Commercial Manager / Estimator (Pre-Construction)

Hull, Yorkshire
Sewell Group

Location: Geneva Way, Leads Road, Hull. HU7 0DG

Hours: 40 hours per week, 8.00am-5.00pm with 1 hour lunch break

Salary: Dependant on experience

Closing Date: 8 May 2026

Role Overview

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 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 them 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/undertaken 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.
• Develop and implement 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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Benefits

• Competitive Salary, Dependent on experience
• Annual Bonus opportunity
• 25 days holiday (plus Bank Holidays), rising with length of service to 30 days
• Auto Enrolment pension
• Staff discounts
• High Street & Retail discount schemes
• Bike 2 Work Scheme
• Technology Scheme
• Paid Parental Leave and Sickness Absence schemes

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.