At a Glance
- Tasks: Manage pre-contract activities and ensure accurate project costings for high-profile fit-outs.
- Company: TAG Catering Equipment UK, a leader in commercial kitchen design and installation.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, performance bonuses, hybrid working, and free dining at prestigious venues.
- Other info: Opportunities for career progression and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Join a dynamic team and play a key role in delivering exciting projects across the hospitality sector.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating or commercial management, with strong attention to detail and communication skills.
TAG Catering Equipment UK has been designing, supplying, and installing commercial kitchens and bar fit-outs since 1988, working with some of the most respected names across the hospitality and foodservice sectors, from independent operators and Michelin-starred restaurants to five-star hotels and high-profile venue groups. Our work goes well beyond equipment supply. We design in-house, fabricate bespoke stainless steel, supply extract canopies, and deliver complete turnkey fit-outs across the UK. Our teams of designers, sales specialists, and project managers work closely together from initial enquiry through to installation, ensuring every project is delivered to the standard our clients expect.
We are now seeking a Pre-Contracts Manager to take ownership of the commercial process at the heart of the business. You will be someone who can manage pre-contract activity end-to-end, maintain pricing accuracy and structure, and support the team in winning and delivering work profitably.
The Role
This is a commercially-driven, office-based position that connects our sales, design, and project delivery teams. You’ll take projects from initial enquiry through to confirmed order, managing the full tendering and pre-contract process, producing accurate costings, and ensuring a clean, structured handover into delivery. You’ll work across a portfolio of projects ranging from smaller fit-out packages to major contracts worth up to £1.5m, tendering both from our direct customer base and in response to consultant-led specifications. You’ll line-manage up to two members of the sales and project support team, taking full responsibility for the quality and timely delivery of tenders and quotes produced by the team.
What You’ll Be Doing
- Pre-Contracts & Commercial
- Reviewing tender documentation, drawings, and specifications
- Preparing and submitting accurate project costings and quotations using our in-house pricing software, and pricing bespoke items separately
- Managing the pre-contract process from initial enquiry through to order placement
- Applying commercial rigour through clear qualifications, value engineering, and risk awareness
- Building and maintaining supplier relationships to support competitive, accurate pricing
- Reviewing contract terms including JCT and other standard forms of contract where applicable
- Project Coordination & Handover
- Raising and managing purchase orders, procurement schedules, and supplier coordination
- Planning and tracking project programmes and delivery timelines
- Working closely with our in-house project management team to ensure a structured, well-documented handover from pre-contract to delivery
- Managing variations, re-costing, and change control throughout the pre-contract phase
- Team & Stakeholder Management
- Line-managing up to two members of the sales and projects support team, with responsibility for their daily workload, deadlines, and quality of output
- Collaborating day-to-day with our design, sales, and project delivery teams
- Communicating clearly with clients and consultants throughout the pre-contract process
The Fit
- Essential
- Proven experience in estimating, pre-contracts, or commercial management, ideally in catering equipment, kitchen fit-out, specialist subcontracting, or a related sector
- Strong attention to detail and commercial awareness – you’re confident building and checking costs and you know when something doesn’t add up
- Excellent organisational skills — you can manage multiple tenders and projects simultaneously, maintaining quality and meeting deadlines under pressure
- A natural communicator who can work effectively across design, sales, and delivery teams
- Comfortable line-managing others – you take ownership of your team’s workload and help them deliver to a high standard
- Desirable
- Ability to read and interpret technical drawings and specifications
- Familiarity with contract types such as JCT or other standard small works contracts
- Experience using project programming tools such as Smartsheet, MS Project, or similar
- Confident use of Excel for pricing, scheduling, and tracking
- Experience in hospitality, foodservice, or M&E fit-out environments
What We Offer
- Salary of £45,000 – £55,000 OTE, depending on experience
- Performance-related bonus linked to commercial accuracy and margin performance
- A varied, project-based role working across a portfolio of high-profile and prestigious fit-outs for some of the most respected names in hospitality
- A collaborative, experienced team across design, sales, and project delivery
- Clear progression opportunity as the commercial function continues to grow
- Based at our Stevenage office, with occasional site visits as required
- Hybrid and flexible working, with 3 – 4 days in our Stevenage office
- Paid-for travel
- Wellbeing Employee Assistance Programme
- Company pension & life insurance
- Competitive holiday allowance including Bank Holidays
- Regular team lunches and events
- The opportunity to dine for free at our project sites including fine-dining restaurants and 5* hotels
Pre-Contracts Manager employer: Tagukltd
TAG Catering Equipment UK is an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work environment where collaboration and innovation thrive. As a Pre-Contracts Manager, you will be at the forefront of exciting projects within the hospitality sector, supported by a dedicated team and provided with clear opportunities for professional growth. With competitive salaries, performance-related bonuses, and a focus on employee wellbeing, including hybrid working options and unique dining experiences at prestigious venues, TAG is committed to fostering a rewarding and fulfilling workplace.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Pre-Contracts Manager
✨Get a Taste of the Scene
Try visiting local eateries and asking if they have any full-time positions available. Many hospitality jobs aren’t advertised online, so popping in for a chat can give you an edge and show your enthusiasm!
✨Network at Food Festivals
Food festivals and culinary events are buzzing with industry connections. Attend these to meet restaurateurs and other food service pros; you never know who might be looking for their next star employee!
✨Show Off Your Skills
Create a short video showcasing your cooking or customer service flair. Post it on social media or even send it directly to places you want to work at, like Tagukltd. It’s a fun way to stand out and demonstrate what you bring to the table!
✨Reach Out Directly to Tagukltd
Don't be shy about reaching out to Tagukltd directly through their website. Express your interest in available roles and attach your CV, showing your genuine eagerness to be part of their team. Personal touches can go a long way!
We think you need these skills to ace Pre-Contracts Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Service Experience:In the hospitality-food-service world, your experience is key! Make sure to highlight any previous roles you've had in restaurants, cafes, or catering. We want to see your customer service skills shine, so include specific examples where you went above and beyond for clients.
Certificates Matter:If you’ve got any relevant certifications, like food safety or bartender training, flaunt them! They can really set you apart from the crowd and show us your dedication to the industry. Just make sure to mention them clearly in your CV or cover letter!
Craft a Genuine Cover Letter:Take the time to write a personal cover letter that reflects your passion for hospitality. Share why you’re excited about Tagukltd and how your skills can contribute to our team's success. We're after that genuine connection!
Highlight Your Team Spirit:In full-time roles, teamwork is everything! Emphasise your ability to work collaboratively in busy environments. Mention any experiences where you’ve effectively collaborated with colleagues or managed conflicts — it's just as important as your technical skills!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tagukltd
✨Show Your People Skills
In hospitality, customer service is everything! Be ready to showcase examples of how you've engaged with customers positively. Maybe you turned a tough situation around or went that extra mile for a guest—let’s hear those stories!
✨Know Your Menu Inside Out
Expect some technical questions about food and drink, especially if you're applying for a kitchen or service role. Brush up on the menu items, including ingredients and any potential allergens. If you’ve got any favourite dishes or cocktails, have a little something prepared to discuss, too!
✨Demonstrate Your Team Spirit
Hospitality thrives on teamwork, so think of examples where you've worked well with others in a fast-paced environment. Be prepared to discuss what makes a great team member and how you contribute to a positive working vibe. They’re looking for that 'good fit!'
✨Get Ready for a Practical Test
In full-time food service roles, don’t be surprised if they want to see your skills in action. Whether it's serving a table or prepping a dish, be mentally prepared for a practical test during the interview. Practice makes perfect—a little dry run with friends could give you the edge!
