Pre-Construction Manager
Harmony Fire – Chesterfield
About Harmony Fire
Since 2017, Harmony Fire has become the 72nd fastest-growing company in Europe — and we're aiming even higher. Our mission is simple: the more we grow, the greater the impact we can have. That means reaching more people, increasing our social impact, and creating more progression opportunities for our team.
We are passionate about making a difference and obsessed with quality. Our goal is to build a world where every resident can sleep safely at night, knowing their home is 100% compliant. Ranked in the Top 25 Best Service Companies to Work for in the UK, we now have an opportunity for a Pre-Construction Manager to join our Passive Fire team in Chesterfield.
About the Role
The Pre-Construction Manager plays a critical role in shaping projects before they reach site. Working closely with clients, surveyors, estimators and delivery teams, you will lead the development of technically robust and commercially sound project proposals — from initial opportunity through to handover into operations.
This is a role for someone who thrives at the intersection of commercial rigour and technical credibility. You'll be the person who ensures every scheme is deliverable, compliant, and set up for success before a single operative steps foot on site.
Key Responsibilities
- Produce compelling project proposals and support client presentations, defining the best strategy to secure work
- Develop estimates and cost plans for projects, variations and additional works
- Prepare detailed budgets ensuring projects can be delivered within financial targets
- Maximise project gross profit through a strong understanding of specifications, scope and delivery requirements
- Lead the development of project delivery strategies including scope, specification, programme and mobilisation planning
- Manage communication with clients and stakeholders throughout the pre-construction phase
- Identify and mitigate commercial, technical and programme risks before project commencement
- Coordinate with surveyors, estimators and delivery teams to ensure scopes are accurate and deliverable
- Support subcontractor selection and negotiation to ensure quality and value
- Ensure smooth handover of projects to the delivery team with clear scope, programme and commercial clarity
What We're Looking For
The right person for this role will have a strong pre-construction or commercial background from within the construction, remediation, or built environment sector. We're looking for someone who knows how to price and programme complex scopes, manage client relationships under pressure, and hand over projects that delivery teams can actually execute.
Essential
- Proven experience in a pre-construction, estimating, or senior commercial role within construction or a related sector
- Strong ability to build accurate cost plans and protect project margin from scope through to handover
- Experience managing multiple projects of varying size, value and complexity simultaneously
- Comfortable reading and interpreting drawings, specifications and scopes of works
- Track record of contributing to tenders, pitches or client presentations
- Experience negotiating with subcontractors and suppliers
- Excellent organisational, communication and prioritisation skills
Desirable — but not essential
- Exposure to residential remediation, compliance, or building fabric projects
- Familiarity with passive fire systems or fire safety regulations — this can be learned, but any prior knowledge is a genuine advantage
- Design & Build project experience
What Success Looks Like
- Accurate scopes and cost plans that allow projects to be delivered without commercial surprises
- Projects handed over to operations with clear scope, programme and commercial clarity
- Gross profit targets consistently achieved or exceeded
- Clients confident in Harmony Fire's technical capability and delivery approach
- Risks identified early and mitigated before works begin
What We Look for in Our People
Athlete's Grit — Determination and resilience, always pushing to deliver the best outcomes.
Captain's Duty — Taking responsibility, keeping promises, and stepping up when it matters most.
Fun-Loving Heart — Supporting one another, creating a positive environment, and enjoying the work we do.
Why Work for Harmony Fire
- A collaborative environment where you can genuinely grow your career
- Bespoke Personal Development Plan for every employee
- Ongoing training, coaching and mentoring
- Modern, well-equipped working environments
Benefits
- Unlimited holiday
- Bonus scheme — up to 50% of annual salary
- Lunch, snacks, fresh fruit and Takeaway Fridays
- Team socialising budget
- Enhanced maternity and paternity
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Reward and recognition programme including European mini-breaks
- Two company events per year
- Auto-enrolment pension
Harmony Fire is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all applicants regardless of age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, family or parental status, race, nationality, or religion. We want everyone who works with us to feel valued and to make a difference.