Pre-Construction Manager

Location: London (hybrid working – 3 days in the office, 2 days from home, with travel to project sites as required)

Salary: £70,000 – £100,000 + bonus (OTE £125,000)

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

Pre-Construction Leadership

• 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

• Contract negotiation experience

• 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

Commercial & Leadership Skills

• 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

Desirable

• 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

• £70,000 – £100,000 basic salary

• Bonus scheme with OTE up to £125,000

• Hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days remote)

• Competitive benefits package