Pre-Construction Manager
Location: London (hybrid working – 3 days in the office, 2 days from home, with travel to project sites as required)
Salary: £70,000 – £100,000 + bonus (OTE £125,000)
We are recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced Pre-Construction Director to lead the front-end of Design & Build office fit out projects.
Role Overview
This is a senior role responsible for converting opportunities into secured work through strong commercial leadership, accurate pricing, and effective management of the pre-construction process.
You will oversee all pre-construction activity from initial enquiry through to contract execution, ensuring projects are commercially robust, technically coordinated, and aligned with client and landlord requirements.
Key Responsibilities
Pre-Construction Leadership
• Lead and manage the full pre-construction lifecycle across multiple projects
• Oversee internal teams (estimating, design, commercial) and external consultants
• Drive programme, procurement strategy, and risk management from the outset
• Chair internal tender reviews and pre-start handover meetings
Pricing & Commercial Strategy
• Take ownership of pricing Design & Build CAT A, CAT A+, and CAT B office fit out projects
• Produce and review detailed cost plans, tenders, and value engineering proposals
• Manage supply chain engagement and subcontractor pricing strategies
• Lead cost adjudication meetings and ensure alignment with project scope
• Ensure pricing reflects programme constraints, risk, and delivery strategy
Design & Build Coordination
• Manage design development from concept through to construction issue
• Ensure buildability, compliance, and cost alignment at every stage
• Coordinate with designers, M&E consultants, and subcontractors
• Identify and mitigate design risks early
License to Alter (LTA) & Landlord Approvals
• Lead License to Alter submissions for tenant fit out projects
• Liaise with landlords, managing agents, and professional teams
• Ensure all design information meets building and landlord requirements
• Track approvals and manage revisions to maintain programme
Contract Negotiation & Agreement
• Lead negotiation and agreement of Design & Build contracts
• Manage risk allocation, amendments, and clarifications
• Work closely with legal and commercial teams to finalise agreements
Client & Stakeholder Management
• Act as key point of contact during pre-construction phase
• Build strong relationships with clients, agents, landlords, and consultants
• Present proposals, programmes, and cost plans confidently
• Support business development activity to secure new work
Handover to Delivery Team
• Ensure structured handover from pre-construction to delivery
• Provide clear scope, cost, programme, and risk position
• Align all stakeholders prior to site mobilisation
Key Requirements
Experience
• Senior pre-construction experience within office fit out (CAT A / CAT B)
• Strong track record in Design & Build pricing
• Experience managing License to Alter processes
• Contract negotiation experience
• Background in estimating, commercial management, or project delivery
Technical Knowledge
• Strong understanding of office fit out methodologies
• Knowledge of M&E systems and coordination
• UK building regulations and landlord approval processes
• Procurement and supply chain management experience
• Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications
Commercial & Leadership Skills
• Strong cost planning and pricing capability
• Excellent commercial awareness and risk management
• Ability to lead teams and manage stakeholders effectively
• Strong communication and negotiation skills
Desirable
• Experience working with London landlords and managing agents
• Established network within the fit out supply chain
• Exposure to business development activity
What Success Looks Like
• Strong conversion from enquiry to secured projects
• Accurate and commercially robust pricing
• Smooth transition into delivery phase
• Strong client relationships and repeat business
• Effective risk management across projects
Package
• £70,000 – £100,000 basic salary
• Bonus scheme with OTE up to £125,000
• Hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days remote)
• Competitive benefits package
…