Pre-Contracts Manager in Chelmsford

Founded in 2001, Meridian Interiors are a Milton Keynes-based business that has established itself as a leading brand within the commercial fit-out & refurbishment industry. The name Meridian Interiors has become synonymous with reliability, quality, and integrity. Our clients tell us that our attention to detail is rare and is one of the main reasons for our continued successful partnerships with many organisations around the UK.

Job Purpose

The Pre-Construction Manager is primarily an external sales/office-based role where the employee will work with the Managing Director & Design Team to drive sales and prepare quotations for a wide variety of office fit-out and refurbishment projects in the commercial sector.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Sales/Survey Stage
  • Once an enquiry is received into the business, an initial design/survey meeting would need to be set up.
  • The Pre-Construction Manager may take a member of the design team with them for this initial meeting, where the key element here is to understand and take down the client's initial brief.
  • A measured survey may be required at the initial meeting and the ability to take accurate dimensions and notes for the client's brief.
  • A plan for designs, drawings and the type of quote the client is seeking will need to be considered.
  • Keep the client informed every step of the way as to progress with designs and the quote timescales.
• Estimating Stage
  • Arrange for the Project Coordinator to log the enquiry onto the database and set up the project enquiry file.
  • Set up the estimate Excel spreadsheet and the tabs associated with the requirements of the survey.
  • Analyse and familiarise yourself with the survey notes and drawings.
  • Decide how best to present the information to the client.
  • Initiate any additional design works as necessary i.e. 3D renders, mood boards, alternative layouts.
  • Send out enquiries for prices for brought in services/trades. These packages could include further design information and specification writing.
  • Build up labour and materials costs in the Excel spreadsheet in order to bring together the schedule of costs.
  • Produce the Schedule of Works document that will eventually be presented to the client.
  • Complete final checks on all works prior to issuing to the client for presentation.
  • Some face-to-face presentations may be needed from time to time.
  • Update the quote bank with all necessary data from the estimate.
  • Chase up live quotations and update the quote bank.
  • Complete revised quotations as necessary.
  • Keep a detailed log of discussions with all parties throughout the estimating process.
• Pre Contract
  • Work with the projects team to develop the finishes schedule and ensure the design, scope of works and cost schedules are accurately finalised, prior to issuing to the projects team.
  • Book the estimate into the projects system and conduct a handover meeting with the project team, as necessary.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• B2B Sales experience, dealing with clients of all levels and across all sectors.
• Commercial knowledge and the ability to manage multiple key account clients.
• Knowledge of fit-out and refurbishment industry (Construction Industry).
• Experience in the commercial interiors sector.
• Product knowledge within the sector.
• Excellent communication skills across all elements of the sector, i.e. sub-contractors, suppliers, customers.
• Ability to work alone, schedule own workload and prioritise as necessary. You will be required to work on multiple projects at any one time ranging in complexity and value.
• Knowledge of CDM regulations and Building Regulations/Building Safety Act.
• Very strong skills with Microsoft Excel spreadsheets & MS Word is a key requirement. The ability to use other MS applications, including Outlook and AutoCAD Viewer.

Personal Characteristics

• Behave Ethically: Understand ethical behaviour and business practices and ensure that own behaviour and the behaviour of others is consistent with these standards and aligns with the values of the organization.
• Communicate Effectively: Speak, listen and write in a clear, thorough and timely manner using appropriate and effective communication tools and techniques.
• Creativity/Innovation: Develop new and unique ways to improve operations of the organization and to create new opportunities.
• Foster Teamwork: Work cooperatively and effectively with others to set goals, resolve problems, and make decisions that enhance organisational effectiveness.
• Lead: Positively influence others to achieve results that are in the best interest of the organization.
• Make Decisions: Assess situations to determine the importance, urgency, and risks, and make clear decisions which are timely and in the best interests of the organisation.
• Organise: Set priorities, develop a work schedule, monitor progress towards goals, and track details/data/information/activities.
• Plan: Determine strategies to move the organization forward, set goals, create, and implement actions plans, and evaluate the process and results.
• Solve Problems: Assess problem situations to identify causes, gather and process relevant information, generate possible solutions, and make recommendations and/or resolve the problem.

Working Environment

Pre-Contracts Managers will be required to drive to sites/clients premises and work in an office environment. Hybrid working is not offered for this role. Standard working week with hours normally expected to be 8.30am to 5.30pm, with an hour for lunch. Dress code is expected to be smart office attire.

Additional Benefits:

• Company car (Electric with charging expenses covered).
• Company pension.
• Free parking at our office.
• Free flu jabs.
• Free eye tests.