Pre-construction Manager

McLaughlin & Harvey Ltd; Belfast City District; Hybrid; GBP 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Hybrid working options

Career progression

Job summary

McLaughlin & Harvey’s WorkSpace division is seeking a dedicated Pre-construction Manager responsible for leading the estimating function across high value projects. You will steer bid strategy, oversee tender preparation, and collaborate with the commercial team to ensure competitiveness and profitability on live environments.

Join a forward-thinking company with strong UK/Ireland presence, offering clear progression, a collaborative culture, and flexible/hybrid working options as part of a

Qualifications

• Qualified to high standard in Estimating or Quantity Surveying with proven relevant experience.
• Experience leading and developing an estimating team.
• Experience in bid/tendering processes and strategies.

Responsibilities

• Lead and develop the estimating team to achieve business goals.
• Agree the Bid Win Strategy with the WorkSpace Board.
• Oversee preparation of bids ensuring accuracy and competitiveness.
• Develop a Bid Programme and manage tender progress meetings.
• Identify risks and opportunities and address them with the team.
• Collaborate with Commercial to review contract documents and tender positions.
• Develop strategies with Senior Management to secure competitive quotes.
• Manage tenders from conception to award and handover to the commercial team.
• Develop new business opportunities with existing and new WorkSpace clients.

Skills

Estimating

Quantity Surveying

Team leadership

Bid/tender experience

Communication

Education

RICS/CIOB

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

WorkSpace provides end-to-end solutions across construction, build & fit-out and facilities management.

As a specialist division of McLaughlin & Harvey, we deliver exceptional spaces across every sector - from high-end showrooms and office refurbishments to fast-track retail and public sector projects - often carried out in live environments.

We are a forward-thinking Company with an established presence across the UK and Ireland. Our values We Commit, We Care, We Collaborate shape how we work with our clients, partners, and each other.

As our business continues to grow, we are looking for dedicated individuals who take pride in their work and want to build a rewarding career within a supportive and collaborative environment. We are seeking an Pre-construction Manager to enhance our team and drive success across our high value projects.

• Exciting Projects – Work on varied sector projects and leave a lasting legacy
• Career Growth – Clear progression pathways and continuous professional development
• Collaborative Culture – Be part of a team that values innovation, integrity, and a commitment to excellence
• Competitive Package – Enjoy a competitive salary, great benefits with flexible and hybrid working options (Check out our full list of benefits here:Employee Benefits | McLaughlin & Harvey)

What you will be doing

• Lead and develop the estimating team to achieve the WorkSpace Business goals
• Agree the Bid Win Strategy with the WorkSpace Board
• Oversee the preparation of bids, ensuring all estimates are accurate, competitive, and aligned with client expectations and company’s objectives
• Develop a Bid Programme
• Organise, Chair, and attend tender progress meetings, both internal and external
• Develop a thorough understanding of potential risks and opportunities and ensure the team address them respectively
• Ensure contract documents are thoroughly reviewed and work with Commercial and Estimating team to understand and agree tender position
• Develop strategies with Senior Management Team to ensure we achieve the most competitive quotes by understanding current market trends
• Manage tenders from conception through to award and handover to the commercial team.
• Taking a role in developing new business opportunities with existing and new McLaughlin & Harvey WorkSpace clients alongside the Business Development Director.

What We’re Looking For

• Qualified to high standard in Estimating or Quantity Surveying with proven relevant experience
• Previous experience of working with estimating software packages
• Experience of working on a range of projects small and large – up to £30m
• Experience of working in the fit out/refurbishment sectors.
• Experience in leading and managing a team
• Understanding of two-stage, single stage and negotiated tendering
• Confident communicating with colleagues and senior members of management
• The ability to work to tight deadlines
• Accuracy and attention to detail
• Flexibility in approach
• Strong team ethic
• Desirable membership of RICS / CIOB /A. Cost E

Join us on our journey to #BuildingTogetherUnlockingPotential

McLaughlin and Harvey are an equal opportunities employer who are committed to creating an inclusive and diverse workplace where everyone is treated with dignity and respect. We welcome applications from all suitably qualified candidates regardless of backgrounds, experiences, and identities. We believe that diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us deliver better outcomes for our people, our clients, and the communities in which we work.

We take responsibility for always striving to create a collaborative and inclusive environment that makes every employee and candidate feel welcome. As a Disability Confident employer, we are committed to inclusive and accessible recruitment where we will provide all reasonable adjustments at interview stage and beyond and commit to extending an interview to disabled candidates who meet the minimum job role requirements.