We are looking for a passionate and experienced Pre‑Construction Manager to lead the development and delivery of transformative rail infrastructure schemes, making stations safer, more accessible, and welcoming for everyone. If you thrive on collaboration, innovation, and driving meaningful change, this is your opportunity to make a lasting impact across the UK rail network. This is a hybrid role based from our Swindon office, home, and regular site visits.
You'll be working on… (what your role and responsibility is)
As Pre‑Construction Manager, you will act as the Octavius Project Manager for a package of NEC3 Professional Services Contracts. You will take schemes from receipt of the client remit through to the award of the construction contract. This includes producing development budgets, planning and undertaking site investigations, managing the design process (both permanent and temporary works), coordinating suitable construction methodologies, securing necessary consents, and managing the production of the construction estimate. You will then hand over to the Delivery teams for execution.
You will work closely with customers, stakeholders, design partners, suppliers, and delivery teams to develop high‑quality solutions that meet customer expectations, align with financial targets, and are delivered in accordance with agreed programmes. You will lead by example, fostering a collaborative culture throughout the project team, including suppliers and customers, ensuring that everyone works towards our common vision of a vibrant delivery mechanism that delivers on promises, with safety at its core.
You'll receive… (because we value you)
We offer a competitive rewards package, including a Company Car or car allowance scheme, Private Healthcare, Pension, Life Assurance cover, 25 days Annual Leave (and a day off for your birthday). You’ll also have access to an enhanced Paternity & Maternity package and the opportunity to develop yourself personally and professionally.
About You… (what You Are Skilled At)
- Planning, developing, and monitoring programme priorities and objectives in accordance with agreed budgets, supporting the wider Network Rail strategic business plan.
- Leading a high‑performing pre‑construction team to achieve programme, operational, and commercial performance objectives and targets.
- Demonstrating proactive, visible leadership, while consistently promoting our Values: Quality, Integrity, Openness, Caring, and Progressive.
- Accountable for the safe, planned, and coordinated completion of site inspections, surveys, and investigations to inform solution development.
- Ensuring all designs assess risks across construction, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning phases, and maintaining accurate risk registers.
- Managing pre‑construction documentation, budgets, and change control processes, and promoting effective risk and opportunity management.
- Leading coordination between suppliers, designers, Octavius, and Network Rail to develop value‑for‑money solutions for permanent works, temporary works, and construction methods.
- Supporting the Package Manager in converting opportunities into turnover and optimising resource use and rail access.
- Engaging with site teams to ensure lessons are learned and solutions are practical and deliverable.
- Typically line managing 3 to 5 team members, providing clarity of purpose, accountability, and performance targets, and supporting team development.
You’ll Bring… (your Wealth Of Experience & Qualifications)
- Excellent organisation skills to manage multiple projects simultaneously without compromising on standards and quality.
- Sound commercial & safety judgement and decision‑making skills to solve complex problems under pressure.
- Proven experience of delivering projects across the whole project life‑cycle (design & on‑site construction).
- Knowledge of Network Rail processes and assurance procedures, and experience working within a Rail environment.
- Engineering knowledge with relevant experience in suitable disciplines, such as Civils, M&E, Geotechnical, and/or rail disciplines like permanent way, signalling, telecoms, and E&P.
- Good level of NEC3 knowledge, and ability to administer the contract.
- Relationship builder, able to develop friendly and professional customer‑focused relations.
- Resilience and a positive outlook, with the ability to adapt to changing circumstances.
- Ability to effectively challenge the full supply chain and customer to achieve improved project outcomes.
- A related degree, diploma, or vocational qualification, or equivalent demonstrable experience in Construction or Civil Engineering.
- Site Managers Safety Training Scheme, or equivalent CDM 2015 training (desirable).
- Chartered membership with a relevant industry body (i.e. APM or ICE) (desirable).
- Personal Track Safety (desirable).
- Temporary Works Coordination (desirable).
Inclusion and diversity are important to us, we are an equal opportunities employer and value difference. We want and will continue to build an inclusive environment where our people thrive. We firmly believe constantly striving to build a truly diverse workforce is what makes us a strong business and will enable us to continue to solve important problems and deliver unrivalled value to both our customers and clients. If you need any specialist support throughout your application, we will work with you where we can to support your journey with us.
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