Pre-Construction Manager

Jll; City of Westminster; On-site; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading real estate services firm in the UK seeks a Pre-Construction Manager to oversee the pre-construction phase of complex fit-out projects. This role involves cost planning, tender management, and stakeholder engagement, requiring at least 6 years of experience in a similar environment. Candidates should possess strong analytical skills, a degree in a related field, and a proven track record of delivering bids successfully. In return, the company offers competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for professional development.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Car allowance

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private medical insurance

Generous pension scheme

Ongoing professional development

Qualifications

• 6+ years' experience in pre-construction or commercial management within the London fit-out sector.
• Proven track record on projects typically £1m-£5m+ with complex refurbishments.
• Strong understanding of commercial risk and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preparation of detailed cost plans and tender submissions.
• Manage subcontractor and supplier inquiries across all trade packages.
• Develop pre-contract programs and procurement schedules.

Skills

Cost planning

Risk management

Supply chain engagement

Analytical skills

Communication skills

Detail-oriented

Education

Degree in a construction-related discipline

Professional accreditation (MCIOB, RICS, etc.)

Tools

Estimating software

Advanced Excel

Job description

Overview

The Pre-Construction Manager will play a role within the Estimating and Tendering function, with responsibility for leading the pre-construction phase of complex fit-out projects. The role focuses on cost planning, tender strategy, supply chain engagement, risk management, and effective handover into delivery teams. Working closely with the Head of Pre-Construction, Design Director, Head of Build, and Business Development teams, the role will influence bid strategy, ensure commercial robustness, and support the securing of profitable new work.

Tender Management & Cost Planning

• Lead the preparation of detailed cost plans, estimates, and tender submissions for fit-out projects typically ranging from £1m-£5m+
• Review and analyse architectural, structural, and MEP information, employer's requirements, fit-out guides, and contract documentation
• Interpret client briefs and develop aligned cost strategies during bid and pre-contract stages
• Produce detailed cost breakdowns, work packages, and pricing schedules (primarily using Excel and estimating software)
• Develop pricing strategies that balance competitiveness with margin protection
• Maintain and update pre-construction budgets through design development
• Prepare and contribute to go / no-go bid assessments
• Support and attend internal tender reviews and pitch rehearsals

Supply Chain & Subcontractor Management

• Manage subcontractor and supplier enquiries across all trade packages
• Assess and compare subcontractor tender returns, including technical and commercial reviews
• Lead subcontractor interviews and challenge scope, pricing, and programme assumptions
• Negotiate commercial terms to achieve best value and reduce risk
• Develop and maintain strong relationships with key supply chain partners
• Support preferred supplier list (PSL) development in collaboration with procurement and supply chain leads

Pre-Construction Planning & Strategy

• Develop pre-contract programmes, procurement schedules, and design development timelines
• Identify long-lead items, temporary works requirements, and specialist subcontract packages
• Prepare logistics strategies for constrained and complex London sites
• Coordinate RFI processes during pre-construction
• Support the preparation of method statements and buildability reviews
• Ensure sustainability requirements (BREEAM, LEED, WELL) are understood and integrated into pre-construction planning

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

• Prepare and present pre-contract cost information and tender submissions to clients
• Attend and contribute to client interviews and bid presentations
• Provide buildability, cost, and value engineering advice during the bid and pre-contract phase
• Coordinate closely with design, commercial, and delivery teams to ensure alignment
• Support business development activity through technical and commercial input

Contract & Handover

• Support collation and review of pre-contract documentation, including scopes, specifications, and schedules
• Assist with contract particulars, amendments, and collateral warranty requirements in coordination with legal and commercial teams
• Ensure accurate and structured handover of all pre-construction information to project delivery teams
• Attend initial post-handover meetings to ensure continuity and clarity

Leadership & Team Management

• Mentor estimators and/or Junior commercial team members
• Allocate resources across multiple bids and pre-construction activities
• Support the development and upskilling of junior commercial staff
• Promote consistent processes, standards, and best practice across the estimating function
• Contribute to wider commercial strategy and forecasting at senior level

Health, Safety & Compliance

• Ensure pre-construction activities comply with CDM regulations and JLL health and safety standards
• Support compliance with Building Regulations, Planning conditions, and statutory requirements
• Adhere to JLL policies relating to governance, compliance, sustainability, and ethics

Qualifications & Technical Knowledge

• 6+ years' experience in pre-construction, estimating, or commercial management within the London fit-out sector
• Proven experience delivering successful bids on Cat A and Cat B projects
• Track record on projects typically £1m-£5m+, with exposure to complex refurbishments and live environments
• Strong understanding of commercial risk and cost control
• Degree-qualified in a construction-related discipline or equivalent
• MCIOB, RICS, or similar professional accreditation preferred
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, materials, and London market rates
• Working knowledge of MEP systems and ability to discuss them at a high level with clients
• Experience with estimating software and advanced Excel
• Familiarity with BIM-based take-offs and digital workflows preferred
• Knowledge of JCT, NEC, and Design & Build contracts
• Understanding of modern construction techniques, including modular and prefabrication

Personal Attributes

• Clear and confident communicator
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Detail-oriented with a structured approach
• Able to work under pressure and manage competing deadlines
• Collaborative and professional working style
• Commercially astute and pragmatic

Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• Car allowance
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with option to purchase additional days)
• Private medical insurance, life assurance, and wellbeing support
• Generous pension scheme
• Ongoing professional development and support for professional memberships
• Clear progression opportunities within JLL and Tetris UK
• Central London office with excellent transport links

Our people at JLL are shaping the future of real estate for a better world by combining world class services, advisory and technology for our clients. We are committed to hiring the best, most talented people and empowering them to thrive, grow meaningful careers and to find a place where they belong. Whether you've got deep experience in commercial real estate, skilled trades or technology, or you're looking to apply your relevant experience to a new industry, join our team as we help shape a brighter way forward. Tetris UK is a leading design and build fit-out contractor operating within JLL, delivering high-quality interior solutions across the commercial and retail sectors. With over 20 years of industry experience, Tetris has built a strong reputation for delivering complex Cat A and Cat B projects for blue-chip clients across London and the South East. Typical project values range from £1m to £12m, with a significant proportion of work secured through repeat business.

As the business continues to grow, Tetris UK is strengthening its pre-construction capability to ensure robust commercial governance, accurate cost planning, and consistent bid performance aligned with JLL standards and values. Jones Lang LaSalle (JLL), together with its subsidiaries and affiliates, is a leading global provider of real estate and investment management services. We take our responsibility to protect the personal information provided to us seriously. Generally the personal information we collect from you are for the purposes of processing in connection with JLL's recruitment process. We endeavour to keep your personal information secure with appropriate level of security and keep for as long as we need it for legitimate business or legal reasons. We will then delete it safely and securely.

Note

• Competitive salary package
• Car allowance
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays (with option to purchase additional days)
• Private medical insurance, life assurance, and wellbeing support
• Generous pension scheme
• Ongoing professional development and support for professional memberships
• Clear progression opportunities within JLL and Tetris UK
• Central London office with excellent transport links