At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead strategic preconstruction efforts and drive winning business strategies.
- Company: Dynamic engineering-led contractor known for complex, high-value projects.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, leadership opportunities, and a chance to shape the future of the business.
- Other info: Join a collaborative team and contribute to impactful, value-led solutions.
- Why this job: Influence strategic direction and work on innovative, complex projects that challenge your thinking.
- Qualifications: 20+ years in the industry with strong operational and leadership experience.
The predicted salary is between 60750 - 74250 £ per year.
This is a rare opportunity to move beyond functional leadership and to influence the strategic direction of the business.
The Context
The projects this London based contractor deliver are always complex – clients choose them specifically for this reason.
This complexity enables the business to differentiate itself by delivering high-value solutions.
It’s a core part of their DNA and not something they are willing to compromise on, as this value-led approach underpins their continued success. Because their projects are complex and require integrated, specialist engineering expertise, they adopt a consistent, method-led approach to work winning .
This approach requries highly experienced and balanced leadership accross a wide breadth of operational, technical and commercial disciplines to bring together winning submissions.
Role Overview
- Reporting to the Group MD and forming a key part of the senior leadership team, you will holistically lead the “Win it” part of the business strategy with an important interface with both "Find it" and “Deliver it".
- Providing strategic leadership to a multidisciplinary pre-construction team, you will set and drive the win strategy, providing leadership, direction and constructive challenge across method, technical solution, programme and pricing to ensure successful bid submissions that are deliverable and commercially viable.
- As a key part of the role, you will develop and maintain strong relationships with clients and their professional teams
- leading on early client engagement, credibly aligning and articlating the value proposition.
- Additionally, as a member of the board you will contribute to the overall business strategy as well as providing constructive challenge and support to the wider leadership team.
- This role is part of a planned succession plan
About You
- You will have at least 20 yrs + experience in the industry and with an operational background
- (commercial, engineering or operations)
A strong delivery or operational background is essential - so you understand first hand how projects are built, delivered and priced, enabling you to credibly challenge, shape solutions and articulate the value the business brings as a partner.
- You may already be in a dedicated work-winning or preconstruction role, but we're equally keen to speak to experienced senior operational or commercial leaders, looking to redirect their years of operational and delivery experience into a new dedicated preconstruction role.
- You will be conversant in a range of construction methodologies and innovations in urban areas - complex civil engineering, temporary works, groundworks, substructures, superstructures, cut and carve and deconstruction.
- You will be motivated by a value-led approach , and maintaining a reputation for technically strong submissions - excited by schemes that stretch your thinking.
- Articulate, credible and confident in negotiations – you will be driven to understand client drivers and to give the client what they want, whilst protecting margins.
- You will have a sound understanding of contract terms and commercial risk, ensuring bids are both competitive and commercially robust – balancing risk and reward.
- Your background could be with a main contractor or specialist contractor.
- You bring solid leadership experience
- You enjoy proactively building authentic relationships with clients and their professional teams and working collaboratively with clients to shape solutions.
- This is a high-impact role for a leader that knows the detail but equally sees the big picture and provides their team with clarity of what’s expected and empowers them to deliver against the plan.
- #J-18808-Ljbffr
Preconstruction Director - Engineering Led Contractor employer: Zinc Ten
Zinc Ten is an exceptional employer that values expertise and collaboration, offering a dynamic work environment in Greater London. With a strong focus on employee growth, we provide opportunities for professional development and encourage innovative thinking in complex civil engineering projects. Our supportive culture fosters teamwork and ensures that every team member's contributions are recognised and valued.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Preconstruction Director - Engineering Led Contractor
✨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 Zinc Ten, 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 Preconstruction Director - Engineering Led Contractor at Zinc Ten.
We think you need these skills to ace Preconstruction Director - Engineering Led Contractor
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 Zinc Ten
✨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!
