Pre Construction Director

Madigan Gill; Greater London; On-site; GBP 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Madigan Gill seeks an entrepreneurial senior leader to create and lead a new Residential Utilities division within a respected contractor. You will own the strategy, build client relationships, and drive growth from the ground up, supported by an established executive team.

You will combine strategic thinking with hands-on delivery, shaping the division's direction, securing opportunities, and embedding best-practice pre-construction processes to ensure successful mobilisation and project

Qualifications

• Extensive leadership experience in utilities or infrastructure sectors.
• Track record in growing new business or divisions.
• Strong understanding of residential utility connections and related civil works.

Responsibilities

• Develop the strategy and business plan for the new Residential Utilities division.
• Build long-term relationships with developers, housebuilders, and utility providers.
• Identify, pursue and secure new business opportunities for the division.
• Lead the full tendering and bid process from enquiry to contract award.
• Develop estimating, commercial and pre-construction procedures and best practices.
• Advise on pricing strategy, procurement routes, programmes and risk.
• Recruit, mentor and develop the pre-construction team as the division grows.
• Collaborate with operations to mobilise and deliver projects successfully.
• Shape the future direction of the wider business through market insight.

Skills

Leadership

Business development

Tendering

Pre-construction

Job description

The Opportunity

Our client is a well-established and highly respected contractor operating within the utilities and civil engineering sector. As part of its ambitious growth strategy, the business is launching a dedicated Residential Utilities division focused on delivering utility connections and associated civil engineering works for residential developments.

This is a rare opportunity to take ownership of a genuine start-up within an established business.

The successful individual will be responsible for creating, developing and leading an entirely new business unit, with the support, financial backing and operational infrastructure of a successful organisation already operating at scale.

The role is ideally suited to someone with an entrepreneurial mindset who is excited by the opportunity to build a business, shape its direction and establish themselves as a key member of the senior leadership team.

The Role

Reporting directly to the Executive Leadership Team, you will be responsible for developing and implementing the strategy for a new Residential Utilities division.

This role extends far beyond traditional pre-construction responsibilities. It requires a commercially focused leader capable of identifying opportunities, winning work, developing client relationships and building a high-performing function from the ground up.

Key responsibilities include:

• Developing the strategy and business plan for the new Residential Utilities division.


• Building long-term relationships with residential developers, housebuilders, principal contractors, utility providers and key industry stakeholders.


• Identifying, pursuing and securing new business opportunities.


• Leading the full tendering and bid process from initial enquiry through to contract award.


• Developing estimating, commercial and pre-construction procedures and best practices.


• Advising on pricing strategy, procurement routes, programme and project risk.


• Recruiting, mentoring and developing the pre-construction team as the division grows.


• Working closely with operational and commercial teams to ensure successful mobilisation and delivery of projects.


• Helping shape the future direction and growth of the wider business through strategic input and market knowledge.

About You

We're seeking an experienced industry professional with a proven track record of delivering growth within the residential utilities or infrastructure sector.

You will possess extensive experience in pre-construction, estimating, business development or operational leadership and have the commercial credibility to win work whilst building long-term client partnerships.

You will ideally demonstrate:

• Significant experience within residential utility connections and associated civil engineering works.


• Strong understanding of electricity, gas and water infrastructure projects.


• A proven track record of leading successful tender submissions and securing new business.


• Established relationships with residential developers, housebuilders, utility providers and industry decision-makers.


• Experience building, growing or transforming a business unit, regional office or service offering.


• Strong commercial awareness with excellent knowledge of contract and procurement routes.


• Outstanding leadership, communication and stakeholder management skills.


• The ability to balance strategic thinking with a hands-on, delivery-focused approach.

The Ideal Candidate

This opportunity is designed for someone who wants more than simply managing an existing department.

We're looking for an ambitious leader who wants the autonomy to build something meaningful and leave a lasting legacy.

You are likely to be:

• Entrepreneurial and commercially driven.


• Well connected across the residential utilities market.


• Confident engaging with clients at board and director level.


• Motivated by developing new opportunities and creating sustainable growth.


• Passionate about building high-performing teams.


• Looking for the opportunity to influence business strategy rather than simply deliver projects.

What's on Offer

This represents one of the most exciting opportunities currently available within the utilities sector.

The successful candidate will receive:

• Genuine autonomy to establish and lead a new business unit.


• Direct support and investment from an established executive leadership team.


• Access to an experienced operational platform capable of supporting growth.


• The opportunity to shape business strategy and influence long-term direction.


• A clear pathway towards executive leadership within a growing organisation.


• An attractive executive remuneration package, including performance incentives aligned with the success of the division.