Pre Construction Engineer

James Gray Recruitment; Alloa; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Company car/allowance

Annual bonus

Company pension

Private healthcare

Life assurance

Training & development

Career progression

Challenging projects

Job summary

James Gray Recruitment is seeking a Pre-Construction Engineer for the Alloa office. You will work across pre-construction, estimating and project planning, supporting projects from enquiry through to handover to delivery teams.

The role involves reviewing drawings, developing buildable solutions, preparing proposals, and collaborating with clients and design teams across the UK. A strong engineering background and planning, analytical and communication skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Degree or HNC/HND in Civil/Structural/Geotechnical Engineering.
• Experience interpreting drawings and specifications.
• Strong planning and problem-solving abilities.
• Experience in estimating or tendering is preferred.
• Good commercial awareness and stakeholder management.

Responsibilities

• Review client enquiries, drawings and specifications to develop solutions.
• Prepare engineering proposals, methodologies and submissions.
• Develop cost estimates and tender submissions.
• Assist in tender planning and programme development.
• Support handover to delivery teams and successful project delivery.

Skills

Planning

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication

Education

Degree, HNC or HND in Civil/Structural/Geotechnical Engineering

Tools

AutoCAD

Microsoft Project/Primavera P6

Estimating software

Job description

Pre-Construction Engineer – Alloa (Office Based)

Overview

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a Pre-Construction Engineer to join a well-established specialist engineering contractor with an excellent reputation for delivering complex foundation, geotechnical and structural engineering solutions across the UK. Based full‑time from the Alloa office, this is a varied role that will see you working across pre‑construction engineering, estimating and project planning, supporting projects from initial enquiry through to successful handover to the delivery team.

What's on Offer

• Competitive salary (DOE)
• Company car or car allowance
• Annual bonus scheme
• Company pension
• Private healthcare
• Life assurance
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Clear career progression within a growing business
• Opportunity to work on technically challenging projects across multiple sectors

The Role

Reporting to the Pre-Construction Manager, you will play a key role in developing engineering solutions and supporting the successful tendering and planning of projects across the UK. Working closely with engineering, commercial and operational teams, you'll become involved at the earliest stages of projects, ensuring proposals are technically robust, commercially competitive and deliverable.

Key Responsibilities

Pre-Construction Engineering

• Review client enquiries, drawings, specifications and technical information.
• Develop practical, buildable and cost‑effective engineering solutions.
• Provide technical support throughout the tender process.
• Prepare engineering proposals, methodologies and technical submissions.
• Identify project risks, opportunities and value engineering solutions.
• Liaise with clients, consultants and design teams to resolve technical queries.
• Support the successful handover of projects to operational teams.

Estimating

• Prepare detailed cost estimates and tender submissions.
• Measure quantities from drawings and specifications.
• Obtain and assess supplier and subcontractor quotations.
• Produce pricing schedules and commercial summaries.
• Participate in tender adjudication meetings.
• Identify opportunities to improve value and reduce project costs.

Planning

• Assist in developing tender and construction programmes.
• Produce construction sequencing and methodology plans.
• Work alongside delivery teams to develop practical project programmes.
• Identify programme risks and propose mitigation measures.
• Support procurement, logistics and resource planning.

About You

We're looking for an engineering professional with a strong technical background who enjoys working at the front end of projects, combining engineering expertise with commercial awareness and planning. You may currently be working as a:

• Pre-Construction Engineer
• Civil Engineer
• Geotechnical Engineer
• Project Engineer
• Site Engineer looking to move into a pre‑construction role
• Estimator with a strong engineering background

Essential Requirements

• Degree, HNC or HND in Civil Engineering, Structural Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering or a related discipline.
• Strong engineering background within civil engineering, foundations, ground engineering or specialist construction.
• Experience interpreting engineering drawings and technical specifications.
• Good understanding of construction methodologies and temporary works.
• Estimating or tendering experience.
• Strong commercial awareness.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills.
• Strong planning, analytical and problem‑solving abilities.

Desirable Experience

• Foundation, piling or geotechnical engineering experience.
• Tender planning and programme development.
• Value engineering.
• NEC and JCT contract knowledge.
• Estimating software experience.
• Microsoft Project or Primavera P6.
• AutoCAD or similar engineering software.

Why Apply?

This is an excellent opportunity to join a respected specialist contractor in a key office‑based role, supporting the successful delivery of technically challenging engineering projects across the UK. You'll be involved from project enquiry through to contract award, helping to shape engineering solutions, develop competitive tenders and support successful project delivery, while benefiting from long‑term career development within a collaborative and growing business.