Find a job 
Featured Companies 
Featured Universities 
For Companies At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the bid and pre-construction process for exciting commercial projects.
- Company: Join a well-established construction subcontractor with a focus on quality and innovation.
- Benefits: Enjoy 31 days holiday, flexible hours, and health insurance after probation.
- Other info: Dynamic environment with opportunities for professional growth and development.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a fast-paced role that values problem-solving and creativity.
- Qualifications: Experience in estimating or bid management within construction is essential.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 55000 £ per year.
Salary: £50,000 - £55,000 (negotiable depending on experience) per annum + travel expenses
Hours: 42.5 hours per week | Monday to Friday
Location: Doncaster (predominantly office-based) with regular travel to London
Benefits:
- 31 days holiday including public holidays - Additional 1 day's holiday per year after 2 years' service (up to 5 additional days)
- Basic health insurance after successful completion of probation
- On-site parking
- Flexible start and finish times within office hours
- Six-month probation period
The Opportunity
We are recruiting on behalf of a well-established and growing construction subcontractor that delivers high-quality packages on major commercial fit-out and refurbishment projects across London. This newly created Pre‑Construction / Bid Manager position plays a critical role in owning the front end of the project lifecycle. The successful candidate will take full responsibility for bid leadership, cost control and proposal development - freeing up senior management while significantly influencing profitability and project success. This is a hands-on, fast-paced and reactive role, ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, value engineering and working closely with clients, suppliers and internal teams.
The Role
You will lead and manage the bid and pre‑construction process from enquiry through to submission, ensuring projects are priced accurately, competitively and intelligently. Key responsibilities include:
- Owning and leading the full bid process from initial enquiry to final submission
- Working closely with Sales, Business Development and Estimating teams to secure new work
- Breaking down RFPs, drawings and specifications with accuracy and attention to detail
- Developing clear, robust and defensible cost plans and budgets
- Managing supplier and subcontractor pricing, including bid levelling and comparisons
- Identifying commercial and technical risk early and mitigating potential cost exposure
- Driving value engineering opportunities to improve margin and competitiveness
- Attending client meetings to develop designs, specifications and budgets
- Arranging and coordinating pre‑sale samples, finishes and ironmongery options
- Managing short turnaround times while maintaining accuracy and quality
About You
This role requires a technically strong, commercially astute individual who is comfortable taking ownership and accountability. You are likely to bring:
- Proven experience in estimating, pre‑construction or bid management within construction
- Strong understanding of commercial construction methods and subcontract environments
- Excellent financial awareness with sound cost control discipline
- Ability to work quickly without compromising attention to detail
- High levels of organisation, accountability and self‑motivation
- Strong IT skills, particularly Microsoft Excel and the wider Office 365 suite
- Confident written and verbal communication skills
- A proactive, solutions-focused and 'can-do' mindset
- Experience within joinery, doorsets or fire door compliance would be highly advantageous, but is not essential for someone with strong transferable pre‑construction experience and a technical mindset.
- 2D CAD capability would be beneficial, but not required.
Bid & Pre-Construction Lead | Commercial Projects employer: UBT
Contact Detail:
UBT Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid & Pre-Construction Lead | Commercial Projects
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with industry professionals on LinkedIn or at local events. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Show them you’re genuinely interested in their work and how you can contribute to their success. Tailor your answers to highlight your relevant experience in bid management and pre-construction.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your pitch! Be ready to explain how your skills in cost control and project lifecycle management make you the perfect fit for the role. Keep it concise but impactful, and don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving abilities.
✨Tip Number 4
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 that extra step to engage with us directly.
We think you need these skills to ace Bid & Pre-Construction Lead | Commercial Projects
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV is tailored to the Bid & Pre-Construction Lead role. Highlight your relevant experience in estimating and bid management, and don’t forget to showcase your problem-solving skills and attention to detail!
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 or experiences that demonstrate your ability to lead bids and manage costs effectively.
Showcase Your Technical Skills: Since this role requires strong IT skills, especially in Microsoft Excel, make sure to mention any relevant software experience. If you have any knowledge of 2D CAD, even if it's not required, throw that in too!
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and get you on our radar quickly!
How to prepare for a job interview at UBT
✨Know Your Bid Process
Make sure you understand the entire bid process from start to finish. Familiarise yourself with how to break down RFPs and develop cost plans. This will show that you’re not just a candidate, but someone who can hit the ground running.
✨Showcase Your Problem-Solving Skills
Prepare examples of how you've tackled challenges in previous roles. Since this position is fast-paced and reactive, demonstrating your ability to think on your feet and come up with solutions will impress the interviewers.
✨Highlight Your Financial Acumen
Be ready to discuss your experience with cost control and financial awareness. Bring specific examples of how you've managed budgets or identified risks in past projects. This will underline your suitability for a role that requires strong commercial understanding.
✨Communicate Clearly and Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly, especially when discussing technical aspects of construction. Strong written and verbal communication skills are crucial, so consider rehearsing common interview questions with a friend or in front of a mirror.