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Pre Construction Manager / Director - Tetris UK

Reports to:

• Managing Director - tetris UK

Direct Reports

• TBC

Collaborates with:

• Tetris UK Head of Business Development
• Tetris UK Head of Design
• Tetris UK Operations Director
• Tetris UK Head of Build
• P&DS UK Cost and Project Management Team
• P&DS & Tetris UK HR
• Functional Support Leads (SME's)
• Other JLL Departments

About Us

We are a leading Design and Build fit-out contractor in London with a reputation for delivering exceptional interior spaces across commercial and retail sectors. With over two decades of experience in the industry, we have established ourselves as a trusted partner for blue-chip clients, delivering projects ranging from £1 million to £12 million. Our success is built on our commitment to quality, innovation, sustainability, and client satisfaction, with over 20% of our business coming from repeat clients. As we continue to grow our portfolio across Greater London and the Southeast, we are strengthening our pre-construction capabilities to maintain our competitive edge.

Role Overview

We are seeking an experienced Pre-Construction Manager to join our Estimating and Tendering department at our Central London HQ. In this pivotal role, you will lead the pre-construction phase of complex fit-out projects, ensuring accurate cost planning, value engineering, and tender preparation. You will work directly with our Design Director and our head of Build and collaborate closely with the wider business development team to secure new business opportunities while maintaining profitability. This position offers significant influence over our bidding strategy and plays a crucial role in our company's continued growth.

Roles and Responsibilities

Tender Management & Estimation

•                 Lead the development of detailed cost estimates and tender submissions for high-value fit-out projects, typically ranging from £1m to £12m

•                 Analise architectural drawings, M&E specifications, structural details, and contract documents to identify scope requirements and potential risks

•                 Create detailed work breakdown structures and accurately quantify all project elements

•                 Develop comprehensive pricing strategies that maintain competitiveness while protecting project margins

•                 Establish and maintain project budgets throughout the pre-construction phase

•                 Conduct thorough risk assessments and develop appropriate contingency plans as required

•                 Prepare go/no go bid analyses for potential opportunities based on strategic and commercial factors

Subcontractor & Supply Chain Management

•                 Coordinate and manage tender enquiries with subcontractors and suppliers, ensuring comprehensive coverage of all work packages and avoiding scope gaps

•                 Evaluate subcontractor proposals and negotiate favorable terms

•                 Conduct thorough technical and commercial subcontractor interviews

•                 Develop and maintain relationships with key suppliers to secure preferential rates and terms

•                 Create detailed subcontractor comparison sheets and procurement recommendations

•                 Implement strategic procurement approaches to maximize value and minimize risk

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

•                 Prepare and present compelling tender submissions and proposals to clients, including attendance at client interviews

•                 Lead pre-construction meetings with clients, designers, and other project stakeholders

•                 Provide expert advice to clients on buildability, material selection, and value engineering

•                 Work collaboratively with the design team to ensure constructability and cost-effectiveness

•                 Maintain strong relationships with clients, consultants, and supply chain partners

•                 Support business development initiatives through technical expertise and market insights

Pre-Construction Planning & Strategy

•                 Develop detailed pre-construction programmes including procurement schedules, design development timelines, and statutory approval processes

•                 Create comprehensive logistics plans for complex sites with restricted access

•                 Identify and plan for long-lead items, temporary works requirements, and specialist services

•                 Develop project execution strategies that minimize disruption and maximize efficiency

•                 Coordinate with operations teams to ensure seamless transition from pre-construction to delivery

•                 Prepare detailed method statements for complex construction activities

•                 Identify and plan for sustainability requirements and certification processes (BREEAM, LEED, WELL)

Team Leadership & Development

•                 Manage a team of estimators, providing mentorship, technical guidance, and performance reviews

•                 Allocate resources effectively across multiple tender opportunities

•                 Implement best practices and standardized approaches across the estimating function

•                 Identify training needs and develop capabilities within the estimating team

•                 Foster a collaborative approach with design, operations, and commercial departments

•                 Lead internal tender review meetings with senior management

Experience & Qualifications

•                 Minimum 10+ years' experience in pre-construction/estimating within the London fit-out sector

•                 Proven track record of successful tender submissions and project wins on contracts exceeding £10M

•                 Demonstrated experience across various sectors including corporate offices and retail as a minimum

•                 Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify and mitigate commercial risks

•                 MCIOB, RICS qualification or equivalent construction-related degree required

•                 Advanced training in estimating, quantity surveying, or commercial management preferred

•                 Experience with Cat A and B fit-out projects essential

•                 Knowledge of sustainability certifications and requirements (BREEAM, LEED, WELL)

Technical Knowledge & Skills

•                 Expert understanding of construction methods, materials, and current market rates in the London fit-out sector

•                 Comprehensive knowledge of building systems including mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and architectural finishes

•                 Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office suite (advanced Excel skills essential)

•                 Experience with BIM for estimation and quantity take-off preferred

•                 In-depth knowledge of current building regulations, CDM requirements, and industry standards

•                 Experience working with JCT, NEC, and Design & Build contract forms

•                 Understanding of modern construction techniques including modular and prefabricated solutions

Leadership Behaviours

Instill the following leadership behaviours across all aspects of our tetris UK business;

• Inspire - We are humble, inclusive and energize people to follow our lead
• Win Together - We work across JLL to deliver the best solutions to our clients, community and planet
• Simplify - We move fast by reducing complexity and setting clear direction
• Be Intentional - We are courageous, decisive, resilient and hold ourselves accountable
• Be Future Ready - We are curious, agile and resourceful to stay relevant and future-ready

Personal Attributes

•                 Exceptional communication and presentation skills with the ability to influence clients and senior stakeholders

•                 Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving capabilities

•                 Meticulous attention to detail while maintaining a strategic perspective

•                 Ability to work under pressure and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced environment

•                 Excellent negotiation skills with a track record of securing favorable terms

•                 Proactive approach to identifying opportunities and resolving challenges

•                 Collaborative working style with the ability to build strong relationships across disciplines

What We Offer

•                 Competitive Salary Package

•                 Car allowance

•                 30 days annual leave plus bank holidays, with the option to purchase additional days

•                 Career progression opportunities within a growing organization with clear advancement pathways

•                 Ongoing professional development, including funding for relevant qualifications and memberships

•                 Comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance, life assurance

•                 Generous pension scheme with employer contributions

•                 Wellbeing program including mental health support program

•                 Modern, collaborative workspace in Central London with excellent transport links

•                 Regular company social events and team-building activities

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