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For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design and bid processes for major UK construction projects.
- Company: Join a top UK contractor known for quality and collaboration.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and a comprehensive benefits package.
- Why this job: Be part of high-profile projects in a supportive, forward-thinking environment.
- Qualifications: Experience in design or bid management within construction is essential.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and travel to sites included.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 64000 £ per year.
My client is a leading UK contractor with a turnover of £250 million, delivering high-quality projects across the general build, multi-room residential, education, industrial, and commercial sectors. Known for their collaborative culture and technical excellence, they are continuing to grow and are now seeking a talented Pre-Construction Design Manager / Bid Manager to join their team. This is a key role within the pre-construction function, offering the opportunity to work on major UK projects while enjoying the flexibility of hybrid working and a supportive, forward-thinking environment.
The Role
This dual-role position combines strategic design management with high-impact bid leadership. You will be responsible for leading the design and tender process across multiple live opportunities, working closely with internal teams, consultants, and clients to develop competitive, buildable solutions.
Key Responsibilities:
- Manage the design process from tender through to client submission
- Coordinate effectively with design consultants, internal teams, and client representatives
- Lead the production of persuasive, high-quality bid submissions aligned with client expectations
- Chair pre-construction design meetings and progress reviews
- Oversee multiple bids and projects simultaneously, ensuring deadlines and priorities are met
- Conduct site visits to inform bid strategies and design development
- Ensure compliance with regulations, buildability standards, and commercial efficiency
Candidate Profile
The ideal candidate will bring a blend of technical expertise, commercial awareness, and strong communication skills. You should be confident managing complex design processes and leading the development of compelling bid strategies and content.
Requirements:
- Proven experience as a Design Manager and/or Bid Manager within the construction industry
- Strong background in civils and structural projects
- Excellent written communication and technical authorship skills
- Ability to interpret and work with complex construction drawings and specifications
- Experience across sectors such as education, residential, and industrial
- Commercially astute with a detail-oriented, proactive mindset
- Strong team player with leadership capabilities
- Willingness to travel to sites as required
- Degree or equivalent qualification in construction, engineering, or a related field (preferred)
What's on Offer
- Competitive salary up to £80,000 (dependent on experience)
- Car allowance and comprehensive benefits package
- Hybrid working model (1 day remote per week)
- Career progression opportunities within a growing and ambitious business
- Involvement in high-profile UK construction projects
- Supportive and collaborative team culture
Pre Construction Design Manager employer: Think Recruitment
Contact Detail:
Think Recruitment Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pre Construction Design Manager
✨Tip Number 1
Network with professionals in the construction industry, especially those who have experience in pre-construction design and bid management. Attend industry events or join relevant online forums to connect with potential colleagues and learn about the latest trends and challenges in the field.
✨Tip Number 2
Familiarise yourself with the specific projects and sectors that the company focuses on, such as education and residential. This knowledge will not only help you understand their needs better but also allow you to tailor your discussions during interviews to demonstrate your alignment with their goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your previous experiences in managing complex design processes and leading bid submissions. Be ready to share specific examples of how you've successfully navigated challenges in past projects, as this will showcase your problem-solving skills and technical expertise.
✨Tip Number 4
Research the company's culture and values, particularly their emphasis on collaboration and technical excellence. During your interactions, highlight how your own work ethic and approach align with their collaborative environment, which can set you apart from other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Pre Construction Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience as a Design Manager or Bid Manager in the construction industry. Emphasise your skills in managing complex design processes and leading bid strategies, as these are key for this role.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that showcases your understanding of the company's values and projects. Mention specific examples of your past work that align with their requirements, particularly in civils and structural projects.
Highlight Communication Skills: Since strong communication is crucial for this position, ensure you provide examples of how you've effectively coordinated with teams, clients, and consultants in previous roles. This will demonstrate your ability to lead and manage the design process.
Showcase Technical Expertise: Include details about your technical qualifications and experience interpreting complex construction drawings and specifications. This will help illustrate your capability to develop competitive, buildable solutions.
How to prepare for a job interview at Think Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Technical Expertise
As a Pre-Construction Design Manager, it's crucial to demonstrate your technical knowledge. Be prepared to discuss your experience with civils and structural projects, and how you've successfully managed complex design processes in the past.
✨Prepare for Bid Leadership Questions
Expect questions about your approach to leading bid submissions. Share specific examples of high-quality bids you've produced, focusing on how you aligned them with client expectations and ensured compliance with regulations.
✨Highlight Your Communication Skills
Strong communication is key in this role. Be ready to explain how you've effectively coordinated with internal teams, consultants, and clients. Use examples that showcase your ability to lead meetings and facilitate discussions.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Awareness
The ideal candidate should be commercially astute. Prepare to discuss how you've balanced design innovation with commercial efficiency in previous projects, and how this has contributed to successful outcomes.
