Commercial Manager – Bids & Pre Contract

About Populous

For more than 40 years Populous has had a singular focus – to draw people together around the things that they love, to be the leading design firm that specialises in places, spaces and events where people gather. Our success is defined by designing projects that are seen as the benchmark. We are committed to future innovation, anticipating and shaping the future of our industries. Our team is made up of highly talented people with a range of skills, all integral to successfully bringing to life the places and experiences we design. As our company has grown, our expertise has expanded to encompass a wide variety of disciplines – including architecture, audiovisual consultancy, brand activation, design & build, events, food & beverage strategy, interior design, landscape architecture, urban design and wayfinding. This varied expertise enables us to transform neighbourhoods, revitalise cities, build relationships and create buildings, places and spaces that draw people together, from the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium to The Co-op Live Arena.

About the Role

The Commercial Manager provides the strategic direction in all elements of the pre-contract process from opportunity assessment to preparation of bids. Working as a key part of the commercial leadership team providing the business with strategic guidance on all commercial matters, ensuring that projects are set for success from the outset. The Commercial Manager will also provide post contract support and guidance relating to ongoing contractual matters during the delivery phase negotiating with clients as required and providing support and direction to the Design Management Group (DMG).

Key responsibilities include:

• Lead on Pre-contract process ensuring that bids are prepared in a structured manner, setting out clear scope and deliverables.
• The Commercial Manager needs to be able to prepare commercial proposals as required.
• Review and comment on legal and commercial terms ensuring that these align with Populous legal and insurance limitations.
• Working with the architectural teams to understand deliverables and constraints preparing detailed schedules as required.
• Be the point of contact for the Principal In Charge during the pre-tender process.
• Ensure that information is prepared in line with bid timetables as agreed with PIC and Regional Bid Lead.
• Prepare pricing structure and supporting resources plan, prepare and develop profitability assessment using Deltek Workplan.
• Identification of key risks and establish approaches to address and mitigate and set these out clearly for pricing purposes.
• Advising on complex strategies of delivery including any impact of phased programmes or non-standard procurement methodology.
• Manage priorities and communicate timescales and issues to PIC managing expectations and outputs.
• Liaise with BD team on opportunities and ensure that opportunity trackers etc are up to date.
• The post holder must be able to work on their own initiative setting their own timetables and priorities.

Key Outputs & Relationships

• Production of high-quality bid documents that support the business securing £100M of project revenue per annum.
• Provide clear reporting on progress of bids, highlighting issues and agreeing remedial actions.
• Close relationship with both the financial and legal teams to ensure projects are secured at viable fees and all risks have been addressed in the initial plans.
• Advise commercial lead of issues in terms of profit and delivery risk and escalating as required to PIC.
• Working with DMG and ensuring a smooth handover from pre to post contract delivery.
• Establish strong relationship with commercial leads in client teams in order to address issues before they impact projects.

KPI's

• Ensure that all scope, and fee information included in the proposal is accurate and has been agreed with the project lead and the PIC.
• Meet agreed timetables for delivery of proposals, co‑ordinating with the BD team.
• Communicate clearly with project leads and PIC as required, highlighting issues and proposing solutions and mitigations.
• Ensuring that workplans are up to date and handed across to the DMG in good time and with a clear handover and guidance.

About The Studio

Our Putney studio, which is also our EMEA Headquarters, is located on the banks of the River Thames, a short walk from Putney High Street and with excellent travel connections. Our employees enjoy a comprehensive and competitive benefits programme, as well as the opportunity to attend events at several Populous-designed venues.

Why Join the Team?

• Work alongside passionate, creative individuals who lead their industry, transform ideas into reality and celebrate the beauty of human connection.
• Enjoy various benefits, such as hybrid working and gym membership discounts.
• Enjoy the opportunity to attend events at Populous-designed venues.
• Connect and learn at regular social and knowledge sharing events including an annual conference and a weekend abroad Christmas party.

How To Apply

Populous is an equal opportunity employer. If you’re ready to utilise your skills to support our growing practice, click “Apply” to begin the application process. In your application, please include your CV and a one-page letter of motivation (cover letter), salary expectations, and availability.