Pre Construction Manager

Cityscape Recruitment; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 80,000 - 100,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable construction firm is seeking a Pre-construction Manager in London to lead pre-construction activities for commercial fit-out projects. This role involves managing client communications, coordinating with design teams, and producing key deliverables. Candidates should possess over 8 years of relevant experience, strong skills in cost planning, procurement, and stakeholder management. The position offers a hybrid working model, competitive salary, and comprehensive benefits, promoting a people-first culture with opportunities for career progression.

Benefits

Competitive base salary

Annual performance bonus

Hybrid working model

Comprehensive benefits package

Qualifications

• 8+ years of proven experience in pre-construction, estimating, or planning within commercial fit-out or refurbishment.
• Strong commercial understanding of cost planning, procurement, and value engineering.
• Excellent communication skills and ability to lead cross-functional teams.

Responsibilities

• Manage all pre-construction activities from initial client brief to contract handover.
• Lead the pre-construction and tender process for major fit-out and refurbishment schemes.
• Oversee procurement strategy and subcontractor engagement.

Skills

Stakeholder management

Cost planning

Value engineering

Problem-solving

Collaboration

Education

Professional qualifications such as RICS, CIOB or NEBOSH

Job description

ABOUT THE COMPANY

You’ll be joining an established and respected commercial fit‑out and design & build business with a proven track record delivering exceptional interior spaces for some of the UK's most recognisable brands.

Founded in 2004, the company has built a strong reputation for providing integrated design, project management and construction solutions. They specialise in high-quality workplace environments, refurbishments and turnkey fit‑outs across corporate, creative, and commercial sectors.

The business prides itself on a culture of quality, integrity, accountability and collaboration — values that sit at the core of everything they do. Their people are passionate about creating exceptional workspaces that inspire productivity, creativity, and connection.

This is a company with the scale and structure to deliver large, complex projects — but with the agility and personal touch of an independent firm where your contribution truly matters.

ABOUT THE ROLE

We are seeking an experienced Pre‑construction Manager to join the team and lead the front‑end of commercial fit‑out and refurbishment projects across the UK.

In this key role, you’ll be responsible for managing all pre‑construction activities — from initial client brief and tender through to contract handover. You’ll work closely with estimating, design and delivery teams to ensure projects are commercially sound, technically achievable and ready for execution.

Key responsibilities include:

• Leading the pre‑construction and tender process for major fit‑out and refurbishment schemes.
• Developing cost plans, budgets, risk registers and pre‑construction programmes.
• Coordinating with design and technical teams to ensure buildability and commercial alignment.
• Overseeing procurement strategy, value engineering and subcontractor engagement.
• Producing detailed pre‑construction deliverables including health & safety, logistics and sustainability plans.
• Managing client communication throughout the pre‑construction phase and ensuring expectations are met.
• Supporting smooth project handover into the construction phase, maintaining continuity and clarity.

This role offers significant scope to influence process improvement, client strategy, and overall project success. You’ll work closely with senior leadership and have visibility across some of the company's flagship fit‑out projects.

REQUIREMENTS

• Proven experience (ideally 8+ years) in pre‑construction, estimating or planning within commercial fit‑out or refurbishment.
• Strong commercial understanding of cost planning, procurement and value engineering.
• Technical knowledge of interior construction and building services (MEP).
• Excellent stakeholder management and communication skills.
• A collaborative, proactive mindset with the ability to influence and lead cross‑functional teams.
• Strong organisational and problem‑solving abilities, with a keen eye for detail.
• Professional qualifications such as RICS, CIOB or NEBOSH are advantageous.
• Based in or commutable to London, with flexibility to travel to project sites nationwide as required.

REWARDS AND BENEFITS

This is a business that truly values its people and fosters a collaborative, forward‑thinking culture.

• Competitive base salary (depending on experience) plus annual performance bonus.
• Hybrid working model combining office, site and home‑based flexibility.
• Exposure to high‑profile commercial interiors and workplace transformation projects.
• Clear career progression routes into senior management.
• Comprehensive benefits package including pension, private healthcare and wellbeing initiatives.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• A people‑first culture built on transparency, trust and innovation.
• Opportunities to contribute to continuous improvement and the company's long‑term growth strategy.