Commercial Graduate

About The Role

This is an entry-level role, suited to those who or are due to graduate university in 2025 or have already graduated. Our Graduate Development Programme is a two-year learning programme with an aim to develop well-rounded specialist graduates in a chosen business area. You are a permanent employee from day one and will have a real opportunity to make an impact at Cala through executive sponsored projects as well as completing two varying discipline rotations across the wider business.

The programme includes:

• A three-day formal induction in Edinburgh
• Classroom and virtual sessions covering key stages in the construction lifecycle, and key business skills such as commercial awareness and influencing
• Interactive group projects working with a number of other graduates in disciplines across the business allowing you to build a strong network
• Networking opportunities with senior managers and peers
• One-to-one support from line managers, mentors, recent graduates, and industry professionals

Alongside programme activity, you will receive on-the-job training and play an integral role within the Commercial team in our North region. Our Commercial teams play an important role in the profitability of our business through calculating and managing the cost of delivering each project. They work closely with our land, planning, and construction teams at all stages, from budgeting to negotiating with sub-contractors. Your key responsibilities will therefore be as follows:

• Assist in managing the costs of development projects, including assisting in the production of budgets for existing and future projects
• Collaborate with subcontractors to negotiate quotes and secure competitive rates
• Support the analysis of quotations to determine suitable subcontractors/suppliers for live projects
• Support the generation of subcontractor orders, including the production of documents which cover agreed scope of work and terms and conditions
• Produce and assess Supply Chain payments
• Assist in the production of monthly cost reports
• Attend and participate in regional/departmental meetings and workshops

About You

We are seeking a new team member who is confident and has the passion and drive to succeed at the highest level.

You will have achieved, or be on track to achieve, a Bachelor’s degree in any relevant discipline. You should also be able to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills and abilities:

• Eagerness to learn
• A can-do attitude, with ability to work on your own initiative
• Ability to challenge the status quo with sound reasoning
• Effective time management, organisation, and prioritisation skills
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Attention to detail
• A team-player
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong numeric skills
• Proficiency in IT skills, including MS Office Suite applications (Excel, Powerpoint, Word)
• Interest in the housebuilding industry
• Industry experience is beneficial but not required
• Must have (or working towards obtaining) a valid UK Driving License and a willingness to travel
• Must have a full Right to Work in the UK

About Us

The Cala Group is a major UK housebuilder and leading provider of desirable new homes across Scotland, the South of England & Midlands. Driven by a mission to create vibrant and sustainable new communities, our homes are characterised by exceptional design and sector-leading build quality, and we have a passion for providing our customers with a great home buying experience.

Our goal is to be the favoured employer in our industry and beyond. We encourage applications from those who want to be part of a culture where they can thrive, feel a sense of belonging and be comfortable being themselves at work.

LOCATION

CALA Homes (North) Limited is one of nine regional Cala businesses. The North team oversee Cala’s new home developments in Aberdeenshire and surrounding areas. This role is based in Westhill, Aberdeenshire. As part of this role, you will be required to visit our developments across the North region. This is a hybrid role where you are expected to work a mix of in-office, remotely and on-site.

REWARDS & BENEFITS

When you join our team, you become part of an inclusive environment, with support and growth opportunities to help you realise your own dreams and aspirations. We’re a living wage employer, and provide a comprehensive package of benefits including:

• Generous holiday allowance (25 days, plus 9 public holidays with opportunities to buy/sell)
• Private medical insurance & virtual GP
• Employee Assistance Programme (well-being, legal and financial matters)
• Generous pension scheme
• Opportunities to get involved with volunteering and fundraising
• Annual bonus
• Employee discounts

HOW TO APPLY

To apply, please click the button below and attach your CV and covering letter as one document. For more information you can contact the recruitment team directly at CalaHomesEarlyTalent@sanctuarygraduates.co.uk using the subject heading ‘Commercial Graduate – North’.

Our Graduate Development programme has the following recruitment process:

• Apply online with your CV and covering letter
• Video interview via Microsoft Teams with a member of the recruitment team
• Discovery Day in March 2025

We recognise that a diverse team makes us a stronger and more successful company. We value different ideas and perspectives as it helps improve our decision-making, products and services. And we’re striving to create an inclusive work environment, in which everyone can feel comfortable as themselves, uniquely contribute and do their best work. If we need to adjust anything in our recruitment process to support you, please contact CalaHomesEarlyTalent@sanctuarygraduates.co.uk.

The closing date to apply for this role is Monday 24th February 2025. Please note that depending on the volume of applications we receive, we may close this advert ahead of the closing date.