside of work. Working in London, there are lots of options for fun nights out with the team. There are regular networking events to get involved in as well. LSBU has sports teams but I have not got involved.

Yes

Mace deliver some of the most exciting projects in London and can give you great opportunities to grow your career if you are ambitious and willing to work hard. Mace creates an inclusive environment for everyone to feel comfortable and valued at work, since joining the business I've had the pleasure of working with some really great people who had become close friends. Mace is also an international company and can provide you with opportunities for working over-sees.

Do lots of research about the role you are interested in perusing, speak to anyone you know that works in the industry to get an insight into what the job entails, get some work experience if possible. If you decide to apply for Mace, familiarise yourself with the company's 'purpose', 'values' and business strategy as this will help you come across well in your interview, also don't forget to have a personality during the interview process, good luck!