Closing Date: 30/10/2026 Pre Construction Project Manager Bowburn - Salaried Civil Engineering Explore

Esh Group; Bowburn; Remote; GBP 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Esh Group is seeking a Bid Manager to support the Bid Team in securing civil engineering opportunities and leading two-stage bids through Stage 1. The role coordinates design, pricing, programme, procurement and risk to develop a buildable, commercially robust solution for handover to delivery.

You will mobilise Stage 1, work with estimating, planner, design and supply chain to deliver compliant submissions, and ensure the design and price are developed before construction commitment.

Qualifications

• Relevant construction or civil engineering qualification, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• Experience in civil engineering project delivery, pre-construction, estimating, planning, design management or bid management with site exposure.
• Experience of two-stage tendering, Early Contractor Involvement or pre-construction services agreements.
• Good knowledge of civil engineering construction methods, temporary works, programme development, procurement and supply chain engagement.
• Ability to coordinate designers and develop solutions from tender concept to construction-ready information.
• Commercial understanding sufficient to challenge cost plans, quotations, risk allowances and pricing assumptions.
• Working knowledge of NEC contracts is desirable.
• Ability to develop tender-stage programmes for civil engineering schemes, including sequencing, critical path, resources, phasing and key constraints.
• Full UK driving license and willingness to travel as required.

Responsibilities

• Tender management from review to submission by tender deadlines.
• Coordinate design, pricing, programme, procurement and risk with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Lead tender launches, reviews, clarifications and amendments.
• Mobilise Stage 1 bids with delivery plan, project team, programme, responsibilities and reporting.
• Ensure Stage 2 readiness with detailed handover and knowledge transfer.

Skills

Strong leadership

Ownership

Organisational skills

Clear written and verbal communication

Collaborative approach

Commercial awareness

Decision making

Multitasking

Professional conduct

Education

Relevant construction or civil engineering qualification

Tools

Microsoft Office

Microsoft Project

Job description

About the role

To support the Bid Team in securing civil engineering opportunities and leading successful two-stage bids through Stage 1. The role will coordinate the design, pricing, programme, procurement and risk process to develop a buildable and commercially robust solution, ready for a controlled handover to the delivery team for Stage 2 construction.

Location

- Bowburn

What we will expect from you

Tender management:

• Review tender and contract documentation to identify requirements, risks, constraints and resource needs.
• Work collaboratively with the estimating teams, bid team, planner, operational colleagues, designers and supply chain to deliver compliant, high-quality submissions.
• Lead tender launch, review and settlement meetings, controlling actions, clarifications, assumptions and amendments.
• Carry out methodologies, programmes, phasing, logistics proposals, written responses and client interviews.
  Ensure submissions are complete, approved and issued in accordance with the tender deadline.
• Mobilise successful two-stage bids by establishing the Stage 1 delivery plan, project team, programme, responsibilities and reporting arrangements.
• Coordinate design development, surveys, technical information and approvals, ensuring the solution is buildable and aligned with the client brief, programme and budget.
• Work collaboratively with the estimating and commercial teams to develop the cost plan, target price or activity schedule, supported by appropriate market testing and supply chain quotations.
• Carry out the construction programme, methodology, logistics and procurement strategy, including long-lead items and specialist packages.
• Lead value engineering and value management activity while protecting safety, quality, performance and client outcomes.
• Maintain clear records of risks, opportunities, assumptions, changes and decisions, and provide concise progress reporting to internal and client teams.

Stage 2 readiness and handover:

• Engage the proposed delivery team throughout Stage 1 so operational knowledge is incorporated and ownership transfers progressively.
• Confirm that the design, price, programme, procurement, approvals and risk position are sufficiently developed before construction commitment.
• Lead a formal handover covering the agreed scope, contract requirements, tender assumptions, design status, cost, programme, procurement, risks and outstanding actions.
• Support mobilisation and the close‑out of residual pre‑construction actions during the agreed transition period.

General Responsibilities:

Comply with company policies, governance and applicable legislation; promote high standards of health, safety, wellbeing, environmental performance and quality; treat colleagues, clients and supply chain partners fairly and respectfully; protect confidential and commercially sensitive information; and undertake other duties consistent with the level of the role.

Key measures of success for the successful candidate will be:

• Tender submissions delivered to the required quality and deadlines.
• Successful mobilisation and management of Stage 1 pre‑construction activity.
• Design, price, programme, procurement and risk developed to an agreed and transparent position.
• Controlled Stage 2 handovers with clear ownership and minimal loss of tender knowledge.
• Positive client and internal stakeholder feedback.

What to Expect from us:

At Esh, our values shape the way we work every day — and you can expect to see them in action from the moment you join us.

• Care: We prioritise your wellbeing and development, offering a supportive environment where you’re encouraged to grow, learn, and bring your best self to work
• Trust: You’ll have the autonomy to take ownership of your work, with managers who believe in your abilities and are there to support you when needed
• Integrity: We do the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest option. You can rely on open, honest communication and fair decision making
• Respect: We value diverse perspectives and create a workplace where everyone is listened to, valued, and treated with dignity
• Working Together: Collaboration is at the heart of how we operate. You’ll join a team that celebrates shared success and supports one another to achieve great results

Together, these values create a workplace where people feel welcome, trusted, appreciated, and proud to be part of the team.

Qualifications

• Relevant construction or civil engineering qualification, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• Experience in civil engineering project delivery, pre‑construction, estimating, planning, design management or bid management with a solid technical background. Ideally looking for somebody who has been hands on and had plenty of site exposure.
• Experience of two-stage tendering, Early Contractor Involvement or pre‑construction services agreements.
• Good knowledge of civil engineering construction methods, temporary works, programme development, procurement and supply chain engagement.
• Ability to coordinate designers and develop solutions from tender concept to construction‑ready information.
• Commercial understanding sufficient to challenge cost plans, quotations, risk allowances and pricing assumptions.
• Working knowledge of NEC contracts is desirable.
• Ability to develop tender‑stage programmes for civil engineering schemes is desirable, including sequencing, critical path, resources, phasing and key constraints.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office; Microsoft Project experience
• Full UK driving license and willingness to travel as required.

Attributes & Skills

• Strong leadership, ownership and organisational skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Collaborative approach with the confidence to challenge constructively.
• Commercial awareness and sound practical judgement.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive timely decisions.
• High standards of accuracy, record keeping and professional conduct.