Commercial Manager

UnderDog; Eastleigh; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A mechanical and electrical contractor in Eastleigh is seeking a Mid-Senior level professional to oversee the commercial setup of projects from enquiry to handover. The ideal candidate will have at least 5 years of experience in estimating or pre-construction roles, strong commercial acumen, and the ability to manage project financials effectively. The role requires a proactive approach to risk management and excellent communication skills, along with knowledge of estimating software like Procore.

Qualifications

• 5+ years in estimating, QS or pre-construction roles.
• Strong understanding of project financials including variations, claims, and cost tracking.
• Background in mechanical and electrical contracting.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs, and tender documents for scope gaps.
• Draft and issue RFIs to consultants and contractors.
• Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors for accurate quotes.
• Prepare risk registers and record assumptions for delivery teams.
• Manage documentation and tender files in Procore.

Skills

Commercial acumen

Risk management

Communication

Organizational skills

Negotiation

Education

HNC/HND or equivalent qualification

Tools

Procore

Job description

Overview

Were working with a mechanical and electrical contractor in Hampshire who have earned their reputation by being reliable, consistent and easy to deal with. They are growing steadily and want to bring more structure into the commercial side of the business, linking pricing, delivery and profit properly. This role owns the commercial setup from enquiry through to handover, ensuring clear, consistent and commercially sound proposals.

Responsibilities

• Review drawings, specs and tender documents line by line to spot scope gaps, risks and inconsistencies.
• Draft and issue RFIs to consultants and contractors, chasing responses when needed.
• Liaise directly with suppliers and subcontractors for accurate, competitive quotes.
• Build prelims, programmes and logistics strategies that reflect real site conditions.
• Write and format professional tender submissions and bespoke proposals for negotiated work.
• Run internal reviews, pulling in estimating, design and operations colleagues where needed.
• Hold internal pre-start meetings to hand over to operations with clear, structured documentation.
• Prepare risk registers and record key assumptions for delivery teams.
• Work alongside the Project Coordinator to manage documentation and tender files in Procore.
• Use a shared enquiries email to triage new opportunities and allocate priorities.
• Liaise with Projects and Operations to ensure everyone starts on the same page.
• Work closely with Finance on variations, costings and project finance tracking.
• Keep commercial documentation organised (quotes, correspondence, cost summaries, clarifications).

You Also Take On Wider Commercial Responsibilities, Including

• Deciding which tenders to prioritise with the MD based on pipeline and capacity.
• Protecting margin through value engineering, negotiation and scope management.
• Maintaining and developing relationships with key estimators, planners and commercial leads.
• Supporting pre-tender meetings, site visits and client presentations.
• Tracking performance: hit rate, margin protection and repeat invitations.
• Developing new reports in Procore to bring more visibility to tender success and commercial outcomes.
• Feeding lessons learned back into the tendering strategy to continuously improve.
• Setting and refining internal tendering processes to enhance the existing structures.

Its a role with a lot of autonomy. You be the commercial filter that protects the business from risk and sets the team up to deliver confidently.

About You

You know M inside out, probably from time spent estimating, in pre-con, or as a QS. You switched on commercially and dont miss much the small things. You like bringing clarity to the start of a project and understand how those early decisions shape profit and delivery. You the kind of person who catches a missing spec line, asks the right questions, and wants things to make sense before anyone picks up a tool.

You Fit In If You

• Keep calm when things move fast.
• Take ownership rather than waiting for direction.
• Care about accuracy but know when to move on.
• Can hold your own in a conversation with clients, suppliers or the team.
• Are organised without being precious.

You Need

• A background in M&E contracting.
• Around 5+ years in estimating, QS or pre-construction roles.
• A strong understanding of project financials including variations, claims and cost tracking.
• Experience with estimating or reporting software (Procore is a bonus).
• HNC/HND or equivalent qualification.
• Full UK driving licence.

Seniority level

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type

• Full-time

Job function

• Sales and Business Development
• Industries: Wholesale