Pre-Construction Manager in Exeter

Stanlo Construction is a growing principal contractor delivering fast-paced, high‑quality retail, commercial and hospitality fit-out projects across the UK. With a strong and expanding pipeline — particularly in London and the South East — we are looking for an experienced Pre‑Construction Manager to lead and shape the early project lifecycle, ensuring every scheme is buildable, compliant, well‑planned and set up for delivery success. This role is based at our Plymouth Head Office, with travel to sites nationwide as required.

The Role

Reporting to the Commercial Director, you will take full ownership of the pre‑construction phase, ensuring seamless coordination of design, technical compliance, statutory requirements, logistics planning and early-stage construction strategy. You will work closely with design consultants, specialist subcontractors, statutory authorities and internal teams to ensure each project aligns with client specifications and our design & build framework obligations. This role is not bid‑management focused; instead, you will lead the technical and operational readiness of each scheme before handover to delivery teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Design & Technical Coordination
  • Manage design consultants and specialist subcontractors to ensure fully coordinated, compliant design information.
  • Develop and maintain a pre-construction timeline ensuring information is managed in good time to hit key milestones.
  • Review and challenge drawings, specifications and reports for buildability, accuracy and alignment with client standards.
  • Liaise with statutory authorities to obtain necessary approvals and ensure regulatory compliance.
  • Work with design teams to instil best value in design proposals.
• Pre‑Construction Planning & Logistics
  • Develop site logistics strategies, phasing plans and temporary works considerations for each project, ensuring efficient delivery.
  • Advise on construction programmes and early-stage sequencing.
  • Work with internal teams to ensure accurate information flow into procurement, commercial and construction.
• Client & Stakeholder Management
  • Ensure client requirements and specifications are fully understood, interrogated and incorporated.
  • Maintain positive relationships with blue-chip framework clients and consultants.
• Compliance, Documentation & Quality
  • Ensure all pre-construction documentation meets Stanlo’s quality standards, D&B obligations and client frameworks.
  • Maintain accurate records and use Procore / Microsoft Project where required.

What We’re Looking For

• Essential
  • Minimum 5 years’ experience in a main contractor environment within fit‑out.
  • Strong technical knowledge covering design coordination, buildability and fit‑out methodology.
  • Experience managing consultants, subcontractors and statutory bodies.
  • Ability to plan logistics, phasing and programme inputs confidently.
  • Strong communication and client‑facing skills.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Project; Procore experience advantageous.
• Qualifications
  • Degree in Construction, Design or Project Management (preferred).
  • CSCS, IOSH, SMSTS/SSSTS advantageous.
  • Full UK driving licence and right to work (required).

What’s In It For You

• £50,000 salary
• Car allowance, plus fuel and travel expenses for site visits
• 25 days holiday + bank holidays
• Flexible working (predominantly office presence)
• Opportunity to join a growing company with repeat workload and exciting framework agreements with blue‑chip clients
• Genuine progression opportunities as Stanlo expands

About Stanlo Construction

Stanlo Construction delivers high-quality fit‑out projects across retail, commercial and hospitality sectors, with project values typically between £500k and £2m. We operate nationwide, with a significant presence across London and the South East. Our reputation is built on quality, reliability and long-term client relationships, and we are expanding through key design & build framework agreements.