12th October, 2026
Senior Pre-Contracts Manager
London | Commercial Design & Build | Permanent | Full Time
Take the lead on turning commercial workplace opportunities into successful projects.
We’re looking for an experienced Senior Pre-Contracts Manager to lead the pre-construction process across office fit-out and refurbishment schemes.
You’ll bring together client requirements, design, costs and programme to develop compelling proposals and secure projects that are ready for delivery.
Where You’ll Make an Impact
Working closely with business development, design and delivery teams, you’ll own opportunities from the initial brief through to contract agreement and handover.
Your responsibilities will include:
- Lead the pre-contracts process across multiple commercial D&B opportunities
- Build strong client relationships and establish a clear understanding of each brief
- Coordinate design, estimating and technical input to develop commercially sound proposals
- Manage tender programmes, submissions and client presentations
- Develop project budgets, cost plans and procurement strategies
- Challenge design solutions against budget, buildability and programme requirements
- Identify project risks, scope gaps and exclusions early
- Drive value engineering while protecting quality and the client’s objectives
- Work with subcontractors and suppliers to obtain and assess competitive quotations
- Lead commercial negotiations and support the agreement of contract terms
- Maintain clear communication on project status, costs and key decisions
- Ensure a thorough handover to delivery teams, with agreed scope, budgets and commitments clearly documented
The Experience You’ll Bring
You’ll have a strong background in pre-contracts or pre-construction within commercial D&B fit-out, with the confidence to manage clients and bring together the right people to secure work.
We’re particularly interested in:
- A proven track record of managing and securing commercial office fit-out projects
- Experience taking opportunities from initial enquiry through to contract award
- Strong knowledge of Cat A, Cat B and refurbishment projects
- Sound commercial judgement, including cost planning, margin management and risk assessment
- The ability to interpret drawings, specifications and technical proposals
- Experience coordinating design teams, estimators, consultants and supply chain partners
- Confident presentation, negotiation and relationship-building skills
- A practical understanding of construction programmes, procurement and project delivery
- The ability to manage competing deadlines and maintain attention to detail
A Role with Real Ownership
This is an opportunity to influence both how projects are won and how they’re set up for delivery.
You’ll be central to the client relationship, with the scope to shape proposals, challenge assumptions and bring commercial and construction expertise into the process from the outset.
Senior Pre-Contracts Manager in London employer: Austin Recruitment
Join one of the UK's leading workplace design and build businesses, where you'll have the opportunity to work on high-profile commercial fit-out projects in London. Our collaborative culture fosters innovation and creativity, allowing you to influence projects from concept through to delivery while enjoying long-term career development within a growing specialist technology division. With a focus on integrated technology solutions, we offer a dynamic work environment that values your expertise and encourages professional growth.
