Pre-Construction Manager

JLL; Greater London; On-site; GBP 65,000 - 85,000; Full time

Job summary

A prominent design and build contractor in the Greater London area seeks a Pre-Construction Manager to lead the pre-construction phase of complex fit-out projects. The successful candidate will focus on cost planning, tender strategy, and supply chain management, ensuring that projects are delivered robustly and profitably. With over 6 years of relevant experience and a degree in a related field, you will play a pivotal role in securing profitable new work. This is an on-site position offering competitive salary and benefits.

Benefits

Competitive salary package

Car allowance

28 days annual leave plus bank holidays

Private medical insurance

Generous pension scheme

Qualifications

• 6+ years’ experience in pre-construction, estimating, or commercial management
• Strong understanding of commercial risk and cost control
• Proven experience in Cat A and Cat B projects

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of detailed cost plans and tender submissions
• Manage subcontractor and supplier enquiries
• Develop pre-contract programmes and procurement schedules

Skills

Cost planning

Tender strategy

Supply chain engagement

Risk management

Negotiation

Education

Degree in a construction-related discipline

MCIOB, RICS, or similar accreditation

Tools

Estimating software

Excel

Job description

Pre-Construction Manager – Tetris UK

About Tetris / JLL

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.

Role 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.

Key Responsibilities

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

Experience & Qualifications

• 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

Technical Knowledge & Skills

• 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

What We Offer

• 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

Location

On-site – London, GBR

If this job description resonates with you, we encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet all of the requirements. We’re interested in getting to know you and what you bring to the table!

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