Preconstruction Manager in Aberdeen

A leading main contractor is looking to appoint a Preconstruction Manager to support a growing pipeline of public and private sector building projects across the North East of Scotland. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys the planning, methodology and problem-solving side of construction and wants to move away from day-to-day site delivery while still using that experience to shape how projects are won and set up. You’ll sit at the front end of the process, working closely with estimators, planners, design managers and the operations team to make sure bids are realistic, buildable and commercially robust, and that projects are handed over to delivery teams in the best possible shape.

Role and focus

• Position: Preconstruction Manager with a main contractor, North East Scotland-based, supporting regional projects.
• Focus on early-stage project development: from initial enquiry and feasibility through to contract award and handover to delivery.
• Particularly suited to experienced Site Managers or Project Managers who want a more office-based, planning and bid-focused role while staying close to live projects.

Key responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction process on allocated tenders and negotiated opportunities from first enquiry to contract award.
• Work with estimators, planners and design managers to develop robust tender submissions, covering programme, methodology, logistics and risk.
• Use site delivery experience to carry out constructability reviews, challenge design solutions and identify buildability, sequencing and access issues early.
• Prepare and coordinate prelims information, phasing strategies, site setup layouts and traffic management proposals.
• Support the development of tender and contract programmes, including milestones, design release and procurement timelines.
• Collaborate with the supply chain to secure and assess quotations, explore value engineering options and test market competitiveness.
• Contribute to high-quality written bid content and presentation materials, clearly explaining methodology, programme and risk approach.
• Attend client, consultant and supply chain meetings during the preconstruction phase, representing the contractor in a professional, collaborative manner.
• Ensure a smooth, well-communicated handover into the delivery team, with key assumptions, risks and constraints clearly captured.
• Embed a strong focus on safety, quality and sustainability in all planning, logistics and methodology.

Candidate profile

• Background as a Site Manager, Project Manager or similar with a main contractor.
• Experience delivering building projects such as education, healthcare, commercial or wider public-sector work.
• Strong understanding of construction methodology, sequencing, temporary works, logistics and subcontractor coordination.
• Able to read and interrogate drawings and specifications, identify risks and opportunities and support value engineering discussions.
• Comfortable working with construction programmes and planning tools, understanding how design, procurement and site activities interact.
• Clear and concise communicator, confident contributing to written bid content and presenting ideas to internal and external stakeholders.
• Collaborative working style, able to coordinate inputs from multiple disciplines and keep preconstruction activities on track against deadlines.

Skills, qualifications and package

• Relevant construction qualification (trade background, HNC/HND or degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or similar) or equivalent experience.
• Proven experience with a main contractor in the UK market; knowledge of the Scottish construction market and public-sector frameworks is an advantage.
• Proficiency in standard IT tools (Microsoft Office) and exposure to planning or estimating software.
• Strong safety awareness with an up-to-date understanding of health, safety and environmental requirements.
• North East Scotland-based role with regional travel to sites and offices as required.
• Competitive salary and benefits package, with good scope for ongoing professional development and progression within a successful, growing contractor.