At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the preconstruction strategy and drive innovation in fire protection projects.
- Company: Kilnbridge, a leading UK structures specialist focused on sustainable construction.
- Benefits: Employee-owned culture, competitive salary, and opportunities for career growth.
- Other info: Join a diverse team committed to excellence and innovation in construction.
- Why this job: Make a meaningful impact in a dynamic industry while shaping the future of building safety.
- Qualifications: Degree in Construction Management or related field; extensive preconstruction experience required.
The predicted salary is between 58540 - 71548 £ per year.
- Head of Preconstruction
- Kilnbridge
- HQ – Canning Town, London
- Fire Protection
- About Kilnbridge
Kilnbridge is the UK’s leading structures specialist, delivering some of the country’s most complex and iconic engineering, construction and infrastructure projects.
Our expertise spans the full lifecycle of a structure - design, build, adapt, repair and protect -deliveredby four specialist operational businesses that combine seamlessly as One Kilnbridge to meet any project’s needs.
We are purpose led, focused on building a sustainable and resilient future for the UK, with a reputation for technical excellence, safety and quality built over 35 years.
As an employee‑owned business, our people are at the heart of everything we do - empowered to contribute, innovate and help shape our continued success.
If you want to make a meaningful impact, grow your career and join a team that values expertise and forward thinking, we’d love to hear from you.
This is a rare opportunity to shape and lead the preconstruction function within Kilnbridge Fire Protection at a time of significant growth and industry change.
As Head of Preconstruction, you will take full ownership of how work is won, setting strategy, driving innovation, and ensuring bids are robust, compliant and commercially strong.
Operating at a senior leadership level, you’ll play a pivotal role in positioning KFPL as a market‑leading specialist in passive fire protection and building safety, with a real voice in strategic direction and future growth.
- What you’ll do
- Lead and define the preconstruction strategy, shaping how KFPL competes, grows and delivers value in a highly regulated market.
- Own the end‑to‑end tendering and estimating process, from initial opportunity review through to submission and project handover.
- Set the standard for cost planning, risk management and value engineering across all bids, ensuring commercial robustness and compliance.
- Provide assurance that all proposals fully meet Building Safety Act, CDM, FIRAS and internal governance requirements.
- Work closely with senior commercial and operational leaders to develop pricing strategy, contractual positions and bid risk profiles.
- Lead fire safety design coordination during preconstruction, ensuring technical compliance, buildability and programme certainty.
- Champion innovation, digital tools and BIM integration to modernise and scale preconstruction capability.
- Act as a senior voice in leadership and board‑level discussions, influencing pipeline planning and strategic decision‑making.
- Build trusted relationships with clients, consultants and key supply chain partners, leading presentations and pre‑award negotiations.
- Inspire, mentor and develop a high‑performing preconstruction team, creating a culture of accountability, collaboration and excellence.
- What you’ll need
- A degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying or a closely related discipline.
- Extensive experience leading preconstruction, estimating or work‑winning within passive fire protection, remediation or building safety.
- Deep technical understanding of passive fire protection systems, fire safety design and compliance‑led delivery.
- Expert knowledge of FIRAS, CDM, the Building Safety Act and associated legislation.
- A strong track record of successfully delivering complex, high‑value and safety‑critical tenders.
- Proven ability to lead, grow and transform teams, building capability and succession.
- Commercial confidence and strategic thinking, with the ability to influence decisions at senior and board level.
- Strong analytical and risk‑management skills, with a proactive and solutions‑focused mindset.
- Proficiency in estimating and preconstruction tools such as Cost X, Bluebeam and BIM platforms.
- A calm, credible leadership style that builds trust with clients, regulators and internal stakeholders.
Why Kilnbridge?
With major projects delivered across the UK - from national infrastructure to clean energy, buildings and complex structural works - Kilnbridge offers the opportunity to work on schemes that leave a lasting legacy on the built environment.
With a UK network of offices from London to Runcorn to Lisburn, we are a trusted partner in some of the most highly regulated, constrained and demanding environments, working with our customers to support the delivery of projects across the country.
We are proud to be an employee‑owned organisation where every colleague has a real stake in our success and a voice in how we grow.
Our culture is shaped by four core values – Responsibility, Integrity, Teamwork and Excellence – which guide how we work and support one another every day.
This has created a workforce that has earned recognition on the Financial Times and Statista’s Best UK employers 2026 list.
If you’re driven by pride in your work, inspired by technical challenge and motivated to help deliver projects that shape communities across the UK, you will thrive at Kilnbridge.
Our Commitment to Inclusion
Kilnbridge is an equal opportunities employer and a proud member of the Disability Confident Scheme.
We are committed to creating a diverse workplace where everyone is treated fairly with dignity and respect.
We welcome discussions about flexible working and encourage applicants who may require reasonable adjustments at any stage of the recruitment process.
We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, colour, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, disability, medical condition, pregnancy or marital status.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Head of Preconstruction employer: Kilnbridge Construction Services Limited
Kilnbridge is an excellent employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation within the Pre-Construction team. With a strong focus on employee growth, you will have the opportunity to mentor junior estimators while leading significant RC frame and civil projects across the UK, ensuring your contributions are both meaningful and impactful. The company values its employees by providing competitive benefits and a supportive environment that encourages professional development.
Contact Details:
Kilnbridge Construction Services Limited Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Preconstruction
✨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 Kilnbridge Construction Services Limited, 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 Preconstruction at Kilnbridge Construction Services Limited.
We think you need these skills to ace Head of Preconstruction
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 Kilnbridge Construction Services Limited
✨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!
