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- Tasks: Lead the preconstruction bid process and manage internal and external partners.
- Company: Join Willmott Dixon, a top-rated company with a focus on sustainability and community impact.
- Benefits: Enjoy hybrid working, competitive salary, and opportunities for professional growth.
- Why this job: Shape major projects and make a real difference in communities while developing your career.
- Qualifications: Experience in project management and strong communication skills are essential.
- Other info: Be part of a dynamic team recognised for excellence and innovation in construction.
The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.
We’re looking for a Project Manager (Preconstruction) to join our Southern regional team, based in either our Weybridge, Farnborough or Dartford offices. We support hybrid working with three days in the office and two days at home each week, depending on team needs.
Reporting to a Preconstruction Manager, you’ll lead the entire preconstruction bid process, managing internal and external partners to develop high-quality, well-coordinated bids that meet our customer expectations and support profitable project delivery. Working across sectors including Education, Leisure, Health, Blue Light, Defence, Transport and Science and Technology, you’ll shape solutions, manage the design and pricing process, and guide projects from successful tender stage to signed construction contract. This is a highly influential role where your leadership will help bring major projects into the business, while ensuring our customers feel supported, informed and confident throughout early project development.
NB. We’re also open to experienced Project Managers who bring the right blend of stakeholder management, technical appreciation, leadership and commercial understanding.
Key Responsibilities:- Lead the Preconstruction Process
- Manage the full two-stage and negotiated tender process from successful tender phase through to construction contract.
- Coordinate the core preconstruction team (Planner, Estimator, Design Manager, MEP Manager) to ensure bids are robust, well-coordinated and aligned to customer priorities.
- Present schemes to the board, ensuring proposals meet profitability expectations and quality standards.
- Oversee design development during preconstruction, ensuring compliance with design process requirements.
- Shape solutions and challenge assumptions to ensure bids are competitive, deliverable and aligned with programme and budget expectations.
- Bring a commercial mindset to all stages, supporting informed decision‑making throughout.
- Work collaboratively with customers, consultants and partners to develop clear briefs and realistic expectations.
- Navigate challenging conversations around cost, programme or design constraints when required.
- Maintain strong communication with PCM colleagues, senior operational leaders and commercial managers.
Proven experience leading preconstruction, bid management or two‑stage tender processes. Strong background in commercial management, design management, project management or a related discipline. Proven ability to coordinate multi‑disciplinary teams. Confident communicator with experience handling challenging client conversations. Accreditation with RICS or a Project Management body is advantageous.
About Us: With over 170 years of rich history, Willmott Dixon’s purpose is beyond profit; delivering brilliant buildings, transforming lives, strengthening communities and enhancing the environment so our world is fit for future generations. Ensuring that we add lasting value to the neighbourhoods we work in; our values, people, innovation, partnerships and focus on sustainability has allowed us to build a successful and solid privately owned business where our people can thrive.
Project Manager (Preconstruction) employer: Willmott Dixon
Contact Detail:
Willmott Dixon Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Project Manager (Preconstruction)
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the construction industry, especially those who work at Willmott Dixon or similar companies. A friendly chat can sometimes lead to job opportunities that aren't even advertised yet.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by researching the company and its projects. Understand their values and recent achievements, like their recognition for sustainability. This will help you tailor your answers and show you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice your presentation skills! As a Project Manager, you'll need to present bids and proposals confidently. Grab a friend or use a mirror to rehearse how you'd pitch your ideas, making sure to highlight your leadership and commercial mindset.
✨Tip Number 4
Don't forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're serious about joining the team at Willmott Dixon and ready to contribute to their amazing projects.
We think you need these skills to ace Project Manager (Preconstruction)
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your Application: Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Project Manager role. Highlight your experience in preconstruction and bid management, and don’t forget to mention any relevant projects you've led that align with our sectors.
Showcase Your Leadership Skills: We want to see how you’ve successfully managed teams and projects in the past. Share specific examples of how you’ve coordinated multi-disciplinary teams and navigated challenging conversations with clients.
Be Clear and Concise: When writing your application, keep it straightforward. Use clear language and structure your thoughts logically. We appreciate a well-organised application that gets straight to the point!
Apply Through Our Website: Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way for us to receive your details and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you’re keen on joining our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Willmott Dixon
✨Know Your Preconstruction Process
Familiarise yourself with the entire preconstruction bid process. Be ready to discuss how you would manage the two-stage tender process and coordinate with various team members like Planners and Estimators. Showing that you understand the nuances of this process will impress your interviewers.
✨Demonstrate Your Commercial Mindset
Prepare examples that showcase your ability to bring a commercial perspective to projects. Discuss how you've shaped solutions in past roles, ensuring bids are competitive and aligned with budget expectations. This will highlight your understanding of the financial aspects of project management.
✨Communicate Confidently
Practice articulating your thoughts clearly and confidently, especially when discussing challenging topics like cost or design constraints. Role-play potential tough conversations with a friend to build your confidence. Strong communication skills are crucial for this role, so make sure you shine in this area.
✨Align with Company Values
Research Willmott Dixon’s values and mission. Be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with theirs, particularly around sustainability and community impact. Showing that you resonate with their purpose beyond profit can set you apart from other candidates.
