Apprentice Commercial Assistant

Genesis Commercial Apprenticeship Programme

Apprentice Commercial Assistant

Genesis Commercial Apprenticeship Programme

Department  Commercial

Reports to  Assigned Quantity Surveyor

Department lead  Senior Commercial Manager

Direct reports  None

Job purpose

Begin a career in the commercial side of housebuilding through paid employment, structured training and experience on live Genesis Homes developments. Learn alongside an assigned Quantity Surveyor, developing practical skills in payments, procurement and cost reporting while working towards a Level 3 apprenticeship.

Build confidence and responsibility as your skills develop, with guidance from the Quantity Surveyor and Commercial Assistant. Support accurate commercial administration while learning how the team manages site costs, risks and opportunities. The Quantity Surveyor retains responsibility for valuations and commercial decisions, and all payments follow Genesis Homes approval procedures.

Responsibilities as your skills develop

Payment preparation and administration

• Collect and log subcontractor applications and invoices. Track deadlines against the company payment calendar and chase missing information promptly.
• Prepare payment packs with applications, invoices, draw-off sheets, order details and supporting evidence. Save complete records in the agreed company filing system.
• Prepare COINS entries and payment certificates for review. Check calculations, purchase order references and proposed cost codes, and flag discrepancies to the Quantity Surveyor.
• Maintain payment, retention and contra-charge records. Prepare supporting information for any notices as directed by the Quantity Surveyor.
• Track reviews and approvals so payment submissions meet the company timetable. Escalate incomplete information, disputed items and approaching deadlines.
• Respond to routine payment queries and refer valuation or entitlement disputes to the Quantity Surveyor. Never commit expenditure or release payments outside delegated authority.

Apprenticeship and future development

The intended training route is the Level 3 Construction Support Technician apprenticeship, with the training provider and associated qualification to be confirmed. You will receive protected learning time, practical coaching and regular progress reviews. Duties will broaden as you gain competence, including experience of site activities and commercial decision-making.

On successful completion, there may be an opportunity to pursue a relevant degree-level qualification or degree apprenticeship, including Quantity Surveying. This is optional and is not guaranteed. Any further study would require separate agreement, taking account of your interests, performance, university entry requirements, available programmes and business needs. Developing a rewarding career in commercial support is equally valued, with no expectation to pursue a degree.

Procurement and subcontract administration

• Maintain current subcontractor tender lists. Issue enquiries and collate quotations, scope information and tender comparisons for the Quantity Surveyor.
• Assist with budget preparation, estimating and procurement, including obtaining competitive quotations in accordance with Genesis Homes procedures.
• Prepare order and subcontract documentation for review and approval. Keep records of agreed rates, scope, instructions and correspondence.
• Attend pre-start, progress and site meetings as required. Learn to read drawings, understand construction activities and record and follow up commercial actions.

Cost reporting and control

• Maintain accurate COINS commitments, cost records and trackers to support monthly cost value reconciliation reports and cost-to-complete forecasts.
• Gather information on variations, dayworks and specification changes. Flag potential additional costs, missing orders or unusual movements promptly.
• Support the Quantity Surveyor with risk and opportunity records, cost discrepancies and final-account reconciliations.
• Follow Genesis Homes cost-control procedures and maintain an auditable record of supporting documents and approvals.

Skills and attributes

• Strong attention to detail, accurate numeracy and an organised approach to deadlines.
• Clear communication, a willingness to ask questions and the confidence to flag errors or missing information.
• Good IT skills, including Microsoft Excel, and a willingness to learn COINS and company systems.
• A collaborative approach, discretion with commercial information and a commitment to learning.

Entry requirements and personal potential

Five GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including Maths and English, or equivalent qualifications, subject to training provider requirements. No previous construction or commercial experience is required. Bring curiosity, enthusiasm, a head for numbers and a willingness to learn. Genesis Homes will provide training in COINS and company processes.