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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: Attractive salary, bonus potential, hybrid working, and comprehensive benefits package.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team with opportunities for career advancement.
- Why this job: Shape the future of office spaces while enjoying a flexible work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Senior pre-construction experience in office fit out and strong leadership skills.
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 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 London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals, attend events, and join relevant groups. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Pre-Construction Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Showcase your expertise! Prepare a portfolio that highlights your previous projects, especially those involving Design & Build office fit outs. This will give potential employers a clear picture of what you can bring to the table.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to discuss your experience in pre-construction leadership and contract negotiation. Confidence is key, so rehearse how you'll present your skills and achievements during interviews.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We make it easy for you to find and apply for roles that match your skills. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining our team and helps us get to know you better.
We think you need these skills to ace Pre-Construction Manager in 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 pre-construction processes, pricing strategies, and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your skills align 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. Share specific examples of your leadership in pre-construction and how you've successfully navigated challenges in past projects. Let us know why you’re excited about joining our team!
Showcase Your Technical Knowledge: Don’t forget to highlight your technical knowledge in office fit out methodologies and UK building regulations. We love candidates who can demonstrate their understanding of M&E systems and procurement strategies, so make sure to include that in your application!
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 out on any important updates. Plus, it’s super easy to do!
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 in past projects. This will show your potential employer that you can handle the financial aspects of the role.
✨Showcase Your Leadership Skills
This role requires strong leadership, so prepare to share experiences where you've successfully led teams through the pre-construction lifecycle. Think about times when you’ve chaired meetings or driven procurement strategies, and be ready to explain how you managed different stakeholders.
✨Understand the Design & Build Process
Familiarise yourself with the nuances of the Design & Build process, especially regarding office fit outs. Be prepared to discuss how you ensure buildability and compliance at every stage, and how you coordinate with various consultants and subcontractors.
✨Prepare for Contract Negotiations
Since contract negotiation is a key part of this role, think about your past experiences in this area. Be ready to discuss how you've managed risk allocation and amendments in previous contracts, and how you work with legal and commercial teams to finalise agreements.