Pre-Construction Manager (Design And Build)

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.