At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pre-construction phases for exciting fit-out projects and manage cost planning.
- Company: Join Tetris UK, a top design and build contractor with over 20 years of experience.
- Benefits: Enjoy a competitive salary, car allowance, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Great progression opportunities and a supportive team culture in central London.
- Why this job: Make an impact on high-profile projects while developing your career in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: 6+ years in pre-construction or estimating, with strong knowledge of fit-out projects.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
Tetris UK is a leading design and build fit‑out contractor within JLL, delivering high‑quality interior solutions with over 20 years’ experience. We complete complex Cat A and Cat B projects for blue‑chip clients across London and the South East, with project values typically £1m to £12m.
The Pre‑Construction Manager will lead pre‑construction phases of complex fit‑out projects, focusing on cost planning, tender strategy, supply chain engagement, and risk management. Working with senior stakeholders, you’ll influence bid strategy and support securing profitable new work.
Key Responsibilities- Tender Management & Cost Planning
- Lead cost plans, estimates, and tender submissions for fit‑out projects (£1m–£5m+)
- Review architectural, MEP, and contract documentation
- Develop cost strategies aligned with client briefs
- Produce cost breakdowns using Excel and estimating software
- Balance competitiveness with margin protection
- Maintain budgets and prepare go/no‑go assessments
- Supply Chain & Subcontractor Management
- Manage subcontractor enquiries across all trades
- Assess tender returns and lead contractor interviews
- Negotiate terms for best value and risk reduction
- Develop supply chain relationships and support preferred supplier lists
- Pre‑Construction Planning & Strategy
- Develop programmes, procurement schedules, and design timelines
- Identify long‑lead items and specialist packages
- Prepare logistics strategies for constrained London sites
- Coordinate RFI processes and integrate sustainability requirements
- Client & Stakeholder Engagement
- Present cost information and tender submissions to clients
- Attend client interviews and bid presentations
- Provide buildability, cost, and value engineering advice
- Coordinate with design, commercial, and delivery teams
- Leadership & Team Management
- Mentor estimators and junior commercial staff
- Allocate resources across multiple bids
- Promote consistent processes and contribute to commercial strategy
- 6+ years’ experience in pre‑construction, estimating, or commercial management within the London fit‑out sector
- Proven experience delivering successful bids on Cat A and Cat B projects
- Working knowledge of MEP systems and ability to discuss them at a high level with clients
- Track record on projects typically £1m–£5m+, with exposure to complex refurbishments and live environments
- Knowledge of JCT, NEC, and Design & Build contracts
- Familiarity with BIM‑based take‑offs and digital workflows preferred
- Strong understanding of commercial risk and cost control
- Understanding of modern construction techniques, including modular and prefabrication
- MCIOB, RICS, or similar professional accreditation preferred
- Clear and confident communicator
- Strong analytical and problem‑solving skills
- Detail‑oriented with a structured approach
- Able to work under pressure and manage competing deadlines
- Collaborative and professional working style
- Commercially astute and pragmatic
- Competitive salary package
- Car allowance
- 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with option to purchase additional days)
- Private medical insurance, life assurance, and wellbeing support
- Generous pension scheme
- Ongoing professional development and support for professional memberships
- Clear progression opportunities within JLL and Tetris UK
- Central London office with excellent transport links
On‑site – London, GBR
Pre-Construction Manager - D&B employer: Dormont Manufacturing Co
Tetris UK, a prominent design and build fit-out contractor within JLL, offers an exceptional work environment for the Pre-Construction Manager role. With a strong focus on professional development, competitive benefits including a generous pension scheme and private medical insurance, and a collaborative culture in a central London location, employees are well-supported in their career growth while working on high-profile projects that make a significant impact.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pre-Construction Manager - D&B
✨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 Dormont Manufacturing Co, 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 - D&B at Dormont Manufacturing Co.
We think you need these skills to ace Pre-Construction Manager - D&B
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 Dormont Manufacturing Co
✨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!
