At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pre-construction phases for exciting commercial fit-out projects across London.
- Company: Established design and build contractor with a strong reputation in the industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, private healthcare, pension scheme, and ongoing professional development.
- Other info: Hybrid working available after probation, with clear progression opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real impact on high-profile projects while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in pre-construction or estimating, with strong commercial awareness and technical knowledge.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 75000 £ per year.
Our client is a well-established design and build fit-out contractor delivering high-quality commercial interior projects across London and the South East. With a strong reputation within the workplace and commercial interiors sector, they specialise in delivering Cat A and Cat B office fit-outs for a wide range of corporate and blue-chip clients. Projects typically range from £1m–£12m and include complex refurbishments, live environments, and fast-track workplace schemes.
The Pre-Construction Manager will take ownership of the pre-construction phase across multiple commercial fit-out projects, leading cost planning, tender strategy, subcontractor engagement, and commercial risk management. Working closely with senior leadership, design teams, and delivery teams, this role will play a key part in securing profitable new business opportunities while ensuring commercially viable and deliverable project solutions.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead cost planning, estimating, and tender submissions for commercial fit-out projects.
- Review architectural, MEP, and contract documentation.
- Develop cost strategies aligned with client requirements and project briefs.
- Prepare detailed cost breakdowns using estimating software and Excel.
- Ensure competitive tender submissions while maintaining margin protection.
- Monitor budgets and contribute to bid review and go/no-go processes.
Supply Chain & Subcontractor Management
- Manage subcontractor enquiries across all relevant trades and packages.
- Review tender returns and lead subcontractor negotiations.
- Negotiate commercial terms to achieve best value and minimise risk exposure.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with supply chain partners and specialist contractors.
- Develop procurement schedules, project programmes, and pre-construction timelines.
- Identify long-lead items and specialist subcontract packages early within the process.
- Support logistics planning for constrained or live working environments across London projects.
- Coordinate RFIs and support sustainability and compliance requirements throughout the bid stage.
Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Present cost plans and tender submissions to clients and senior stakeholders.
- Attend client meetings, interviews, and bid presentations.
- Provide advice on buildability, value engineering, programme, and commercial considerations.
- Coordinate closely with design, commercial, and operational delivery teams.
Leadership & Team Support
- Mentor junior estimators and commercial team members where required.
- Support resource allocation across multiple live bids and opportunities.
- Promote consistent commercial and pre-construction processes across the business.
Experience & Requirements
- Minimum 6 years’ experience within pre-construction, estimating, or commercial management in the commercial fit-out sector.
- Strong experience delivering successful bids on Cat A and Cat B office fit-out projects.
- Good understanding of MEP systems and ability to discuss technical elements with clients and consultants.
- Proven track record delivering projects typically ranging from £1m–£5m+, ideally within complex refurbishment or live environments.
- Knowledge of JCT, NEC, and Design & Build contracts.
- Experience using estimating software and strong Excel capability.
- Understanding of BIM workflows and digital take-offs advantageous.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify and manage project risk.
- Experience with modern construction methods, modular systems, or prefabrication beneficial.
- Professional accreditation such as MCIOB, RICS, or similar preferred.
Package
- Competitive salary and benefits package
- Private healthcare and pension scheme
- Ongoing professional development and training support
- Clear long-term progression opportunities
- Modern London office environment with excellent transport links
- Hybrid working available following probation period
Pre-Construction Manager (Design And Build) in London employer: Cavendish Professionals
Join a well-established design and build fit-out contractor renowned for delivering high-quality commercial interior projects across London and the South East. With a strong focus on employee growth, we offer ongoing professional development, a competitive salary, and a supportive work culture that values collaboration and innovation. Our modern office environment, excellent transport links, and hybrid working options make this an attractive opportunity for those looking to thrive in the dynamic commercial fit-out sector.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pre-Construction Manager (Design And Build) in London
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Cavendish Professionals, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Pre-Construction Manager (Design And Build) at Cavendish Professionals.
We think you need these skills to ace Pre-Construction Manager (Design And Build) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Cavendish Professionals
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
