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Higherin

Senior Assistant Commercial Manager Review

at Mace

Graduate Scheme

Construction

London

Review Submitted: November 2025

Overall Rating

3.9 /5

The Overall Rating is the average of all the ratings given in each category. We take those individual ratings and combine them into one final score!

4/5 - Overview of the Role
3.8/5 - Experience & Company Culture
4/5 - Recommendations & Advice

Overview of the Role

Overall, how would you describe your experience at Mace?
My experience at Mace so far has been both rewarding and insightful. I’ve had the opportunity to work on diverse projects that have strengthened my technical skills and broadened my understanding of the industry. The collaborative culture and support from colleagues have made it easy to learn and grow, while the emphasis on innovation has encouraged me to think creatively. I appreciate the clear communication and structured processes that help deliver quality outcomes. Overall, I feel valued as part of the team and look forward to continuing to contribute and develop further within the organization.
What are the main responsibilities of the role and which elements of the role do you enjoy the most?
Cost Management: Preparing cost estimates, budgets, and forecasts for projects.
Procurement: Assisting with tendering processes and evaluating supplier bids.
Contract Administration: Supporting contract negotiations and managing variations.
Valuations & Payments: Preparing interim valuations and processing payments.
Reporting: Producing financial reports and advising on cost implications.
Risk Management: Identifying potential cost risks and proposing mitigation strategies.
Collaboration: Working closely with project managers, engineers, and clients.
Elements I Enjoy Most
Problem-Solving: Finding cost-effective solutions and optimizing budgets.
Collaboration: Working with multidisciplinary teams and learning from experts.
Data Analysis: Using numbers to tell the story behind project performance.
Impact: Seeing how my work contributes to successful project delivery.
To what extent does your role give you the opportunity to contribute meaningfully and feel valued by your team?
5/5
My role gives me significant opportunities to contribute meaningfully and feel valued. By managing costs, supporting procurement, and ensuring financial accuracy, I play a key part in delivering successful projects. I enjoy collaborating with project teams and providing insights that influence decisions, which makes my input feel impactful. Regular feedback and open communication within the team reinforce that my contributions are appreciated. Additionally, being trusted with responsibilities like reporting and risk management shows confidence in my abilities, which motivates me to perform at my best. Overall, I feel both challenged and valued in this role.
How does your compensation package - including perks & benefits - fairly remunerate you for the work you do?
4/5
My compensation package reflects the responsibilities and expectations of my role. The base salary is competitive within the industry, and the additional benefits such as pension contributions, health coverage, and professional development opportunities add significant value. These perks not only support my financial well-being but also demonstrate the company’s commitment to my growth and work-life balance. While remuneration is important, I also appreciate the recognition and trust placed in me through meaningful responsibilities and career progression opportunities.
How well do you feel the role is preparing you for your future career?
3/5
My current role is giving me a solid foundation for my future career. It allows me to develop core technical skills in cost management, procurement, and contract administration while also strengthening my ability to analyse data and manage risks. Beyond technical expertise, I’m gaining valuable experience in stakeholder communication and collaborative problem-solving, which are essential for senior roles. The exposure to complex projects and structured processes helps me understand industry best practices, preparing me for greater responsibility in the future
How would you rate the extent to which you were developing new or existing skills through formal training and your day-to-day role?
4/5
I feel that my role provides a strong balance between formal training and practical experience for skill development. Through structured training sessions, I’ve been able to enhance my technical knowledge and stay updated on industry standards. At the same time, my day-to-day responsibilities such as cost management, procurement, and stakeholder communication, allow me to apply these skills in real scenarios and refine them further. This combination ensures continuous growth, both in existing competencies and in developing new capabilities that prepare me for future challenges.

Experience & Company Culture

How is the support you receive?
4/5
The support I receive is strong and consistent. My manager and team are approachable and always willing to provide guidance when needed. There’s a clear structure for feedback and regular check-ins, which helps me stay aligned with expectations and feel confident in my work. I also appreciate the collaborative environment—colleagues are open to sharing knowledge and assisting with challenges.
How is your work-life balance?
3/5
My work-life balance is generally manageable, but I believe there is room for improvement. While I appreciate the flexibility and support provided, the demands of certain projects can sometimes make it challenging to fully disconnect outside of work hours. I’m committed to delivering high-quality outcomes, but I also recognize the importance of maintaining a healthy balance for long-term productivity and well-being. Finding ways to better manage workloads and deadlines would help enhance this aspect further.
What is the organisational culture, values and general atmosphere like?
4/5
The organisational culture at Mace is collaborative, professional, and focused on delivering excellence. There’s a strong emphasis on integrity, innovation, and sustainability, which aligns well with industry best practices. The values of respect and accountability are evident in day-to-day interactions, creating an environment where people feel trusted and supported. The general atmosphere is positive and inclusive, with teams working together to achieve common goals. There’s also a clear commitment to personal development and continuous improvement, which makes the workplace feel dynamic and forward-thinking. Overall, it’s a culture that encourages growth and teamwork.
How would you rate Mace initiatives when it comes to equality, diversity, inclusion and accessibility?
4/5
Mace demonstrates a strong commitment to equality, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility through its policies and initiatives. There is clear emphasis on creating an inclusive workplace where everyone feels respected and valued, regardless of background. Initiatives such as diversity training, employee resource groups, and accessible work environments show that these values are embedded in the culture rather than being token gestures. While there is always room for continuous improvement, I believe the company is proactive and transparent in promoting fairness and equal opportunities. Overall, these efforts contribute to a positive and inclusive atmosphere.
How would you rate Mace CSR (Corporate Social Responsibility) initiatives?
4/5
The company demonstrates a clear commitment to sustainability, community engagement, and ethical practices. Initiatives such as reducing carbon emissions, supporting local communities, and promoting responsible sourcing show that CSR is integrated into the business strategy rather than being a standalone effort. These programs not only align with industry standards but also reflect Mace’s values of creating a positive social and environmental impact.

Recommendations & Advice

Would you recommend Mace to a friend?
Yes
Why?
I would recommend Mace to a friend because of its collaborative culture, commitment to professional development, and focus on delivering excellence. The company provides opportunities to work on diverse and challenging projects, which helps build valuable experience. Mace also prioritizes innovation and sustainability, making it an exciting place for anyone passionate about shaping the future of the built environment. The supportive atmosphere and clear career progression pathways ensure that employees feel valued and motivated. Overall, it’s an organization that invests in its people and creates an environment where you can grow and make a real impact.
How well did the role match your expectations based on the recruitment process?
4/5
The role has largely matched my expectations based on the recruitment process. The responsibilities outlined during recruitment—such as cost management, procurement support, and reporting are consistent with my day-to-day tasks. I’ve also found the collaborative culture and opportunities for development to align with what was communicated. While some aspects, like workload during peak project phases, have been more demanding than anticipated, they’ve provided valuable learning experiences. Overall, the role reflects what I expected and offers the growth opportunities I was looking for.
When considering the recruitment & onboarding process, have you any specific tips or advice you would give to others applying to Mace?
My advice for anyone applying to Mace would be to prepare thoroughly and be clear about your career goals. During the recruitment process, highlight both your technical skills and your ability to collaborate, as teamwork is highly valued here. Research Mace’s core values such as innovation, sustainability, and integrity and be ready to demonstrate how you align with them. For onboarding, take advantage of the resources and training provided early on, and don’t hesitate to ask questions. Building relationships from day one will help you integrate quickly and make the most of the opportunities available.
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