Job Description:

Pre-Construction Manager - D&B

The Company

Our client is a well-established design and build fit-out contractor delivering high-quality commercial interior projects across London and the South East. With a strong reputation within the workplace and commercial interiors sector, they specialise in delivering Cat A and Cat B office fit-outs for a wide range of corporate and blue-chip clients.

Projects typically range from £1m–£12m and include complex refurbishments, live environments, and fast-track workplace schemes.

The Role

The Pre-Construction Manager will take ownership of the pre-construction phase across multiple commercial fit-out projects, leading cost planning, tender strategy, subcontractor engagement, and commercial risk management.

Working closely with senior leadership, design teams, and delivery teams, this role will play a key part in securing profitable new business opportunities while ensuring commercially viable and deliverable project solutions.

Key Responsibilities

Tender Management & Cost Planning

Lead cost planning, estimating, and tender submissions for commercial fit-out projects.
Review architectural, MEP, and contract documentation.
Develop cost strategies aligned with client requirements and project briefs.
Prepare detailed cost breakdowns using estimating software and Excel.
Ensure competitive tender submissions while maintaining margin protection.
Monitor budgets and contribute to bid review and go/no-go processes.

Supply Chain & Subcontractor Management

Manage subcontractor enquiries across all relevant trades and packages.
Review tender returns and lead subcontractor negotiations.
Negotiate commercial terms to achieve best value and minimise risk exposure.
Build and maintain strong relationships with supply chain partners and specialist contractors.

Pre-Construction Planning & Strategy

Develop procurement schedules, project programmes, and pre-construction timelines.
Identify long-lead items and specialist subcontract packages early within the process.
Support logistics planning for constrained or live working environments across London projects.
Coordinate RFIs and support sustainability and compliance requirements throughout the bid stage.

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

Present cost plans and tender submissions to clients and senior stakeholders.
Attend client meetings, interviews, and bid presentations.
Provide advice on buildability, value engineering, programme, and commercial considerations.
Coordinate closely with design, commercial, and operational delivery teams.

Leadership & Team Support

Mentor junior estimators and commercial team members where required.
Support resource allocation across multiple live bids and opportunities.
Promote consistent commercial and pre-construction processes across the business.

Experience & Requirements

• Minimum 6 years’ experience within pre-construction, estimating, or commercial management in the commercial fit-out sector.
• Strong experience delivering successful bids on Cat A and Cat B office fit-out projects.
• Good understanding of MEP systems and ability to discuss technical elements with clients and consultants.
• Proven track record delivering projects typically ranging from £1m–£5m+, ideally within complex refurbishment or live environments.
• Knowledge of JCT, NEC, and Design & Build contracts.
• Experience using estimating software and strong Excel capability.
• Understanding of BIM workflows and digital take-offs advantageous.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify and manage project risk.
• Experience with modern construction methods, modular systems, or prefabrication beneficial.
• Professional accreditation such as MCIOB, RICS, or similar preferred.

Package

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Car allowance
• Private healthcare and pension scheme
• Ongoing professional development and training support
• Clear long-term progression opportunities
• Modern London office environment with excellent transport links
• Hybrid working available following probation period