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- Tasks: Lead pre-construction for exciting office fit out projects and manage teams effectively.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm with a focus on innovative design and build solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, bonus potential, hybrid working, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and build lasting client relationships.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in the construction industry while enjoying flexibility and growth opportunities.
- Qualifications: Senior pre-construction experience and strong leadership skills required.
The predicted salary is between 70000 - 100000 £ per year.
Location: London (hybrid working – 3 days in the office, 2 days from home, with travel to project sites as required)
Salary: £70,000 – £100,000 + bonus (OTE £125,000)
We are recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced Pre-Construction Director to lead the front-end of Design & Build office fit out projects.
Role Overview
This is a senior role responsible for converting opportunities into secured work through strong commercial leadership, accurate pricing, and effective management of the pre-construction process. You will oversee all pre-construction activity from initial enquiry through to contract execution, ensuring projects are commercially robust, technically coordinated, and aligned with client and landlord requirements.
Key Responsibilities
- Pre-Construction Leadership
- Lead and manage the full pre-construction lifecycle across multiple projects
- Oversee internal teams (estimating, design, commercial) and external consultants
- Drive programme, procurement strategy, and risk management from the outset
- Chair internal tender reviews and pre-start handover meetings
- Pricing & Commercial Strategy
- Take ownership of pricing Design & Build CAT A, CAT A+, and CAT B office fit out projects
- Produce and review detailed cost plans, tenders, and value engineering proposals
- Manage supply chain engagement and subcontractor pricing strategies
- Lead cost adjudication meetings and ensure alignment with project scope
- Ensure pricing reflects programme constraints, risk, and delivery strategy
- Design & Build Coordination
- Manage design development from concept through to construction issue
- Ensure buildability, compliance, and cost alignment at every stage
- Coordinate with designers, M&E consultants, and subcontractors
- Identify and mitigate design risks early
- License to Alter (LTA) & Landlord Approvals
- Lead License to Alter submissions for tenant fit out projects
- Liaise with landlords, managing agents, and professional teams
- Ensure all design information meets building and landlord requirements
- Track approvals and manage revisions to maintain programme
- Contract Negotiation & Agreement
- Lead negotiation and agreement of Design & Build contracts
- Manage risk allocation, amendments, and clarifications
- Work closely with legal and commercial teams to finalise agreements
- Client & Stakeholder Management
- Act as key point of contact during pre-construction phase
- Build strong relationships with clients, agents, landlords, and consultants
- Present proposals, programmes, and cost plans confidently
- Support business development activity to secure new work
- Handover to Delivery Team
- Ensure structured handover from pre-construction to delivery
- Provide clear scope, cost, programme, and risk position
- Align all stakeholders prior to site mobilisation
Key Requirements
- Experience
- Senior pre-construction experience within office fit out (CAT A / CAT B)
- Strong track record in Design & Build pricing
- Experience managing License to Alter processes
- Contract negotiation experience
- Background in estimating, commercial management, or project delivery
- Technical Knowledge
- Strong understanding of office fit out methodologies
- Knowledge of M&E systems and coordination
- UK building regulations and landlord approval processes
- Procurement and supply chain management experience
- Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications
- Commercial & Leadership Skills
- Strong cost planning and pricing capability
- Excellent commercial awareness and risk management
- Ability to lead teams and manage stakeholders effectively
- Strong communication and negotiation skills
- Desirable
- Experience working with London landlords and managing agents
- Established network within the fit out supply chain
- Exposure to business development activity
What Success Looks Like
- Strong conversion from enquiry to secured projects
- Accurate and commercially robust pricing
- Smooth transition into delivery phase
- Strong client relationships and repeat business
- Effective risk management across projects
Package
- £70,000 – £100,000 basic salary
- Bonus scheme with OTE up to £125,000
- Hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days remote)
- Competitive benefits package
Pre-Construction Manager in City of London employer: Accountancy Action - Your Specialist Finance Recruitment Partner
Contact Detail:
Accountancy Action - Your Specialist Finance Recruitment Partner Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pre-Construction Manager in City of London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at events. Building relationships can lead to job opportunities that aren’t even advertised.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you know your stuff about their work in office fit outs and how you can add value to their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain your experience in pre-construction management and how you’ve successfully led projects. Confidence is key, so rehearse until it feels natural.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always looking for talented individuals like you, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other candidates.
We think you need these skills to ace Pre-Construction Manager in City of London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Pre-Construction Manager role. Highlight your experience in managing office fit out projects and your strong commercial leadership skills. We want to see how your background aligns with what we're looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've led and how you’ve successfully navigated the pre-construction process. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Don’t forget to highlight your technical knowledge in your application. We’re keen on candidates who understand office fit out methodologies and UK building regulations. Share examples of how you've applied this knowledge in past roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates. Plus, we love seeing applications come directly from our site!
How to prepare for a job interview at Accountancy Action - Your Specialist Finance Recruitment Partner
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Pre-Construction Manager, you'll need to demonstrate your strong pricing capabilities. Brush up on your cost planning and be ready to discuss specific examples of how you've managed budgets and pricing strategies in past projects.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires excellent leadership and team management. Prepare to share experiences where you've successfully led teams through the pre-construction lifecycle, highlighting your ability to coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.
✨Understand the Design & Build Process
Familiarise yourself with the nuances of the Design & Build process, especially in office fit-outs. Be prepared to discuss how you've ensured buildability and compliance in previous projects, and how you manage design risks effectively.
✨Build Rapport with Stakeholders
Client and stakeholder management is key in this role. Think of ways you've built strong relationships in the past and be ready to explain how you would approach client interactions during the pre-construction phase.