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- Tasks: Lead the pre-construction process for high-quality commercial and laboratory fit-out projects.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm with a focus on innovative interiors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, professional development, and a collaborative work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to lead multiple tenders and grow your career in a fast-paced environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of exciting projects and make a real impact in the construction industry.
- Qualifications: 7-10+ years in commercial fit-out, strong communication, and stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 48000 - 84000 ÂŁ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Pre‑Contract Manager to lead the full pre‑construction process for high‑quality CAT A and CAT B commercial & Laboratory fit‑out projects. This is a senior, influential role with full ownership of bids from enquiry to contract award, leading estimating, design, services, procurement and consultant engagement, and acting as a key client‑facing figure during the tender stage.
The Role
You will be responsible for ensuring all bids are commercially sound, fully scoped, buildable, and de‑risked, and that projects are handed over to delivery teams with clarity and confidence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the end‑to‑end pre‑contract and bid process for CAT A & CAT B fit‑out projects.
- Set bid strategy, programme, resourcing and commercial approach.
- Manage and coordinate estimating, design management, services (MEP), procurement and consultant input.
- Review tender documentation, identify risks and opportunities, and produce robust assumptions, exclusions and clarifications.
- Lead value engineering and alternative proposals where appropriate.
- Oversee supply‑chain tendering, evaluation and subcontractor selection.
- Coordinate outline programmes, methodology and logistics strategies.
- Act as senior point of contact for clients, PMs, QSs, consultants and landlords.
- Lead tender interviews and presentations.
- Support commercial negotiations and contract finalisation under JCT D&B 2024.
- Ensure a structured handover to project delivery teams.
About You
You will be a confident, commercially astute pre‑construction professional with a strong interiors background and the ability to lead multiple tenders at pace.
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 interfaces
- Landlord and base‑build constraints
- Solid working knowledge of JCT Design & Build 2024.
Qualifications
Degree or equivalent experience in Construction, Quantity Surveying, Building Services or similar. Professional memberships (RICS / CIOB / CIBSE) are desirable but not essential.
Groundworks Manager in Reading employer: Bulb
Contact Detail:
Bulb Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundworks Manager in Reading
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals. Attend events, join online forums, and don’t be shy about reaching out on LinkedIn. The more people you know, the better your chances of landing that Groundworks Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios related to pre-contract management. Think about how you’d handle specific challenges in CAT A and CAT B projects. We want you to walk in with confidence and show them you’re the right fit!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your experience with real-life examples. When discussing your background, highlight your successes in managing bids and leading teams. Use metrics to demonstrate your impact – numbers speak volumes!
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us. Let’s get you that interview!
We think you need these skills to ace Groundworks Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Groundworks Manager role. Highlight your experience with CAT A and CAT B projects, and don’t forget to showcase your skills in managing bids and client relationships.
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 bids or managed projects, especially those over £500k.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss any important updates from our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Bulb
✨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 process and how you ensured bids were commercially sound and buildable.
✨Master the Tender Process
Brush up on the entire tender process, from enquiry to contract award. Be prepared to explain how you've led estimating, design management, and procurement in previous roles. Highlight any successful strategies you've implemented that resulted in winning bids.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a key client-facing figure, your communication skills are crucial. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare examples of how you've effectively managed stakeholders and navigated complex negotiations in the past.
✨Prepare for Value Engineering Discussions
Since value engineering is a significant part of the role, come equipped with examples of how you've successfully identified risks and opportunities in previous projects. Be ready to discuss alternative proposals you've suggested and their outcomes.