At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pre-construction lifecycle for high-quality commercial and laboratory fit-out projects.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm with a focus on innovative fit-out solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, hybrid working, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact in a senior role while shaping exciting projects.
- Qualifications: 7-10+ years in commercial fit-out, strong leadership and communication skills.
- Other info: Flexible working pattern and a supportive team environment.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 95000 £ per year.
Location: Reading, RG7 2BJ
Salary: £80,000 – £95,000 + Package
Working Pattern: Hybrid – 3 days office / 2 days WFH (flexible and open to discussion)
About the Role
We are seeking an accomplished Pre-Contract Manager to take full ownership of the pre-construction lifecycle for high-quality CAT A and CAT B commercial and laboratory fit-out projects. This is a senior, high-impact role with significant influence across the business. You will lead bids from initial enquiry through to contract award, overseeing estimating, design coordination, MEP input, procurement strategy and consultant engagement, while acting as a key client-facing lead throughout the tender stage.
The Opportunity
You will ensure every bid is commercially robust, technically coordinated, fully scoped and effectively de-risked. A core element of the role is delivering a structured and confident handover to project delivery teams, setting projects up for successful execution.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end pre-contract and tender process for CAT A & CAT B fit-out projects
- Define bid strategy, programme, resource allocation and commercial approach
- Coordinate estimating, design management, MEP/services input, procurement and consultant teams
- Review tender documentation to identify risks, opportunities, assumptions, exclusions and clarifications
- Drive value engineering initiatives and alternative proposals where appropriate
- Oversee supply chain tendering, evaluation and subcontractor selection
- Develop outline programmes, construction methodologies and logistics strategies
- Act as senior point of contact for clients, project managers, quantity surveyors, consultants and landlords
- Lead tender interviews and presentations
- Support commercial negotiations and contract finalisation under JCT Design & Build 2024
- Ensure a comprehensive and structured handover to project delivery teams
About You
You are a commercially astute and confident pre-construction professional with strong interiors experience and the ability to lead multiple tenders in a fast-paced environment. You combine commercial rigour with practical delivery awareness and stakeholder confidence.
Experience & Skills
- 7–10+ years’ experience within commercial fit-out/interiors contracting
- Proven delivery of CAT A and CAT B projects under Design & Build
- Strong understanding of:
- Fit-out construction methodology
- MEP coordination and interface management
- Landlord and base-build constraints
Qualifications
- Degree (or equivalent experience) in Construction, Quantity Surveying, Building Services or similar discipline
- Professional memberships (RICS / CIOB / CIBSE) desirable but not essential
Should you be interested please submit your direct application to (url removed) or call (phone number removed).
Preconstruction Manager - Reading employer: Build Space Group Ltd
Contact Detail:
Build Space Group Ltd Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Preconstruction Manager - Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to industry contacts on LinkedIn or at events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Preconstruction Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and their recent projects. We want you to walk in confident, ready to discuss how your experience with CAT A and CAT B fit-outs makes you the perfect fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring a portfolio of your past projects to interviews. We believe that demonstrating your successful bids and project management will set you apart from the competition.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. We’re excited to see how you can contribute to our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Preconstruction Manager - Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Preconstruction Manager role. Highlight your experience with CAT A and CAT B projects, and don’t forget to showcase your skills in managing bids and stakeholder engagement.
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 worked on and how they relate to the responsibilities listed in the job description.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just duties. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve successfully led tenders or improved processes in previous roles.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves. Plus, it makes the process smoother for both of us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Build Space Group Ltd
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the specifics of CAT A and CAT B projects. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with similar projects, focusing on your role in the pre-construction lifecycle and how you ensured successful outcomes.
✨Master the Tender Process
Brush up on the tender process, especially around estimating, design coordination, and procurement strategies. Prepare to share examples of how you've led bids from initial enquiry to contract award, highlighting any challenges you overcame along the way.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Since this role involves significant client interaction, be prepared to discuss how you've effectively managed relationships with clients, project managers, and consultants. Use specific examples to demonstrate your communication skills and ability to balance commercial discipline with buildability.
✨Prepare for Technical Questions
Expect technical questions related to fit-out construction methodology and MEP coordination. Brush up on your knowledge of JCT Design & Build 2024 and be ready to discuss how you've applied this in your previous roles, ensuring you can articulate your thought process clearly.