At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead preconstruction for major UK infrastructure projects and shape bid strategies.
- Company: Join STRABAG UK Infrastructure, a rapidly growing leader in construction.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, private health cover, generous holiday, and career growth.
- Other info: Collaborative culture with a focus on safety, innovation, and professional development.
- Why this job: Make a lasting impact on landmark projects while leading a dynamic team.
- Qualifications: Degree in relevant field and extensive preconstruction leadership experience required.
The predicted salary is between 80000 - 100000 £ per year.
Leading the front end of some of the UK's most complex infrastructure projects, STRABAG UK Infrastructure is entering a period of highly significant growth. With a rapidly expanding pipeline across energy, water, secure, major civil engineering, and ground engineering, through capabilities in in‑house delivery, design, manufacturing and finance, we are on track to position as a leading UK construction business.
The Pre‑Construction Director leads the people and processes that position STRABAG to win and successfully mobilise infrastructure projects across the UK. This role sits at the heart of the business – shaping opportunity identification and bid strategy through to governance, work winning, lessons learnt and handover. You lead a multidisciplinary team of bid management, whilst working closely with sector directors, business development and project delivery teams. The role sets the strategy and governance for all pre‑award activity from opportunity shaping to contract execution, driving disciplined selection, margin protection, design certainty, and predictable delivery outcomes in line with People, Planet, Progress.
Qualifications
- Degree in Engineering, Construction, Quantity Surveying, Business or related discipline
- Extensive leadership of preconstruction across multi‑disciplinary bids (£20m‑£300m+), including two‑stage and framework call‑offs
- Strong commercial and contractual literacy (NEC/FIDIC exposure advantageous); risk, insurance and bonding
- Deep understanding of estimating, cost planning, planning and buildability; proven ability to protect margin through target value design
- Track record of managing client and operator relationships at senior levels (Partnership / Appreciation)
- CDM 2015, Safety by Design and quality assurance understanding; ability to embed HSSE in pre‑award stages
- Digital/BIM fluency and ISO 19650 awareness; competence with common data environments and 4D/tender planning tools
- Track record of leading and coaching regional/bid teams; building capability and consistent standards
- Excellent communication and influencing skills; credible with clients, consultants, partners and supply chain at senior level
- Chartered status (CIOB / RICS / ICE / CEng) or progress towards it
- NEC/FIDIC experience
- Sector breadth across Water, Energy, Secure (civil Nuclear). Discipline breadth in civils; tunnelling, ground engineering
- Demonstrable experience of ECI/two‑stage procurement and pre‑services agreements
- Knowledge of carbon, social value measurement and ED&I in bids
- Data skills (Power BI or equivalent) for pipeline, win/loss and variance analysis
Responsibilities
- Provide visible leadership for health, safety and well‑being in all preconstruction activities; ensure Safety by Design, CDM compliance and quality are embedded in bids and pre‑award delivery planning.
- Lead the development and execution of the FY26+ preconstruction strategy, including pipeline shaping, sector/region prioritisation and stage‑gate governance across all BUs.
- Ensure that the Pre‑Construction function complies with STRABAG systems and processes which stand up to the scrutiny of compliance reviews.
- Be accountable for disciplined bid/no‑bid and pursuit planning/readiness reviews/lessons learned.
- Mentor and coach preconstruction teams; build capability, succession and a high‑performing, inclusive culture across regions and BUs.
- Establish data and digital tools for single‑source tender data, bid libraries and lessons learned.
- Report with authority to Sub‑Division leadership on preconstruction.
- Opportunity to work and have a lasting impact on landmark UK infrastructure projects.
Benefits
- Competitive salary and benefits package including private health cover, 9% pension and 25 days holiday.
- Professional development and career progression.
- Cultivates a collaborative and innovative working environment.
Preconstruction Director in Whitehall employer: STRABAG UK Ltd.
STRABAG UK Infrastructure is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic and collaborative work culture that empowers employees to lead significant infrastructure projects across the UK. With a strong focus on professional development, competitive benefits including private health cover and a generous pension scheme, and a commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, STRABAG provides its team with the tools and opportunities to thrive in their careers while making a meaningful impact on the communities they serve.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Preconstruction Director in Whitehall
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. We all know that sometimes it’s not just what you know, but who you know that can land you that Preconstruction Director role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews by researching STRABAG and its projects. We want to see your passion for infrastructure and how you can contribute to our growth. Tailor your answers to show how your experience aligns with our goals.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your leadership skills! We’re looking for someone who can lead multidisciplinary teams effectively. Share examples of how you’ve successfully managed teams and driven projects in your previous roles.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to engage directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Preconstruction Director in Whitehall
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Preconstruction Director role. Highlight your leadership experience in preconstruction and any relevant projects you've managed. We want to see how your skills align with our needs!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you're passionate about infrastructure projects and how your background makes you the perfect fit for STRABAG. Let us know what excites you about this opportunity!
Showcase Your Achievements:Don’t just list your responsibilities; showcase your achievements! Use specific examples of how you've led successful bids or improved processes in previous roles. We love seeing quantifiable results that demonstrate your impact.
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It helps us keep track of your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important updates. We can’t wait to hear from you!
How to prepare for a job interview at STRABAG UK Ltd.
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of preconstruction processes, especially in relation to the specific sectors STRABAG operates in. Familiarise yourself with their recent projects and understand the challenges they face in the UK infrastructure landscape.
✨Showcase Leadership Skills
As a Preconstruction Director, you'll need to demonstrate your leadership capabilities. Prepare examples of how you've successfully led multidisciplinary teams in the past, focusing on your approach to mentoring and building high-performing cultures.
✨Understand the Numbers
Be ready to discuss your experience with estimating, cost planning, and margin protection. Highlight any specific instances where your financial acumen has directly contributed to successful project outcomes, especially in bids ranging from £20m to £300m.
✨Communicate Effectively
Strong communication skills are key for this role. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing complex topics like risk management and contract execution. Be prepared to engage in discussions about how you can influence stakeholders at all levels.
