Pre-Construction Manager

Accountancy Action - Your Specialist Finance Recruitment Partner; Greater London; Hybrid; GBP 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus scheme with OTE up to £125,000

Hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days remote)

Job summary

Accountancy Action - Your Specialist Finance Recruitment Partner is seeking an experienced Pre-Construction Director in Greater London to lead front-end Design & Build office fit-out projects. This senior role requires expertise in pre-construction management, robust pricing strategies, and relationship building with clients and stakeholders. The position offers a hybrid working model, with a bonus scheme providing on-target earnings of up to £125,000. Ideal candidates will have a strong background in office fit-outs and proven leadership skills.

Qualifications

• Senior pre-construction experience is required.
• Strong track record in pricing and commercial management.
• Knowledge of UK building regulations and landlord approval processes is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full pre-construction lifecycle across multiple projects.
• Oversee internal teams and external consultants in project execution.
• Ensure pricing is accurate and reflects all project constraints.

Skills

Senior pre-construction experience within office fit out (CAT A / CAT B)

Strong track record in Design & Build pricing

Excellent commercial awareness and risk management

Strong communication and negotiation skills

Job description

Location: London (hybrid working – 3 days in the office, 2 days from home, with travel to project sites as required)

We are recruiting on behalf of our client for an experienced Pre-Construction Director to lead the front-end of Design & Build office fit out projects.

Role Overview

This is a senior role responsible for converting opportunities into secured work through strong commercial leadership, accurate pricing, and effective management of the pre-construction process.

You will oversee all pre-construction activity from initial enquiry through to contract execution, ensuring projects are commercially robust, technically coordinated, and aligned with client and landlord requirements.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full pre-construction lifecycle across multiple projects
• Oversee internal teams (estimating, design, commercial) and external consultants
• Drive programme, procurement strategy, and risk management from the outset
• Chair internal tender reviews and pre-start handover meetings

Pricing & Commercial Strategy

• Take ownership of pricing Design & Build CAT A, CAT A+, and CAT B office fit out projects
• Produce and review detailed cost plans, tenders, and value engineering proposals
• Manage supply chain engagement and subcontractor pricing strategies
• Lead cost adjudication meetings and ensure alignment with project scope
• Ensure pricing reflects programme constraints, risk, and delivery strategy

Design & Build Coordination

• Manage design development from concept through to construction issue
• Ensure buildability, compliance, and cost alignment at every stage
• Coordinate with designers, M&E consultants, and subcontractors
• Identify and mitigate design risks early

License to Alter (LTA) & Landlord Approvals

• Lead License to Alter submissions for tenant fit out projects
• Liaise with landlords, managing agents, and professional teams
• Ensure all design information meets building and landlord requirements
• Track approvals and manage revisions to maintain programme

Contract Negotiation & Agreement

• Lead negotiation and agreement of Design & Build contracts
• Manage risk allocation, amendments, and clarifications
• Work closely with legal and commercial teams to finalise agreements

Client & Stakeholder Management

• Act as key point of contact during pre-construction phase
• Build strong relationships with clients, agents, landlords, and consultants
• Present proposals, programmes, and cost plans confidently
• Support business development activity to secure new work

Handover to Delivery Team

• Ensure structured handover from pre-construction to delivery
• Provide clear scope, cost, programme, and risk position
• Align all stakeholders prior to site mobilisation

Key Requirements

Experience

• Senior pre-construction experience within office fit out (CAT A / CAT B)
• Strong track record in Design & Build pricing
• Experience managing License to Alter processes
• Background in estimating, commercial management, or project delivery

Technical Knowledge

• Strong understanding of office fit out methodologies
• Knowledge of M&E systems and coordination
• UK building regulations and landlord approval processes
• Procurement and supply chain management experience Ability to interpret technical drawings and specifications
• Strong cost planning and pricing capability
• Excellent commercial awareness and risk management
• Ability to lead teams and manage stakeholders effectively
• Strong communication and negotiation skills
• Experience working with London landlords and managing agents
• Established network within the fit out supply chain
• Exposure to business development activity

What Success Looks Like

• Strong conversion from enquiry to secured projects
• Accurate and commercially robust pricing
• Smooth transition into delivery phase
• Strong client relationships and repeat business
• Effective risk management across projects

Package

• Bonus scheme with OTE up to £125,000
• Hybrid working (3 days office / 2 days remote)