At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead design processes for exciting fit-out and refurbishment projects in London.
- Company: Top UK contractor known for high-quality commercial and public sector work.
- Benefits: Competitive daily rate, hybrid working, and immediate start available.
- Other info: Join a dynamic team with opportunities for impactful work and career growth.
- Why this job: Shape innovative designs and win key projects while collaborating with talented teams.
- Qualifications: Experience in design management within preconstruction and strong communication skills.
The predicted salary is between 50000 - 65000 £ per year.
Location: London (Hybrid)
Salary: £400 - £470 per day
Contract: Freelance, Ongoing
We’re working with a leading UK main contractor specialising in high-quality fit-out and refurbishment across commercial, public sector, and corporate environments. Due to a strong pipeline of work in London, they are looking to appoint an experienced Bid / Preconstruction Design Manager on a freelance basis to support their growing preconstruction team. This is an excellent opportunity to play a key role in winning and shaping complex interior and refurbishment projects from the very earliest stages.
Role Overview
As Bid / Precon Design Manager, you will take ownership of the design workstream during tender stage, ensuring robust, buildable and commercially aligned solutions are developed to support winning bids. You will be partnering with senior stakeholders and multi-disciplinary teams to secure strategically important projects across a mixture of Commercial and Government Frameworks. The role is based out of London with very limited travel, and no overnight stays.
Key Responsibilities
- Lead and coordinate the design process during preconstruction / tender stages
- Manage external architectural and engineering consultants
- Develop innovative and value-engineered design solutions
- Support the production of technical submission content
- Review employer’s requirements and identify risks/opportunities
- Work closely with the wider bid team to strengthen overall submissions
Requirements
- Proven experience as a Design Manager working in a preconstruction/bid environment
- Background in:
- Fit-out, refurb, or interior construction
- Main contractor or D&B environment
- Strong understanding of:
- Design coordination
- Buildability and technical detailing
- Preconstruction processes
- Able to manage multiple stakeholders and consultants
- Commercial awareness and ability to influence design for cost/programme benefits
- Confident communicator in both technical and client-facing settings
What’s on Offer
- £400 - £450 per day (PAYE - Inside IR35)
- Hybrid working arrangement (min 4 days in London office)
- Opportunity to work on high-profile, design-led workspace projects
- Immediate start available
If you’re a Design Manager with strong bid/preconstruction experience looking for your next freelance opportunity in London, we’d love to hear from you.
Bid / Preconstruction Design Manager employer: Velocity Recruitment
Join a leading UK main contractor renowned for its high-quality fit-out and refurbishment projects in London, where you will thrive in a dynamic and collaborative work culture. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, this role offers the chance to work on prestigious projects while enjoying a hybrid working arrangement that promotes work-life balance. As part of a supportive team, you will have the opportunity to influence design solutions and contribute to winning bids in a vibrant city known for its architectural innovation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Bid / Preconstruction Design Manager
✨Join Local Construction Groups
Tap into local construction communities and forums—think Facebook groups, Meetup, or even LinkedIn. These platforms often have job postings specifically for freelancers and can connect you with potential clients who are looking for your skills.
✨Show Off Your Work
Create a public portfolio showcasing your previous projects. This could be through a personal website or platforms like Behance. Potential clients want to see what you can do, so let your best work do the talking!
✨Network at Construction Events
Get out there and attend construction trade shows and local networking events. These are great for making connections and can often lead directly to freelance opportunities, plus you get to meet people who share your passion for the industry.
✨Utilise Online Freelance Platforms
Don't forget to get on freelance job platforms like Upwork and Freelancer that cater to construction gigs. Build your profile there and start bidding on projects. It’s a solid way to get the ball rolling on your freelance journey!
We think you need these skills to ace Bid / Preconstruction Design Manager
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Craft:In the construction field, it's all about your hands-on experience and the projects you've worked on. Make sure to include detailed descriptions of past projects in your CV or portfolio. Highlight specific skills, tools, and techniques you’ve mastered that are relevant to the work you're applying for at Velocity Recruitment.
Provide a Portfolio:As this is a freelance role, having a solid portfolio is key! Include photos and descriptions of your previous work so potential clients can see what you bring to the table. Showcasing a variety of projects can really help demonstrate your versatility in the construction industry.
Clarify Your Availability and Rates:Freelancing is all about communication, so be clear about your availability and rates in your application. Let Velocity Recruitment know when you can start and what your pricing structure looks like. This helps set the right expectations and shows you’re professional and organised.
Highlight Relevant Certifications:In construction, having the right certifications can set you apart. Mention any industry-relevant qualifications you have, such as health and safety certifications or trade-specific licenses. This not only bolsters your CV but also shows you've got the expertise to get the job done safely and effectively.
How to prepare for a job interview at Velocity Recruitment
✨Showcase Your Project Portfolio
For a freelance role in construction, we should prepare a strong portfolio demonstrating our previous work. Highlight completed projects, showcasing not just the end result but also the problem-solving skills and tools we used during construction. This visual evidence can really set us apart!
✨Know Your Tools and Techniques
Understanding the latest construction tools and techniques is essential for standing out. Familiarise ourselves with current methodologies and any new software that's relevant to the industry. If we can discuss how we've used these tools in previous projects, it’ll show that we’re on the ball and ready to hit the ground running.
✨Prepare for Practical Questions
During the interview, we might face practical questions related to site management or problem-solving on the job. Be ready to discuss specific challenges we've faced in past projects and how we overcame them. This will demonstrate our ability to think on our feet and handle the real-world pressures of the construction field.
✨Pitch Your Rates and Work Style
As freelancers, we need to be clear about our rates and working style. Be prepared to discuss our pricing strategy based on past projects. This is not just about the numbers but conveying the value we bring to potential clients like Velocity Recruitment. Confidence in our worth can go a long way in these discussions!
