At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead pre-construction processes for exciting public sector construction projects.
- Company: Join a Tier 1 Main Contractor with a strong reputation in the industry.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a dynamic work environment.
- Other info: Opportunity to build lasting client relationships and contribute to strategic bids.
- Why this job: Make a real impact by managing major bids and leading multidisciplinary teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in public sector construction and strong project management skills required.
We are seeking an experienced Pre-Construction Manager for a Tier 1 Main Contractor to lead and manage the pre-construction process across a diverse portfolio of construction projects, with a strong focus on the public sector. Reporting to the Pre-Construction Director, you will take ownership of projects from initial tender opportunity through to main contract award, ensuring a coordinated, commercially robust and client-focused approach throughout the bid lifecycle. This is an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated individual with proven experience delivering successful public sector bids and leading multidisciplinary teams to secure major construction projects.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the pre-construction process from tender enquiry through to contract award.
- Review tender documentation and develop winning bid strategies.
- Take full ownership of bid submissions, coordinating, reviewing and contributing high-quality written content while identifying key differentiators.
- Manage and coordinate bid managers, bid writers and the wider pre-construction team.
- Develop tender programmes, resource plans, budgets and governance processes, ensuring milestones are achieved.
- Chair internal and external bid meetings and client engagement sessions.
- Undertake site visits to assess construction constraints and opportunities.
- Build strong relationships with clients, consultants, designers and supply chain partners throughout the bid process.
- Identify and appoint appropriate consultants, designers and specialist subcontractors to support bid development.
- Lead the development of construction methodologies, design solutions and delivery strategies.
- Prepare and deliver presentation material for client interviews and tender presentations.
- Manage second-stage tender and PCSA activities through to contract award, including: Development of detailed pre-construction programmes, Coordination of design management, commercial activities, procurement, planning and stakeholder engagement, Oversight of risk and opportunity management, Management of planning and third-party approvals, Production of Contractor's Proposals and contract deliverables, Leading progress meetings and reporting on pre-construction activities, Supporting contract negotiations and documentation, Ensuring a seamless handover to the delivery team at project commencement.
- Visit live projects to capture lessons learned and improve future tender submissions.
- Support business development activities by identifying new opportunities and maintaining strong client relationships.
- Contribute to regional and national strategic bids where required.
Essential Experience
- Significant experience delivering pre-construction services within the public sector construction market & Main-Contracting experience.
- A proven track record of managing bids from initial opportunity through to successful contract award.
- Strong knowledge of two-stage tendering and PCSA processes.
- Experience leading multidisciplinary bid teams across design, planning, commercial and operational functions.
- Excellent understanding of construction methodology, programme development and commercial strategy.
- Experience producing high-quality written tender responses and client presentations.
- Strong client-facing skills with the ability to build lasting relationships and influence stakeholders.
- Experience managing risk and opportunity throughout the bid process.
- Strong project and construction management capability.
- Excellent organisational, analytical and communication skills.
- Confidence to challenge design, programme and construction methodologies to deliver best-value solutions.
- Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
- Degree qualified (or equivalent) in a relevant discipline.
- Membership of CIOB or an equivalent professional body is desirable.
Groundworks Manager employer: Skilled Careers
Skilled Careers is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters collaboration and innovation in the heart of Manchester. With a strong focus on employee development, we provide ample growth opportunities through training and mentorship, ensuring our team members thrive in their careers while managing exciting projects. Join us to be part of a supportive environment where your contributions are valued and rewarded.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Groundworks Manager
✨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 Skilled Careers, 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 Groundworks Manager at Skilled Careers.
We think you need these skills to ace Groundworks Manager
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 Skilled Careers
✨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!
