Referment is exclusively supporting a rapidly growing fire protection and building safety business in the search for a Head of Preconstruction to lead, build, and scale a high-performing work-winning function.
This is a senior leadership opportunity for a specialist who understands how to build structure, process, and predictability within a growing specialist contractor environment. The business is entering a major growth phase and is looking for an experienced preconstruction leader who has operated in businesses delivering 10m+ GBP turnover and can demonstrate the ability to help scale operations toward 50m GBP.
The role will take end-to-end ownership of the full preconstruction function including:
- Tendering and estimating strategy to drive sustained revenue growth
- Work winning and bid leadership
- Commercial and technical risk management
- Client engagement and negotiations
- Fire safety design coordination
- Team leadership, recruitment, and operational transformation
- Digital tools, BIM, and process improvement
We are looking for individuals with deep technical expertise and a stable career history, specifically:
- Deep technical knowledge of Passive Fire Protection and Building Safety
- A proven track record of building and scaling a preconstruction function from the ground up
- Experience in specialist subcontracting environments with a turnover of 10m+ GBP
- Success in leading bid strategies that result in measurable business growth
- A history of professional stability, showing the ability to commit to a business and see a growth strategy through over a period of 3+ years
Key Experience Sought
- Proven background leading preconstruction or estimating teams with end-to-end process ownership
- Strong commercial and strategic capability focused on work-winning and preconstruction leadership
- Experience managing high-volume tender pipelines
- Expert knowledge of FIRAS, the Building Safety Act, and CDM
- Familiarity with digital construction tools, estimating software, and BIM
- High emotional intelligence with a collaborative leadership style to inspire and develop others
- Ability to influence at senior and board level
- Comfortable operating in a fast-growth environment
This is a rare opportunity to build and shape a function with genuine influence over the future direction of the business.
Head of Preconstruction - Fire Protection (7B29964) employer: Referment
Join a leading Tier 1/2 contractor renowned for its commitment to delivering complex, large-scale construction projects across the South West and London. With a strong focus on employee development, you will benefit from a dynamic work culture that encourages innovation and collaboration, alongside opportunities for career progression in a site-based leadership role. This is your chance to take ownership of high-stakes infrastructure projects while working within a supportive environment that values safety, quality, and commercial success.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Head of Preconstruction - Fire Protection (7B29964)
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When you find a role at a company you love, like Referment, apply directly on their website. This way, you’re more likely to be noticed by the hiring team. Plus, showing that you took the time to seek out their application process highlights your genuine interest in the firm!
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Technical Skills:In the manufacturing-production sector, it's crucial to highlight your technical skills and experience. Make sure your CV features any relevant qualifications, such as certifications in machinery operation or production management, and don’t forget about any specific systems or software you’re familiar with. This can really set you apart!
Emphasise Teamwork and Communication:Working in manufacturing often means being part of a larger team. Highlight your experience in collaborative projects or environments where communication was key. Maybe you have experience with lean manufacturing principles? Talk about how you worked with your team to improve productivity and maintain quality.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to the Company:Don’t just recycle an old cover letter! Take the time to tailor your cover letter to Referment specifically. Mention what excites you about their production processes or products, and how your previous experiences can contribute to their goals. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role!
Use Concrete Examples of Your Achievements:When detailing your work experience, include measurable achievements that can demonstrate your impact. Whether it’s improving efficiency by a certain percentage or successfully leading a project, these specifics can make a huge difference. Numbers speak volumes in the manufacturing world!
How to prepare for a job interview at Referment
✨Know Your Manufacturing Processes
Before you walk into the interview with Referment, brush up on the specific manufacturing processes relevant to the role. Understanding lean manufacturing principles or quality control techniques could give you a solid edge to discuss how you’d fit into their operations.
✨Technical Questions Are Key
Be prepared for technical questions around machinery, production scheduling, or materials handling. Make sure you can confidently explain how you've dealt with these in past experiences or internships. Knowing industry-specific software could also be a big plus!
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Manufacturing environments often focus on continuous improvement. Be ready to discuss specific instances where you’ve solved a production issue or implemented a process improvement. It’s all about demonstrating your analytical thinking and hands-on approach.
✨Align Your Values with Quality and Safety
In a full-time role, companies like Referment value commitment to quality and safety. Be prepared to discuss how you prioritise these factors in your work. It’s about showing that you’re not just looking for a job, but that you genuinely care about contributing positively to their production environment.
