At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead the pre-construction process for high-quality commercial and laboratory fit-out projects.
- Company: Join Unispace Life Sciences, a top engineering design and project management firm.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, benefits package, and influence over project outcomes.
- Other info: Inclusive workplace committed to diversity and professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape the future of biopharma facilities and work with industry leaders.
- Qualifications: Experience in commercial fit-out contracting and strong stakeholder management skills.
The predicted salary is between 54000 - 66000 £ per year.
Unispace Life Sciences is one of the leading engineering design and project management firms in the industry. We deliver process and utility facility as well as laboratory and workspace design and construction projects for pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, advanced therapeutics, medical device, and other life sciences companies. Part of Unispace Group, our award-winning and multi-disciplinary engineering, design, and construction project teams design and build complex process-driven life sciences facilities, labs, and workplaces for the world’s top bio-pharma companies. We promote a culture of integrity, professional excellence, and teamwork that informs everything we do. If you're interested in joining our Centre of Excellence and working with top biopharma clients around the world, we'd love to hear from you.
Role Profile
We are seeking an experienced Pre‑Construction Manager to lead the full pre‑construction process for high‑quality CAT A and CAT B commercial & Laboratory fit‑out projects, delivered predominantly under JCT Design & Build 2024. The Pre‑Construction Manager 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 Pre‑Construction Manager 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.
Responsibilities include but not limited to:
- 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
- Extensive 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.
- Strong understanding of MEP coordination and interfaces.
- Strong understanding of Landlord and base‑build constraints.
- Solid working knowledge of JCT Design & Build 2024.
- Experience leading bids typically ranging from £500k to £10m+.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
- Able to balance commercial rigor with practical delivery reality.
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent experience in Construction, Quantity Surveying, Building Services or similar.
- Professional memberships (RICS / CIOB / CIBSE) desirable but not essential.
What We Offer
- Senior role with real influence over bid strategy and project outcomes.
- Exposure to high quality commercial interiors projects.
- Competitive salary and benefits package (DOE).
- Opportunity to help shape pre contract processes and standards as the business grows.
The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person(s) assigned to this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required. We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, and we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, allowing them to perform essential job functions as determined on a case‑by‑case basis.
Inclusion and Diversity Commitment: At Unispace, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity hiring and will evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, colour, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition (as defined by state law), physical or mental disability, military service, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are proud that our leadership reflects this commitment, with persons of colour, women, LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse individuals playing pivotal roles in shaping the future of our organization. Their unique perspectives and experiences drive innovation and help us create a truly inclusive culture. We are dedicated to ensuring that every voice is heard and that our workplace is a space where diversity is not only celebrated but is integral to our success.
Bulb - Preconstruction Manager employer: Unispace Life Sciences
At Bulb Interiors, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a dynamic work culture that fosters creativity and collaboration in the heart of Cambridge. Our commitment to employee growth is evident through continuous training opportunities and a supportive environment that encourages innovation, making it an ideal place for MEP Site Managers to thrive and make a meaningful impact in the world of commercial workplace design.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bulb - Preconstruction Manager
✨Join Construction Networks
Get yourself involved in local construction networks or industry events. They often have job boards, and networking can lead to unadvertised positions. Plus, it’s a great way to meet potential future colleagues!
✨Show Off Your Skills on Site
If you’ve done any hands-on work, whether it's through internships or personal projects, make sure you can showcase it. Consider volunteering for local construction projects or getting involved in community build days; it’s a solid way to demonstrate your skills and build connections.
✨Utilise Construction Job Sites
Don't just rely on the big job boards. Look at niche construction job sites—many companies prioritise these for full-time roles. Apply through these sites, but don’t forget to reach out directly to companies you admire, like Unispace Life Sciences, to express your interest!
✨Tailor Your Application for Full-Time Roles
Make your application stand out by tailoring it specifically for full-time positions. Highlight how your previous projects align with the company's work. At StudySmarter, we encourage you to demonstrate your commitment and long-term interest in the industry when applying for roles like Bulb - Preconstruction Manager at Unispace Life Sciences.
We think you need these skills to ace Bulb - Preconstruction Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:In the construction industry, it's essential to highlight any hands-on experience you have. Whether it’s past projects you've worked on or specific roles you've held, make sure your CV emphasises your practical skills and contributions to construction sites.
Include Certifications and Qualifications:Don’t forget to list any certifications relevant to construction, like CSCS cards or other safety qualifications. These can really set you apart from other candidates and show that you’re serious about health and safety on-site.
Tailor Your Cover Letter to Construction:When writing your cover letter for a construction role, focus on your problem-solving capabilities and teamwork. Construction relies heavily on collaboration, so mention how you’ve worked successfully with others to complete projects on time and within budget.
Adapt Your CV Format to the Field:Ensure your CV is clear and easy to read, with sections dedicated to skills such as project management, technical abilities, and site supervision. Construction roles often require a blend of technical know-how and soft skills, so make sure both are highlighted effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Unispace Life Sciences
✨Brush Up on Technical Knowledge
For a construction role, it's crucial we have a solid grasp of industry standards, safety protocols, and specific tools used on-site. Make sure you're familiar with relevant regulations and can talk confidently about them, as these often come up in interviews.
✨Showcase Your Projects
Since this is a full-time position, be ready to discuss any previous construction projects you've worked on. Bring a portfolio or have detailed descriptions that highlight your role, the challenges you faced, and how you overcame them—this’ll show you’re not just book-smart but also practically savvy.
✨Understand the Team Dynamics
Construction is all about teamwork, so prepare to discuss how you interact with different stakeholders like architects, engineers, and contractors. Maybe think of examples from past experiences to illustrate your ability to communicate and collaborate effectively.
✨Prepare for On-the-Spot Problem Solving
Be ready for some practical questions or scenarios where you'll need to demonstrate your problem-solving skills. Interviewers might present you with a hypothetical construction issue to solve, so practice articulating your thought process clearly and logically—this could really set you apart!
