Head of Preconstruction

Alfa-Executive Solutions; United Kingdom; Hybrid; GBP 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Alfa-Executive Solutions is seeking a Head of Preconstruction to drive strategic growth and own the front-end delivery of major UK infrastructure projects. You will report to the Executive Board and lead bidding, estimating and design management initiatives to ensure robust, commercially viable tenders aligned with corporate targets.

This senior role requires a strong commercial and technical authority to drive work winning, build high-performing teams across highways, rail, water, coastal

Qualifications

• Demonstrated preconstruction leadership within a UK civil engineering contractor.
• Extensive experience in senior preconstruction, bidding or commercial leadership roles.
• Deep knowledge of civil engineering disciplines (highways, structures, earthworks, utilities) and standard contracts (NEC4, JCT, ICC).
• Proven success in winning multi-million-pound contracts and leading two-stage/ECI and framework procurements.

Responsibilities

• Define and implement the preconstruction strategy and bid governance across divisions.
• Lead major bid submissions, frameworks, and single/two-stage tenders with BD and operations teams.
• Oversee risk management, value engineering, buildability reviews and target-cost formulations before awards.
• Build and mentor multi-disciplinary teams of estimators, bid managers, planners and design managers.
• Cultivate strong relationships with clients, authorities, consultants and supply chain partners.

Skills

Preconstruction leadership

Bid leadership

Commercial leadership

Civil engineering sector knowledge

Education

Bachelor of Civil Engineering or related field

Chartered engineer (ICE/RICS/CIOB) desirable

Job description

Salary: £120,000 Base Salary + Comprehensive Benefits Package

Location: United Kingdom (Flexible / Hybrid)

About the Company

Our client is a leading UK civil engineering contractor is seeking an exceptional Head of Preconstruction to drive strategic growth and oversee the front-end delivery of major infrastructure projects across the UK.

Renowned for operational excellence and high-quality project delivery, the business operates across key sectors including highways, rail, water, coastal protection, and complex earthworks.

The Role

The Head of Preconstruction will report directly to the Executive Board and take complete ownership of the preconstruction lifecycle.

This strategic leadership role requires a commercial and technical authority to lead bidding, work winning, estimating, and design management initiatives, ensuring all tenders are robustly priced, commercially viable, and strategically aligned with corporate targets.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Leadership: Define and implement the overall preconstruction strategy, establishing high-performing bid processes and governance frameworks across all civil engineering divisions.
• Work Winning & Tendering: Lead major bid submissions, framework competitions, and single-stage/two-stage tenders, collaborating with business development and operational teams to maximise conversion rates.
• Commercial & Technical Governance: Oversee preconstruction risk management, value engineering, buildability reviews, and target cost formulations prior to final contract awards.
• Team Development: Build, mentor, and lead multi-disciplinary teams consisting of estimators, bid managers, planners, and design managers.
• Client & Stakeholder Management: Cultivate strong relationships with key clients, local authorities, consultants, and supply chain partners across the UK infrastructure sector.

Candidate Requirements

• The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record of preconstruction leadership within a recognised UK civil engineering main contractor.
• Experience: Extensive experience operating at a senior management or director level within preconstruction, bidding, or commercial leadership roles.
• Sector Expertise: In-depth knowledge of civil engineering disciplines (e.g. heavy infrastructure, highways, structures, earthworks, or utilities) under standard contract forms (NEC4, JCT, ICC).
• Track Record: Proven success in winning multi-million-pound civil engineering contracts and leading two-stage, ECI (Early Contractor Involvement), and framework procurement routes.
• Qualifications: Degree qualified in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related discipline. Professional chartership (ICE, RICS, or CIOB) is highly desirable.