Preconstruction Manager

We are seeking an experienced Pre‑Contract Manager to lead the full pre‑construction process for high‑quality CAT A and CAT B commercial & Laboratory fit‑out projects.

This is a senior, influential role with full ownership of bids from enquiry to contract award
, leading estimating, design, services, procurement and consultant engagement, and acting as a key client‑facing figure during the tender stage.

You will be responsible for ensuring all bids are commercially sound, fully scoped, buildable, and de‑risked
, and that projects are handed over to delivery teams with clarity and confidence.

• Lead the end‑to‑end pre‑contract and bid process for CAT A & CAT B fit‑out projects.
• Set bid strategy, programme, resourcing and commercial approach.
• Manage and coordinate estimating, design management, services (MEP), procurement and consultant input
  .
• Review tender documentation, identify risks and opportunities, and produce robust assumptions, exclusions and clarifications.
• Lead value engineering and alternative proposals where appropriate.
• Oversee supply‑chain tendering, evaluation and subcontractor selection.
• Coordinate outline programmes, methodology and logistics strategies.
• Act as senior point of contact for clients, PMs, QSs, consultants and landlords.
• Lead tender interviews and presentations.
• Support commercial negotiations and contract finalisation under JCT D&B 2024
  .
• Ensure a structured handover to project delivery teams.

You will be a confident, commercially astute pre‑construction professional with a strong interiors background and the ability to lead multiple tenders at pace.

• 7–10+ years experience within commercial fit-out/interiors contracting.
• Proven delivery of CAT A and CAT B projects under Design & Build
  .
• Strong understanding of:
• Fit‑out construction methodology
• MEP coordination and interfaces
• Landlord and base‑build constraints
• Solid working knowledge of JCT Design & Build 2024
  .
• Experience leading bids typically ranging from £500k to £10m+.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Able to balance commercial rigor with practical delivery reality.

• Degree or equivalent experience in Construction, Quantity Surveying, Building Services or similar.
• Professional memberships (RICS / CIOB / CIBSE) are desirable but not essential.