At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pre-contract activities, manage tenders, and ensure technical compliance in a fast-paced environment.
- Company: Leading Design & Build interiors contractor based in London Bridge.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, commission, 25 days leave, and wellness support.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and make an impact in the commercial interiors sector.
- Qualifications: 5+ years in pre-contracts with strong cost planning and presentation skills.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant office culture with perks like free coffee and monthly office closures.
The predicted salary is between 64000 - 96000 £ per year.
My client is a leading Design & Build workplace interiors contractor based in SE1, seeking a Technical Director to lead all internal technical and commercial pre-contract activity from tender stage through to adjudication. This is a pivotal appointment for an experienced pre-contract leader who can combine technical credibility, cost control and client-facing confidence in a fast-turnaround D&B environment.
The successful candidate will be comfortable managing multiple tenders at pace, producing accurate pricing and scope documentation, and presenting cost and technical solutions in high-pressure pitch scenarios.
Key Responsibilities- Lead the technical and commercial pre-contract process from tender stage through to adjudication
- Price tenders in line with the project brief, building constraints and submitted design, ensuring gross profit targets are achievable
- Work closely with internal design stakeholders to ensure all designs are accurate, technically compliant, deliverable, and fully costed
- Build and maintain strong subcontractor relationships to secure best-value commercial terms
- Ensure pitch documentation is produced to deadlines and support rehearsals ahead of client presentations
- Produce tender submissions including pricing, programme and supporting technical information in line with deadlines
- Review contracts to protect business interests and engage external legal support where required
- Ensure gross profit margin requirements are achieved on all tenders
- Lead structured handovers and adjudication meetings in line with internal processes
- Produce pre-contract programmes outlining critical path activities
- Ensure the delivery team fully understands scope, pricing, risks, timeline and project background
- Maintain compliance with internal procedures, CDM requirements, and relevant quality/environment/health & safety standards
- Ensure technical solutions comply with Building Regulations, Planning requirements and Building Control legislation
This role will suit a senior pre-contract professional with a commercial interiors Design & Build background, ideally from a Commercial Officer / Preconstruction leadership route, who is now operating at Technical Director / Head of Pre-Contracts level.
Key requirements include:
- Strong experience in cost planning and value engineering
- Proven background in commercial pre-contracts within office/workplace Design & Build
- Detailed knowledge of JCT contracts
- Confident presenter, able to pitch and influence at client level
- Highly driven, organised and comfortable working at pace across multiple tenders
- 5+ years’ industry experience or degree-level qualification
My client offers a competitive salary and commission structure, plus a comprehensive benefits package including:
- Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 confidential support and wellbeing hub
- Virtual GP service available 24/7 for employee and immediate family
- Complimentary access to independent pensions and mortgage advice
- Life assurance (3x salary after 12 months’ service)
- Season ticket loans and Cycle to Work scheme
- 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
- Additional Christmas closure days (not deducted from annual leave allowance)
- On-site coffee shop with complimentary tea, coffee, fresh fruit and breakfast
- Company pension scheme via salary sacrifice, with enhanced contributions available
- Trial initiative: office closure on the last Friday of each month (discretionary and subject to business needs)
Pre-Construction Director in London employer: James & Partners
Contact Detail:
James & Partners Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pre-Construction Director in London
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry folks, attend events, and join relevant groups. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Practice your pitch! When you're in front of potential employers, make sure you can confidently present your experience and how it aligns with their needs. Rehearse with friends or colleagues to nail that delivery.
✨Tip Number 3
Stay organised! Keep track of all your applications, interviews, and follow-ups. A simple spreadsheet can help us manage our progress and ensure we don’t miss any opportunities.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! We’ve got loads of great roles listed, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team!
We think you need these skills to ace Pre-Construction Director in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the role of Technical Director. Highlight your experience in pre-contract processes, cost planning, and any relevant projects you've led. We want to see how your background aligns with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're the perfect fit for this role. Share specific examples of your achievements in commercial interiors and how you’ve successfully managed multiple tenders.
Showcase Your Presentation Skills: Since this role involves pitching and influencing at client level, don’t forget to mention your presentation skills. If you have any experience leading pitch rehearsals or client presentations, make sure to include that!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at James & Partners
✨Know Your Numbers
As a Pre-Construction Director, you'll need to demonstrate your expertise in cost planning and value engineering. Brush up on your pricing strategies and be ready to discuss how you can ensure gross profit targets are met while maintaining quality. Prepare some examples of past projects where you successfully managed costs.
✨Master the Pitch
Since you'll be presenting technical solutions in high-pressure scenarios, practice your pitch! Rehearse how you would present your tender submissions, focusing on clarity and confidence. Consider doing mock presentations with friends or colleagues to get comfortable with the material and receive feedback.
✨Build Relationships
Strong subcontractor relationships are key in this role. Think about how you’ve built and maintained these relationships in the past. Be prepared to share specific examples of how you've negotiated best-value commercial terms and how you plan to continue fostering these connections.
✨Understand the Regulations
Familiarise yourself with Building Regulations, Planning requirements, and Building Control legislation. During the interview, show that you understand how these regulations impact project delivery. Bring up any relevant experiences where you ensured compliance and how it benefited the project outcomes.