Pre-construction Manager
About the Company
My client is a dynamic and ambitious design & build specialist focused on transforming workplaces and delivering high-quality interior projects. They place strong emphasis on collaborative working, client-centric design, and delivering efficient, sustainable solutions. With a growing project load and client base, they are now seeking to elevate their pre-construction function through a dedicated leader who can drive technical excellence, commercial rigour, and early-stage project growth.
About the Role
This senior role is ideal for a commercially minded, technically adept professional who thrives at the interface of design, cost planning, and client engagement. As Pre-Construction Manager, you will lead the early phases of projects — shaping solutions, managing budgets, risk mitigation, and ultimately laying the foundation for profitable delivery.
You will be responsible for guiding conceptual design, feasibility studies, cost planning, procurement strategy, and value engineering, working closely with design, business development, and delivery teams. You’ll also act as a commercial ambassador during pitches and client engagements.
Key Responsibilities:
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Lead feasibility / concept cost studies, high-level estimating, and benchmarking for interior, workplace, and fit-out projects.
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Develop cost plans, budgets, and commercial models in line with client requirements and business objectives.
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Manage risk, identify cost drivers, and embed value engineering early to protect margin.
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Work with design teams to ensure constructability, clarity, and cost-effective solutions.
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Support bid and proposal processes: contribute to tender submissions, pricing, clarifications, and presentations.
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Advise on procurement strategy, supply chain selection, subcontractor benchmarking.
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Liaise directly with clients, consultancies, and stakeholders in early project stages, presenting cost strategies and options.
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Drive internal pre-construction process improvements, tools, templates, and governance.
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Mentor and lead junior commercial / estimating staff.
Rewards and Benefits
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Competitive base salary (market-aligned) plus performance bonus / profit share.
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Hybrid working model with flexibility.
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Generous leave allowance + bank holidays.
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Pension scheme with employer contributions.
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Private medical / health benefits (after qualifying period).
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Professional development support, training, and potential chartership assistance.
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Laptop, mobile, and tools required.
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Exposure to high-profile clients, flagship projects, and end-to-end project lifecycle.
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A supportive, design-driven work culture with opportunity to influence growth and process discipline.
Requirements
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Significant experience (ideally 7+ years) in pre-construction, estimating or commercial roles within design & build / fit-out / interiors.
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Proven track record of delivering accurate cost plans, budgets and commercial oversight in early-stage projects.
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Strong analytical and financial acumen; comfortable with cost modelling, risk, value engineering.
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Excellent communication and client-facing skills; able to present cost strategy and conceptual options convincingly.
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Experience working collaboratively across design, delivery, procurement, and stakeholder teams.
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Demonstrable commercial awareness and ability to influence margin through early-stage decisions.
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Degree or equivalent qualification in Quantity Surveying, Construction, or related field; professional accreditation (RICS, CIOB) desirable.
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Leadership aptitude: ability to coach, mentor, and develop junior estimators / commercial team members.
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Proficiency in standard software (Excel, BIM cost tools, cost estimating software)