Overview
As Preconstruction Director, you will lead all bidding and preconstruction activities to secure profitable projects for Willmott Dixon’s Construction South region. You’ll set commercial strategy, resource plans, and robust governance to deliver deliverable bids aligned with business goals. You will drive faster, clearer decision-making, maintain margin protection, and foster high-performing, growth-oriented teams. This is a strategic, cross-functional leadership role within a culture that values integrity, continuous improvement and sustainable growth.
Pay / Benefits
- pension scheme
- private medical cover
- life assurance
- profitability-based bonus
- company car scheme/car allowance
- gym membership
Responsibilities
- Ensure each project exits preconstruction with a clear route to margin
- Oversee pricing strategies, risk allowances, programme assumptions, and commercial plans
- Align bids with business objectives and sustainable profitability
- Identify and mitigate commercial risks and delivery challenges early
- Monitor pre-construction milestones and prevent slippage
- Plan and manage pre-construction resources to meet current and future needs
- Maintain appropriate resource levels and capability for bidding volumes
- Identify future capability requirements and attract/develop/retain talent
- Ensure teams have necessary skills, experience, and capacity for bids
- Establish and sustain a robust bid governance framework
- Provide independent challenge and oversight across bid lifecycle
- Deliver constructive challenge to senior leadership through governance meetings
- Present evidence-based recommendations to support decision-making
- Leverage commercial insight and industry experience to influence strategy and outcomes
Key requirements
- Previous experience leading pre-construction, bidding, estimating, or commercial functions in construction
- Strong network of customers, consultants, and industry contacts
- Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and delivering growth
- Experience influencing Board-level stakeholders
- Collaborative leadership style aimed at collective success
- collaborative leadership
- clear communication
- resilience under pressure
- modern methods of construction
- sustainability and social value
- digital construction practices
Preconstruction Director in London employer: Willmott Dixon
Willmott Dixon is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment that prioritises employee development and well-being. As a Principal Surveyor, you will benefit from a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, alongside opportunities for career advancement and training in the vibrant North London and East region. Our family ethos fosters strong relationships within teams and with clients, ensuring a fulfilling and rewarding experience in your role.
