Henry Sofield
Chorley,Lancashire
Summary
A commercially driven and adaptable person with experience across procurement, supply chain, estimating and commercial management within the construction and building materials sectors. Following graduation, I began my career in chemical distribution, gaining strong business and supply chain foundations before progressing into a Purchasing and Procurement Manager role across two sister companies operating in commercial acoustics and building materials manufacturing. I later advanced into an Estimating and Commercial Management position, leading tender submissions, reviewing and negotiating construction contracts, and managing an estimating team in a fast-paced, high-growth environment. I am now seeking a new opportunity to further develop my expertise as well as learn new roles and responsibilities in order to contribute effectively within a forward-thinking organisation.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work history
ESTIMATING & COMMERCIAL MANAGER
UK ACOUSTIC SYSTEMS
Preston, Lancashire
2022.10 - Current
- Led the commercial and pre-construction function for a specialist acoustic flooring and sound absorption subcontractor operating on large-scale commercial projects.
- Responsibility for tender strategy, risk appraisal and pricing of projects ranging from £10k to £6m.
- Undertook detailed contract reviews and negotiate commercial terms, with strong working knowledge of JCT contracts, amendments and risk allocation.
- Analysed complex tender documentation including specifications, construction drawings, acoustic reports and floor build-ups to identify scope gaps, value engineering opportunities and risk exposure.
- Managed and mentored an estimating team, ensuring programme compliance and commercially robust submissions.
- Maintained and developed internal cost databases for labour and materials, protecting margin and ensuring accurate forecasting.
- Lead commercial handovers to operations, providing detailed briefings on risk, margin and programme assumptions.
- Prepared and agreed valuations and applications for payment in line with contractual mechanisms.
- Negotiated variations and final accounts with client-side quantity surveyors.
- Negotiated labour supply rates and appoint subcontract installers across secured projects.
- Provided ongoing commercial oversight during delivery, supporting operational teams to manage cost, risk and client relationships.
PURCHASING AND PROCUREMENT MANAGER
UK ACOUSTIC SYSTEMS & MCW INSULATION
Preston, Lancashire
2020.09 - 2022.10
- Directed procurement and supply chain operations across two construction-related businesses during a period of rapid growth.
- Collaborated with suppliers to obtain required materials for UK acoustic systems' commercial projects, confirming alignment with project schedules and specifications.
- Led strategic sourcing of raw materials across UK and international markets, negotiating pricing structures, credit terms and supply agreements.
- Travelled internationally to strengthen supplier partnerships and establish competitive global supply routes.
- Managed stock control, production purchasing and inventory forecasting to align manufacturing output with project programmes.
- Oversaw warehouse and production operations, managing a team of up to 14 staff and ensuring operational efficiency and quality standards.
- Implemented structured stock control and reporting processes for senior leadership.
- Partnered with sales teams to develop detailed product cost models incorporating labour, materials, logistics and overhead recovery.
- Managed import logistics, container shipments and transport coordination.
- Operated ERP systems including Sage and Construction Manager to ensure commercial accuracy and traceability.
CUSTOMER SERVICE COORDINATOR/SALES
PRIME SURFACTANTS
Leeds, West Yorkshire
2019.07 - 2020.09
- Coordinated national sales and distribution operations within a chemical distribution business.
- Managed procurement cycles, supplier liaison and inbound logistics including landed cost calculations.
- Produced margin-based pricing models and supported commercial decision-making through Excel-based reporting.
- Maintained stock integrity and managed slow-moving inventory.
- Delivered customer account support while utilising Sage 200 and CRM systems to maintain commercial records.
Education
Bachelor of Arts - Business and Management
Leeds Beckett University
Leeds /2016 - /2019
A-Levels - Sociology, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies
Runshaw College
Leyland /2014 - /2016
GCSEs - English, Maths, Science, History, German, Business Studies, RE, PE, ICT.
Parklands High School
Chorley, Lancashire /2009 - /2014
Skills
- Commercial awareness
- Organisation & time management
- Adaptable & quick to learn
- Stakeholder communication
- Negotiation & relationship building
- Budget & cost awareness
- Problem solving
- Team leadership & collaboration
- Procurement & supply chain
- Excel, Sage & business systems
- Works well under pressure
- Proactive & reliable
Accomplishments
I am very proud of the fact that I was able to secure two of the largest contracts ever received for UK Acoustic Systems within the same year. One at £3 million and another £3.9 million. Largest prior was £950k.
Being one of three employees chosen to travel to Saudi Arabia to exhibit at the Big 5 Construct. This was due to my excellent communication skills and proven track record for securing and liaising with international stakeholders.
Affiliations
- Golf - achieved a 3 handicap when I was 19.
- Running - completed 3 half marathons so far and currently training for the Manchester Marathon in April 2026.
- Padel - very much a beginner but I've jumped on the padel craze.
Timeline
ESTIMATING & COMMERCIAL MANAGER
UK ACOUSTIC SYSTEMS
2022.10 - Current
PURCHASING AND PROCUREMENT MANAGER
UK ACOUSTIC SYSTEMS & MCW INSULATION
2020.09 - 2022.10
CUSTOMER SERVICE COORDINATOR/SALES
PRIME SURFACTANTS
2019.07 - 2020.09
Bachelor of Arts - Business and Management
Leeds Beckett University
/2016 - /2019
A-Levels - Sociology, Classical Civilisation and Religious Studies
Runshaw College
/2014 - /2016
GCSEs - English, Maths, Science, History, German, Business Studies, RE, PE, ICT.
Parklands High School
/2009 - /2014