At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pre-construction activities and develop strategies for business growth.
- Company: Established M&E engineering firm with a focus on complex projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, car allowance, pension, flexible working, and social events.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team and mentor multidisciplinary professionals.
- Why this job: Shape the future of engineering while securing high-value projects in critical sectors.
- Qualifications: Experience in senior pre-construction roles and strong commercial awareness.
The predicted salary is between 75000 - 95000 £ per year.
Our client is a well-established M&E engineering and construction business delivering complex building services projects across highly regulated sectors including defence, pharmaceuticals, life sciences, advanced manufacturing, food production, and high-tech facilities. Due to continued growth, they are seeking an experienced Pre-Construction Director to lead and develop their pre-construction function.
The Role
Reporting to the Operations Director and operating as part of the Senior Leadership Team, you will be responsible for overseeing all pre-construction activities from initial enquiry through to contract award and handover. This is a strategic leadership role with responsibility for business development, client management, estimating, bid leadership, commercial oversight, and team development.
You will play a key role in identifying and securing new business opportunities, strengthening client relationships, and ensuring projects are commercially robust, technically compliant, and successfully transitioned into delivery teams.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and develop the pre-construction function, aligning processes and strategies with wider business objectives
- Provide leadership across estimating, bid management, client engagement, and tender submissions
- Develop and maintain relationships with key clients, acting as a senior point of contact throughout the pre-construction phase
- Drive business development initiatives and identify new project opportunities across target sectors
- Lead client presentations, technical workshops, value engineering sessions, and tender interviews
- Oversee mechanical and electrical estimating activities, ensuring accurate and commercially competitive submissions
- Support design management activities, including BIM, design compliance, sustainability, and technical risk mitigation
- Review tender cost plans, commercial proposals, contractual risks, and project profitability
- Ensure the successful handover of secured projects to operational delivery teams
- Mentor and develop multidisciplinary teams across estimating, design, and pre-construction functions
Requirements
- Proven experience in a senior pre-construction, estimating, commercial, or design leadership role within the M&E/building services sector
- Strong background delivering projects within sectors such as defence, pharmaceutical, industrial, food manufacturing, life sciences, or advanced technology environments
- Excellent understanding of mechanical and electrical building services systems
- Demonstrable track record in securing profitable contracts and driving business growth
- Strong commercial awareness, negotiation skills, and risk management capabilities
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and managing key client relationships
Desirable
- Degree or HNC qualified in Mechanical, Electrical, Building Services Engineering, or a related discipline
- Chartered Engineer status or equivalent professional accreditation
- Knowledge of BIM and digital construction processes
- Experience of design-and-build and turnkey project delivery
What's on Offer?
- Competitive salary of £75,000 - 95,000
- Car allowance of £6,000
- 5% pension
- Flexible and hybrid working
- Social events
- Onsite parking
This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced senior leader to join a growing engineering business and play a pivotal role in shaping its future growth strategy, developing major client relationships, and securing high value projects across critical infrastructure and advanced manufacturing sectors.
What you need to do now
If you're interested in this role, click 'apply now' to forward an up-to-date copy of your CV, or call Shane now on 0161 236 4949.
Pre-Construction Director employer: Hays
Join a vibrant secondary school that prioritises excellence in education and fosters a supportive community for both students and staff. As the Head of Mathematics, you will benefit from a competitive salary, ongoing professional development opportunities, and a collaborative work culture that encourages innovation and growth. This role not only allows you to lead a dedicated team but also to make a significant impact on student achievement in a welcoming environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pre-Construction Director
✨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 Hays, 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 Director at Hays.
We think you need these skills to ace Pre-Construction Director
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 Hays
✨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!
