Pre-Construction Manager – Water
Pinnacle Recruitment are currently looking for a Pre-Construction Manager to work for a specialist engineering company delivering complex MEICA and civil solutions across the UK and Ireland’s water sector.
You will lead the MEICA function during the pre-construction phase of water and wastewater projects. The role ensures that mechanical, electrical, instrumentation, control, and automation elements are fully developed, coordinated, and ready for delivery when construction starts.
You’ll manage design progression, procurement strategy, technical assurance, and interface coordination—ensuring projects are safe, buildable, and cost-effective.
This role will require site visits across the South East so you must be willing to travel.
Salary – £75,000 – £90,000 DOE
Duties
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Work with design teams to ensure MEICA systems are fully coordinated with civil and structural works.
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Review and approve MEICA design deliverables, ensuring they meet client specifications, industry standards, and project requirements.
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Value-engineer solutions to optimize performance, cost, and maintainability
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Identify technical risks in early design stages (e.g., clash detection, access for maintenance, power load issues).
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Support HAZOPs/HAZCOMs and other design safety reviews.
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Engage with supply chain to understand innovative or offsite manufacturing options.
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Develop procurement strategies for key MEICA packages (e.g., MCCs, pumps, control panels, cabling).
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Pre-qualify suppliers/subcontractors and coordinate technical scope for tender packages.
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Align with DfMA (Design for Manufacture and Assembly) strategies where applicable.
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Work closely with planners to ensure MEICA activities are properly sequenced and integrated into the overall construction programme.
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Assist with temporary works planning, commissioning strategies, and site setup for MEICA works.
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Liaise with water utility clients to ensure early buy-in and approvals.
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Support early access requests, enabling works, and collaborative reviews.
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Help define commissioning strategies and handover expectations.
Requirements
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HNC/Degree in Electrical, Mechanical, or Control Engineering.
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Strong knowledge of the water sector – AMP frameworks, water/wastewater process fundamentals.
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Familiarity with WIMES, BS7671, ATEX/DSEAR, and SCADA/telemetry systems.
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Experience in leading MEICA design coordination and early-stage planning.
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Knowledge of NEC3/4 contracts and collaborative project delivery.
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Ability to manage multidisciplinary teams and interface with clients, designers, and subcontractors