Pre Construction Project Manager in Durham

29th October, 2026

Pre-Construction Project Manager
Location: County Durham
Sector: Civil Engineering
Job Type: Permanent, Salaried

The Opportunity

We are currently seeking an experienced Pre-Construction Project Manager to join a civil engineering team based in Durham.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone with a strong background in civil engineering, pre-construction or project delivery to play a key role in securing new projects and developing successful tender submissions.

Working closely with estimating, commercial, design, planning and operational teams, you will oversee the pre-construction process from initial tender through to the development of a fully coordinated, commercially viable proposal. You will take ownership of two-stage tendering activities, ensuring projects are thoroughly planned, risks are understood and the necessary arrangements are in place before construction begins.

The successful candidate will combine strong technical knowledge with commercial awareness and practical construction experience, helping to develop solutions that meet client expectations while remaining safe, deliverable and financially sound.

Key Responsibilities

• Review tender documentation and contract requirements, identifying key risks, constraints, opportunities and resource requirements.
• Coordinate with estimating, planning, design, operational teams and supply chain partners to develop high-quality, compliant tender submissions.
• Organise and lead tender launch meetings, reviews and commercial settlement discussions.
• Develop construction methodologies, tender programmes, phasing strategies, logistics plans and supporting written submissions.
• Manage tender clarifications, assumptions, amendments and actions to ensure all requirements are addressed.
• Ensure submissions are reviewed, approved and delivered within the required deadlines.

Pre-Construction and Stage 1 Delivery

• Lead the mobilisation of successful two-stage tenders, establishing project teams, delivery plans, programmes, responsibilities and reporting processes.
• Coordinate design development, surveys, technical information and approvals to ensure proposals are practical, buildable and aligned with the client's requirements.
• Work alongside commercial and estimating teams to develop robust cost plans, target prices and activity schedules.
• Obtain and assess supply chain quotations, supporting market testing and procurement planning.
• Develop construction methodologies, programmes, logistics arrangements and procurement strategies, considering specialist packages and long-lead materials.
• Identify and implement value engineering opportunities without compromising health and safety, quality or project performance.
• Maintain accurate records of risks, opportunities, changes, assumptions and key decisions.
• Provide clear progress updates to internal stakeholders and clients throughout the pre-construction phase.

Stage 2 Preparation and Project Handover

• Involve the proposed construction delivery team throughout the pre-construction process to ensure operational expertise is incorporated from an early stage.
• Ensure design information, pricing, programmes, procurement arrangements, approvals and risks are sufficiently developed before the project progresses to construction.
• Coordinate a structured handover to the delivery team, covering project scope, contractual obligations, design status, costs, programmes, procurement, risks and outstanding actions.
• Support project mobilisation and help resolve any remaining pre-construction matters during the transition into delivery.

General Responsibilities

• Promote high standards of health and safety, environmental responsibility, quality and wellbeing.
• Work in accordance with relevant legislation, company procedures and project governance requirements.
• Build positive working relationships with colleagues, clients, consultants and supply chain partners.
• Maintain confidentiality and protect commercially sensitive information.
• Demonstrate professionalism, integrity and accountability in all aspects of the role.

About You

You will be an organised and commercially aware construction professional with the technical knowledge and practical experience needed to manage complex pre-construction activities within civil engineering.
You will be comfortable coordinating multiple disciplines, challenging proposals constructively and driving decisions forward to meet project deadlines.

The ideal candidate will have:

• A relevant qualification in construction or civil engineering, or equivalent practical experience.
• Experience in civil engineering project delivery, pre-construction, estimating, planning, design management or bid management.
• A strong technical understanding of civil engineering construction methods, ideally supported by substantial site-based experience.
• Previous experience with two-stage tendering, Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) or pre-construction services agreements.
• Knowledge of construction programming, procurement processes, supply chain engagement and temporary works.
• Experience coordinating design teams and developing proposals from initial tender concepts through to construction-ready information.
• A good understanding of commercial processes, including cost planning, supplier quotations, risk allowances and pricing assumptions.
• The ability to develop and review construction programmes, including sequencing, critical path, resource requirements, phasing and project constraints.
• Familiarity with NEC contracts would be advantageous.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, with experience using Microsoft Project.
• A full UK driving licence and the flexibility to travel when required.

Skills and Personal Attributes To succeed in this position, you will demonstrate:

• Strong leadership and the ability to take ownership of projects and decisions.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Clear and confident written and verbal communication.
• A collaborative working style, with the confidence to challenge ideas constructively.
• Strong commercial awareness and practical problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to accurate documentation.
• The ability to coordinate different teams and maintain momentum throughout the tender and pre-construction process.
• A professional approach to working with clients, colleagues and supply chain partners.

What’s on Offer?

• The opportunity to take ownership of significant pre-construction activities within the civil engineering sector.
• A varied role spanning tender management, technical development, commercial planning and project mobilisation.
• The opportunity to work collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams and influence projects from an early stage.
• A supportive working environment that encourages professional development, accountability and teamwork.

Interested? If you have a background in civil engineering and the experience to manage projects through the pre-construction phase, we would welcome the opportunity to hear from you.

Apply today to find out more about this opportunity and take the next step in your construction career.