Commercial Manager - Bids & Pre Contract

We design the places where people love to be together - and we can't do it without you.

Populous is all about people - it's in our name. Attracting and retaining talented people who are passionate about their work is what makes us thrive.

As a global firm, we have established roots in cities across the world, uncovering the very best local talent. The diversity of our team is our greatest strength and one of the most powerful sources of our creativity.

We believe in supporting each other, coming together as a team to make sure everyone is fulfilled professionally, creatively, and personally.

Why Work With Us Culture

Populous is built around the core values of integrity, entrepreneurial creativity, excellence and enjoyment. There are many milestones and celebrations along the way - yours and ours - and we share in these special moments together. We also reach beyond our offices to help make our local communities stronger, from engaging with university students and taking part in urban clean up projects, to partnering with sports charities and promoting sustainable design.

Understanding people is what Populous is all about - and that begins with the people in our team. That's why we have designed a comprehensive benefits programme to support your employee experience at Populous and your life outside of work, including flexible work environments. From CrossFit in London, to the Noosa Triathlon in Australia to mental health check ins in the Americas, we have all kinds of initiatives to help you keep mind and body in top condition.

Diversity, Equity, Inclusion + Belonging

With more than 1,600 colleagues in 33 offices spanning four continents, we value the incredible range of talents, beliefs, experiences and perspectives of every person that makes up our team. You bring your authentic self and we'll set the stage for you to succeed.

Professional Development

Populous is a team of people that are emotionally connected to their work. We wouldn't have it any other way. From mentor programmes and cross disciplinary design charrettes to global conferences, you will have a wealth of opportunities to innovate and learn, shaping your career to meet your personal goals.

Our commitment to innovative design has earned us the top spot in architecture on Fast Company's list of the world's 50 most innovative companies.

"We are a team of fans, dreamers, thinkers and doers. We come together to amplify the magic of fandom and break barriers for the future of sports and entertainment."

What happens when you provoke designers to bring to life a digital footprint? Tapping the Power of a Global Knowledge Network

Location: London, United Kingdom

Job Id:3050

# of Openings:1

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.

As we continue to bring to life award-winning venues and experiences our EMEA Practice is looking for a Commercial Manager - Bids & Pre Contract based in our Putney studio.

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 elevate 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.

Populous is an equal opportunity employer.