At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pre-construction for major projects, ensuring technical excellence and team collaboration.
- Company: Fast-growing multinational engineering and construction contractor in Dubai.
- Benefits: Competitive tax-free salary, comprehensive expatriate benefits, and career progression.
- Other info: Join a company that invests in its people and innovative projects.
- Why this job: Shape landmark projects and mentor a high-performing team in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Extensive experience in pre-construction and large-scale construction projects required.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 80000 £ per year.
This role is based in Dubai, UAE. Our client is a leading engineering, construction and infrastructure contractor delivering some of the region's most complex design-and-build projects. We are partnering with them to appoint a Head of Pre-Construction to lead the company's pre-construction function, driving technical excellence from bid stage through to project mobilisation.
This is a role for an experienced construction professional who understands that successful projects are won long before work begins on site. You will be responsible for bringing together design, commercial, planning and operations teams to ensure projects are technically robust, commercially competitive and fully aligned with delivery objectives.
Please note: We will only be able to consider candidates who have worked for a recognised main contractor delivering EPC, design-and-build or large-scale new-build construction projects. Consultancy-only experience will not be suitable for this position.
Position Overview:
This is a senior leadership role requiring an individual who can influence both strategy and delivery. You will be expected to focus on three key areas:
- Leading the entire pre-construction function across multiple design-and-build projects, ensuring build-ability, technical coordination, value engineering and construction methodology are fully integrated into every tender and project.
- Working closely with estimating, commercial, procurement, planning and operational teams to develop commercially competitive solutions while managing technical risk, programme constraints and procurement strategy.
- Leading contractor-led design development, ensuring design decisions support efficient construction, minimise delivery risk and create the strongest possible outcome for both the client and the business.
This is a genuine opportunity to shape how major projects are secured and delivered, while building and mentoring a high-performing pre-construction team within one of the region's fastest-growing contractors.
What You Will Need:
- Extensive experience leading pre-construction, design management or technical functions within a recognised main contractor.
- Proven delivery of major EPC, design-and-build or large-scale new-build construction projects.
- Strong understanding of construction methodology, buildability, contractor-led design and technical coordination.
- Demonstrable experience leading multidisciplinary teams across estimating, commercial, planning, procurement and operations.
- Excellent knowledge of architectural, structural and MEP coordination together with value engineering and risk management.
- Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance programme, cost, quality and technical performance.
- Bachelor's degree in Architecture, Construction Management or a related discipline. MCIOB or equivalent professional membership would be highly advantageous.
- Outstanding stakeholder management, leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence senior clients, consultants and internal project teams.
What's On Offer:
- A competitive tax-free salary and comprehensive expatriate benefits package.
- The opportunity to join a fast-growing multinational engineering and construction business delivering landmark projects across the region.
- A highly visible leadership role with genuine long-term career progression within an organisation that continues to invest in its people and projects.
If you would like to discuss this opportunity in confidence, please apply now GRG5627.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Pre-Construction in England
✨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 GRG, 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 Head of Pre-Construction at GRG.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Pre-Construction in England
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 GRG
✨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!
