Head of Pre-Construction – Main Contractor EPC
This role based in Dubai, UAE
Our client is a leading engineering, construction and infrastructure contractor delivering some of the region’s most complex design-and-build projects. We are partnering with them to appoint a Head of Pre-Construction to lead the company’s pre-construction function, driving technical excellence from bid stage through to project mobilisation.
This is a role for an experienced construction professional who understands that successful projects are won long before work begins on site. You will be responsible for bringing together design, commercial, planning and operations teams to ensure projects are technically robust, commercially competitive and fully aligned with delivery objectives.
Please note: We will only be able to consider candidates who have worked for a recognised main contractor delivering EPC, design-and-build or large-scale new-build construction projects. Consultancy-only experience will not be suitable for this position.
Position Overview:
This is a senior leadership role requiring an individual who can influence both strategy and delivery. You will be expected to focus on three key areas.
First, leading the entire pre-construction function across multiple design-and-build projects, ensuring build-ability, technical coordination, value engineering and construction methodology are fully integrated into every tender and project.
Second, working closely with estimating, commercial, procurement, planning and operational teams to develop commercially competitive solutions while managing technical risk, programme constraints and procurement strategy.
Third, leading contractor-led design development, ensuring design decisions support efficient construction, minimise delivery risk and create the strongest possible outcome for both the client and the business.
This is a genuine opportunity to shape how major projects are secured and delivered, while building and mentoring a high-performing pre-construction team within one of the region’s fastest-growing contractors.
What You Will Need:
• Extensive experience leading pre-construction, design management or technical functions within a recognised main contractor.
• Proven delivery of major EPC, design-and-build or large-scale new-build construction projects.
• Strong understanding of construction methodology, buildability, contractor-led design and technical coordination.
• Demonstrable experience leading multidisciplinary teams across estimating, commercial, planning, procurement and operations.
• Excellent knowledge of architectural, structural and MEP coordination together with value engineering and risk management.
• Strong commercial awareness with the ability to balance programme, cost, quality and technical performance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Construction Management or a related discipline. MCIOB or equivalent professional membership would be highly advantageous.
• Outstanding stakeholder management, leadership and communication skills with the ability to influence senior clients, consultants and internal project teams.
What’s On Offer:
• A competitive tax-free salary and comprehensive expatriate benefits package.
• The opportunity to join a fast-growing multinational engineering and construction business delivering landmark projects across the region.
• A highly visible leadership role with genuine long-term career progression within an organisation that continues to invest in its people and projects.
If you would like to discuss this opportunity in confidence, please apply now GRG5627
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