Assistant QS

Job Description

In this role, you will provide effective and efficient commercial support across property services. As our main commercial point of contact, you will provide an excellent service for internal and external customers which is focused on ensuring that the verification and processing of valuations, purchase orders and invoices is in line with contractual and commercial obligations.

You will support colleagues to deliver positive outcomes by encouraging collaborative working, the sharing of knowledge, experience and resources across teams within the council. 

You will play a critical role in providing financial data to support the corporate year end function.

You will have the responsibility for the completeness, accuracy and integrity of data stored within our commercial team systems, promoting a culture of continuous improvement and good governance.

Responsibilities

Key service-related accountabilities for this role are:
 
- Provide a comprehensive and holistic commercial support service to the property services team and other stakeholders.
 
- Understand and navigate the data systems of the organisation. Where required, contribute to the development and improvement of those systems and processes.  Implement any changes that are required within the commercial team’s processes.
 
- Undertake commercial management of contracts as directed by the Commercial Manager, including review of valuations, claims, budget monitoring and payments.
 
- Attend project meetings as directed by the Commercial Manager to oversee and report on the commercial progress of contracts and projects.
 
- Establish and sustain effective working relationships with all stakeholders, including giving specialist commercial advice and system support as required.
 
- Monitor, develop and implement practices/processes to ensure compliance with statutory commercial requirements, including adherence to contractual payment terms and ensuring that accurate supporting information is provided before invoices are paid.
 
- Provide a professional and positive first point of contact for face to face, telephone and written enquiries through the commercial team portals.
 
- Contribute to the induction, training and development of team members relating to commercial processes.

Skills Required

Strong commercial acumen.  Demonstrable experience in managing and processing contractual payments, including valuations, payment certificates and invoices.

Strong mathematical skills and the ability to manage and analyse large complex sets of data.

Strong organisational and influencing skills, the ability to sensitively negotiate solutions across multiple parties.

Good written, verbal communication skills.

Ability to provide detailed supporting evidence in an easy to read format.

Numerate and analytical with curiosity and an aptitude for problem solving.

Good organisational and time management skills including the ability to work under pressure to tight deadlines.

IT skills and computer literacy, including a working understanding of Unit4, NEC and strong Excel skills.

The ability to prioritise and manage own workflow.

The ability to understand and communicate council policies and relevant legislation to colleagues.

The ability to operate sensitively in a political environment.

The ability to be flexible at all times.

Educational Requirements

 Educated to a minimum GCSE level (or equivalent) in Maths and English.

Why work for us

Our council is full of people who have chosen to work in local government because they want to help others and make a difference to their lives or the environment in which local people live.

To find out more about working and living in Norwich Home | Work in Norwich.

The council has a long and proud history of being a council that is keen to push the boundaries of what a district can achieve, to find out more about what it is like to work in local government visit Working in local government - #LocalGov Careers - Youth Employment UK

We offer our employees a competitive pay and benefits package. Whether you’re looking for a new career, promotion, flexible working opportunity to fit with your home life or a sideways move – we have a variety of challenging employment opportunities for everybody.

Norwich City Council offers the opportunity to work with great people who are passionate about promoting Norwich and the services the council provides. We also offer good career prospects with competitive rates of pay, generous holidays and working arrangements to suit all lifestyles.

Equal Opportunities Policy 

The council is committed to a policy of equality opportunity in employment, in recruitment and the services we provide. Applications are considered on the basis of their suitability for the post regardless of sex, gender reassignment, race, ethnic origin, disability, age, marital status, domestic responsibilities, sexual orientation or religious affiliation. People with disabilities are guaranteed an interview provided they are suitably qualified and/or experienced.

Candidates will be considered for shortlisting on the factual information on their application form. Therefore it is important to give as much detail as possible including information about experience gained outside employment.

Benefits

We offer our employees a competitive pay and benefits package and are proud to have the Living Wage accreditation. Whether you’re looking for a new career, promotion, flexible working opportunity to fit with your home life or a sideways move – we have a variety of challenging employment opportunities for everybody.

• All employees are eligible to join the Local Government Pension Scheme (LGPS)
• Paid holiday entitlement starts at 26 days per annum and increases with length of service to a maximum of 33 days per annum. This is pro rata for part-time employees
• In addition to the statutory public holidays, we grant an additional statutory day leave at Christmas
• Norwich City Council supports its employees through the provision of occupational health and employee assistance support