Senior Pre-Construction Manager

Confidential Careers; City of Melbourne; On-site; AUD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Flexible working

Career development opportunities

Focus on wellbeing and inclusion

Job summary

Unispace is seeking a Senior Project Manager (Preconstruction) to lead commercial interior fit-out projects from client engagement to handover. The role involves managing preconstruction activities, developing cost plans, and ensuring seamless communication with stakeholders. Ideal candidates will have a background in construction management, proficiency in estimating and budgeting, and strong stakeholder management skills. This position offers flexible working options and values continuous improvement and collaboration.

Qualifications

• Strong background in construction estimating and preconstruction management.
• Experience within commercial fit-out or similar construction environments.
• Strong understanding of subcontractor markets and trade scope development.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end preconstruction activities including estimating and budgeting.
• Review drawings to develop detailed cost plans.
• Coordinate subcontractor tendering for competitive pricing.

Skills

Construction estimating

Preconstruction management

Stakeholder management

Commercial acumen

Attention to detail

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering or similar

Tools

Microsoft Project

Construction management systems (Vista advantageous)

Job description

At Unispace, we design and deliver transformative workplaces for some of the world’s leading brands. With a global network of 27 studios, we combine strategy, design, and construction to create high-performing environments that enable people and businesses to thrive.

Our success is built on strong client partnerships, innovative thinking, and a commitment to our people. We offer flexible and hybrid working, career development opportunities, and a strong focus on wellbeing and inclusion across everything we do.

Why this role exists

We are seeking a Senior Project Manager (Preconstruction) to lead commercial interior fit-out projects through the full preconstruction lifecycle – from early client engagement through to contract award and handover to delivery teams.

You will play a critical role in shaping successful project outcomes by driving accuracy, commercial performance, and buildability from the outset.

What you’ll do

• Lead end-to-end preconstruction activities including estimating, budgeting, and tender submissions
• Review drawings and specifications to develop detailed cost plans and scope understanding
• Identify value engineering opportunities, risks, and constructability issues early in the process
• Coordinate subcontractor tendering to ensure fair, consistent and competitive pricing
• Develop and maintain project budgets through all stages of preconstruction
• Work closely with leadership teams to ensure alignment on commercial outcomes, margins and risk
• Manage cash flow considerations and negotiate favourable payment terms
• Present proposals and cost plans clearly to clients, ensuring transparency and confidence in outcomes
• Build strong relationships with subcontractors, consultants and clients
• Ensure seamless handover of projects into the construction delivery phase
• Contribute insights and lessons learned to support continuous improvement across teams

How success will be measured

• Accuracy and reliability of cost plans and estimating outputs
• Ability to identify and capture commercial opportunities and risks
• Successful negotiation and subcontractor engagement outcomes
• Timely, clear and professional client communication
• Smooth preconstruction-to-delivery handovers
• Effective management of multiple concurrent projects

What you’ll bring

• Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering or similar (preferred)
• Strong background in construction estimating and preconstruction management
• Experience within commercial fit-out or similar construction environments
• Strong understanding of subcontractor markets and trade scope development
• Knowledge of construction methodologies, buildability and sequencing
• Proficiency in Microsoft Project and construction management systems (Vista advantageous)
• Strong commercial acumen and attention to detail
• Understanding of Australian building codes and HSE requirements
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills