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- Tasks: Lead the pre-construction process for high-quality commercial and laboratory fit-out projects.
- Company: Dynamic construction firm with a focus on innovative fit-out solutions.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, career development opportunities, and a collaborative work environment.
- Why this job: Take ownership of exciting projects and make a real impact in the construction industry.
- Qualifications: 7-10+ years in commercial fit-out, strong communication skills, and a degree in a related field.
- Other info: Join a team that values innovation and offers excellent career growth potential.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 80000 £ per year.
We are seeking an experienced Pre-Contract Manager to lead the full pre-construction process for high-quality CAT A and CAT B commercial & Laboratory fit-out projects. This is a senior, influential role with full ownership of bids from enquiry to contract award, leading estimating, design, services, procurement and consultant engagement, and acting as a key client-facing figure during the tender stage.
The Role
You will be responsible for ensuring all bids are commercially sound, fully scoped, buildable, and de-risked, and that projects are handed over to delivery teams with clarity and confidence.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead the end-to-end pre-contract and bid process for CAT A & CAT B fit-out projects.
- Set bid strategy, programme, resourcing and commercial approach.
- Manage and coordinate estimating, design management, services (MEP), procurement and consultant input.
- Review tender documentation, identify risks and opportunities, and produce robust assumptions, exclusions and clarifications.
- Lead value engineering and alternative proposals where appropriate.
- Oversee supply-chain tendering, evaluation and subcontractor selection.
- Coordinate outline programmes, methodology and logistics strategies.
- Act as senior point of contact for clients, PMs, QSs, consultants and landlords.
- Lead tender interviews and presentations.
- Support commercial negotiations and contract finalisation under JCT D&B 2024.
- Ensure a structured handover to project delivery teams.
About You
You will be a confident, commercially astute pre-construction professional with a strong interiors background and the ability to lead multiple tenders at pace.
Experience & Skills
- 7–10+ years experience within commercial fit-out/interiors contracting.
- Proven delivery of CAT A and CAT B projects under Design & Build.
- Strong understanding of:
- Fit-out construction methodology
- MEP coordination and interfaces
- Landlord and base-build constraints
- Solid working knowledge of JCT Design & Build 2024.
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent experience in Construction, Quantity Surveying, Building Services or similar.
- Professional memberships (RICS / CIOB / CIBSE) are desirable but not essential.
Pre-Construction Manager in Reading employer: Tandem Talent
Contact Detail:
Tandem Talent Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Pre-Construction Manager in Reading
✨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 help you land that Pre-Construction Manager role.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for those interviews! Research the company and their recent projects, especially in CAT A and CAT B fit-outs. We want you to walk in confident, ready to discuss how your experience aligns with their needs.
✨Tip Number 3
Showcase your skills! Bring along a portfolio of your past projects, highlighting your role in leading bids and managing teams. We believe that tangible evidence of your success can really set you apart from the competition.
✨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. We’re here to help you every step of the way in landing that dream job!
We think you need these skills to ace Pre-Construction Manager in Reading
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Pre-Construction Manager role. Highlight your experience with CAT A and CAT B projects, and don’t forget to showcase your skills in managing bids and client relationships.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to explain why you’re the perfect fit for this role. Mention specific projects you've led and how your experience aligns with our needs at StudySmarter.
Showcase Your Achievements: When detailing your experience, focus on your achievements rather than just responsibilities. Use numbers and examples to demonstrate how you’ve successfully managed bids and delivered projects on time and within budget.
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 from us!
How to prepare for a job interview at Tandem Talent
✨Know Your Projects Inside Out
Before the interview, make sure you thoroughly understand the specifics of CAT A and CAT B projects. Be ready to discuss your past experiences with similar projects, focusing on your role in the pre-construction process and how you ensured bids were commercially sound and buildable.
✨Master the Tender Process
Brush up on the entire tender process, from enquiry to contract award. Be prepared to explain how you've led estimating, design management, and procurement in previous roles. Highlight any successful strategies you've implemented that resulted in winning bids.
✨Showcase Your Communication Skills
As a Pre-Construction Manager, you'll be a key client-facing figure. Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently. Prepare examples of how you've effectively managed stakeholder relationships and navigated complex negotiations in the past.
✨Be Ready for Value Engineering Discussions
Expect questions about value engineering and alternative proposals. Think of specific instances where you've successfully identified risks and opportunities in a project. Be ready to discuss how you balanced commercial rigor with practical delivery reality to achieve the best outcomes.