Location: London (hybrid working – 3 days in the office, 2 days from home, with travel to project sites as required)
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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- 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
- Bonus scheme with OTE up to £125,000
- Hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days remote)
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