At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead commercial aspects of bids and ensure smooth handover to delivery teams.
- Company: Join Sewell Group, a forward-thinking construction company with a focus on teamwork.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, annual bonus, 25+ days holiday, and employee ownership opportunities.
- Other info: Flexible working attitude and a positive approach to learning are essential.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in construction while developing your skills in a supportive environment.
- Qualifications: BSc degree, strong negotiation skills, and experience with NEC/JCT contracts required.
The role of the Commercial Manager/Estimator (Pre-Construction) is to lead all commercial and contractual aspects of our bid submissions, ensuring a commercially robust bid and exemplary handover to the delivery team. Our works generally cover single stage competitive tenders, two-stage tender design and build projects, as well as fully negotiated design and build development schemes, with this in mind the candidate should have a strong track record in working across a wide range of construction projects. Whilst the role is predominantly based in our Hull office, it will require the candidate to be flexible to meet the needs of the business, supporting both our Construction businesses (Sewell Construction and I&G) and our projects across the Yorkshire region. The Commercial Manager will be the guardian of the Sewell and is expected to minimise commercial risk and maximise value.
Key Responsibilities
- Develop a detailed understanding of the client requirements and contractual obligations for each opportunity.
- Implement all business systems and processes, develop a robust commercial strategy for each project, covering matters such as subcontractor procurement, risk management, opportunity identification, main contract and sub-contract selection, contract and design derogations, value engineering and value for money compliance.
- Undertake high level cost planning relative to design maturity at each stage of the bid.
- Appraise and understand any gaps in technical information and implement necessary mitigation strategies to overcome in a considered manner.
- Develop a robust nett cost estimate for the works.
- Develop detailed contractors’ proposals and/or tender clarifications to clearly detail our offer.
- Oversee / undertake the timely development and collation of subcontract enquiries, take-offs and preparing Bills of Quantities (BoQ’s).
- Oversee / undertake reconciliation of the tender returns, ensuring compliance and identification of cost risks and opportunities, as well as raising all necessary technical queries.
- Assess contract conditions and advise and implement suitable risk mitigation measures, leading contract negotiations where required.
- Support design development and design reviews to ensure designs tie in with the commercial constraints of the bid.
- Ensure thorough understanding and input into project programme and methodology alongside the operational team.
- Develop and maintain a risk and opportunities register.
- Development and implementation of business systems and processes, including use of accounts software, take-off and estimating software, tender launch meetings, mid-tender reviews and tender settlements.
- Develop and maintain detailed information and audit trail to support robust handover to project delivery team.
- Maintain regular dialogue with the delivery team to support any queries and gather feedback and lessons learnt for future bids.
- Understand business development and the bidding marketplace including competitor environment and external market forces.
- Ensure that technical skills and industry knowledge are continually developed to keep up to date with latest bid requirements, with particular focus on carbon and sustainability.
- Support and mentor junior members of the commercial team.
Requirements
- BSc (Hons) degree qualification or similar.
- The ability to demonstrate clearly, the skills required to achieve the commercial responsibilities.
- Strong commercial and negotiation skills.
- Knowledge and experience of using ConQuest and/or BlueBeam software (preferred).
- Extensive experience of NEC and JCT Construction contracts.
- Excellent levels of computer literacy and be fluent in Microsoft Outlook, Word & Excel.
- The ability to work as a team member in a busy working environment and under own direction.
- A flexible working attitude and a positive approach to learning and development.
- A positive and professional attitude.
- Excellent organisational and communication skills.
- A customer & solutions focused mindset.
- Valid UK Driving licence and own transport.
Sewell Group is an equal opportunities employer, recruiting within the guidelines of the Equality Act 2010. We are committed to the promotion of diversity and equal opportunity, as an employer and in the delivery of our products and services. As a committed safe employer, an enhanced DBS (criminal record) check will be carried out for the successful candidate of this role.
Benefits
- Competitive Salary, Dependent on experience
- Annual Bonus opportunity
- 25 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays), rising with length of service to 30 days
- Being a Co-Owner of Sewell Estates
- Auto Enrolment pension
- Staff discounts
- High Street & Retail discount schemes
- Bike 2 Work Scheme
- Technology Scheme
- Paid Parental Leave and Sickness Absence schemes
Commercial Manager / Estimator in Kingston upon Hull employer: DB RECRUITMENT
Sewell Group is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment in Hull that fosters professional growth and collaboration. With a strong commitment to employee ownership, competitive salaries, and generous benefits including up to 30 days of holiday, our culture prioritises positivity, teamwork, and continuous development. Join us to be part of a forward-thinking team that values your contributions and supports your career aspirations in the construction industry.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Commercial Manager / Estimator in Kingston upon Hull
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the construction industry. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and how they operate. This will help you tailor your responses and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your negotiation skills! As a Commercial Manager/Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate strong commercial acumen. Role-play common scenarios with a friend or mentor to build your confidence before the real deal.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Commercial Manager / Estimator in Kingston upon Hull
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Commercial Manager/Estimator role. Highlight your experience with construction projects and any relevant software like ConQuest or BlueBeam. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; share specific achievements that demonstrate your commercial and negotiation skills. Use numbers and examples to illustrate how you’ve minimised risks or maximised value in past projects. This will help us see the impact you've made!
Be Clear and Concise:When writing your application, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's industry-specific and relevant. We appreciate straightforward communication, so make sure your key points stand out!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the position there!
How to prepare for a job interview at DB RECRUITMENT
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Commercial Manager/Estimator, you'll need to demonstrate your ability to handle cost planning and estimates. Brush up on your numerical skills and be ready to discuss how you've developed nett cost estimates in previous roles. Bring examples of your work with Bills of Quantities and any software you've used, like ConQuest or BlueBeam.
✨Understand the Client's Needs
Make sure you have a solid grasp of the client requirements and contractual obligations for the role. Research the company’s past projects and be prepared to discuss how you would approach developing a robust commercial strategy tailored to their needs. This shows that you're proactive and client-focused.
✨Showcase Your Risk Management Skills
The role involves minimising commercial risk, so be ready to talk about your experience with risk management. Prepare specific examples where you've identified risks in a project and implemented effective mitigation strategies. This will highlight your analytical skills and attention to detail.
✨Engage with the Team
Collaboration is key in this role, so demonstrate your team player attitude during the interview. Share experiences where you've worked closely with delivery teams or mentored junior members. Highlighting your communication skills and ability to maintain regular dialogue will show that you can foster a positive working environment.
