Preconstruction Manager

Preconstruction Manager – Costain Group PLC

Costain has secured extensive work across the water sector to support the AMP 8 investment cycle. We have been appointed by Northumbrian Water to the Living Water Enterprise to help shape and deliver its strategic infrastructure upgrade programme with contracts valued at approximately £670 million over 15 years.

The Preconstruction Manager will support the planning, development, and execution of water infrastructure projects during the preconstruction phase. This role works closely with project managers, estimators, engineers, and external stakeholders to ensure all technical, financial, and logistical elements are thoroughly prepared before construction begins. You will gather project data, manage documentation, coordinate design deliverables, and support accurate cost development for water and wastewater facilities, pipelines, pump stations, and related civil infrastructure.

• Preconstruction Planning & Coordination: Assist in developing preconstruction schedules, workflows, and milestone trackers; coordinate with internal teams to ensure alignment on project requirements; facilitate design review meetings and maintain action‑item logs for timely delivery of design packages.
• Document & Data Management: Manage and maintain project documentation, including specifications, drawings, permits, geotechnical reports, and design revisions; organise bid documents, subcontractor information, and project correspondence; keep project databases, material logs, and preconstruction tracking tools up‑to‑date.
• Estimating & Procurement Support: Support the estimating team in obtaining vendor quotes, analysing subcontractor proposals, and preparing quantity take‑offs; assist in pre‑qualification of subcontractors and suppliers; help prepare bid packages, RFQs, and RFPs for materials, equipment, and specialty services.
• Technical & Regulatory Support: Review technical requirements, design criteria, and regulatory compliance documents for alignment with water‑sector standards (e.g., AWWA, EPA, local utilities); coordinate environmental, permitting, and utility agency submissions; track risks, constraints, and dependencies related to water infrastructure design.
• Stakeholder Coordination: Act as a liaison between design consultants, utility owners, permitting agencies, and the internal project team; participate in client meetings, document discussions, and distribute updated project information.

• Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related field; or relevant experience in the water/wastewater construction industry.
• Previous experience in preconstruction, project coordination, engineering support, or construction administration preferred.
• Strong understanding of water and wastewater infrastructure components (pipelines, treatment processes, pumping systems, civil/site work).
• Proficiency in construction management software (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam, Primavera, MS Project).
• Excellent communication, organisation, and technical writing skills.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and cost estimates.
• Detail‑oriented with strong analytical and problem‑solving capabilities.

Costain helps to improve people’s lives with integrated, leading‑edge, smart infrastructure solutions across the UK’s energy, water, transportation, and defence markets. We deliver increased efficiency, resilience, and decarbonisation through digital optimisation and a full lifecycle service portfolio that includes strategic consultancy, advisory, digital technology solutions, asset optimisation, and complex programme delivery. Our culture and values underpin everything we do.

Location:

Newcastle Upon Tyne, England, United Kingdom

Seniority level:
Entry level

Employment type:

Full‑time

Job function:
Management and Manufacturing;
Industries:
Civil Engineering

Costain is a Disability Confident employer and will generally offer an interview to any applicant who discloses a disability and meets the minimum criteria for the role. For more details, visit