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- Tasks: Lead the pre-construction process for high-quality commercial fit-out projects.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm with a focus on innovative interiors.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Make a significant impact on exciting projects while leading a talented team.
- Qualifications: 7-10+ years in commercial fit-out with strong communication skills.
- Other info: Join a fast-paced environment with opportunities for professional growth.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ 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
- 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.
Preconstruction Manager in Reading employer: Bulb
Contact Detail:
Bulb Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Preconstruction 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 to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on a Preconstruction Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising your pitch. Highlight your experience with CAT A and CAT B projects, and be ready to discuss how you’ve led successful bids in the past. Confidence is key, so own your achievements!
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your expertise in MEP coordination and JCT Design & Build 2024 during discussions. Bring examples of how you've navigated challenges in previous projects. This will demonstrate your value and make you stand out.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! We’re always on the lookout for talented individuals like you. Make sure your application reflects your strong communication and stakeholder management skills, as these are crucial for the role.
We think you need these skills to ace Preconstruction Manager in 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 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 led and how your experience aligns with our needs at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve successfully managed bids and delivered projects on time and within budget.
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 from us!
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 fit-out projects. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with similar projects, highlighting your role in the pre-construction process and how you managed risks and opportunities.
✨Master the Tender Process
Brush up on the tender process, especially under JCT Design & Build 2024. Be prepared to explain how you've led bids from enquiry to contract award, and share examples of how you've set bid strategies and coordinated estimating and design management.
✨Showcase Your Stakeholder Management Skills
Since this role involves acting as a key client-facing figure, be ready to demonstrate your excellent communication and stakeholder management skills. Share specific instances where you've successfully engaged with clients, PMs, QSs, and consultants during the tender stage.
✨Prepare for Value Engineering Discussions
Value engineering is crucial in this role, so come prepared with examples of how you've implemented alternative proposals or cost-saving measures in previous projects. This will show your ability to balance commercial rigor with practical delivery reality.
