Pre‑Contract 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.
The Role
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.
Key Responsibilities
- 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.
About You
You will be a confident, commercially astute pre‑construction professional with a strong interiors background and the ability to lead multiple tenders at pace.
Experience & Skills
- 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.
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent experience in Construction, Quantity Surveying, Building Services or similar.
- Professional memberships (RICS / CIOB / CIBSE) are desirable but not essential.