Pre-Construction Manager

Criterion Capital; Greater London; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Criterion Capital is seeking a dynamic and experienced Pre-Construction Manager to lead the pre-construction phase of office-to-hotel conversions and PRS developments. You will bridge in‑house design, construction, asset management and operations to deliver fully coordinated, buildable designs.

With 5+ years in pre-construction, you will drive plans, budgets and procurement, coordinating architects, engineers and contractors to achieve on-time, on-budget delivery while maintaining stringent risk

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in pre-construction or construction project management.
• Experience managing projects from early design through to construction, ideally including office-to-hotel conversions.
• Strong refurbishment and existing-building experience with understanding of converting existing assets.
• Experience in hotel and/or residential sectors is preferred.
• Proficiency with planning, regulations and cost control.

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-construction phase across multiple office-to-hotel conversion and PRS projects through RIBA Stages 1–3, owning scope, programme and budget.
• Develop and maintain project plans, programmes, milestones and budgets, proactively resolving issues to keep projects on track.
• Coordinate Project Brief and Employer’s Requirements with design, construction, asset management and operations teams.
• Identify and procure surveys, investigations, and enabling works to inform design and de-risk construction.
• Lead coordination of architects, engineers, consultants and contractors, challenging teams on cost, buildability, programme and quality.
• Lead tendering and procurement activities, including contractor engagement, tender analysis and contract recommendations.
• Work with Design and Planning to manage inputs and ensure designs are fully coordinated and buildable before handover.
• Maintain robust project records, risk registers and reporting for a commercially de-risked handover to Construction.

Skills

Pre-construction management

Stakeholder coordination

Budget management

Risk management

Planning

Negotiation

Problem-solving

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management or Civil Engineering

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Procore

Job description

Criterion Capital is seeking a dynamic and experienced Pre-Construction Manager to join our team and play a key role in delivering the pre-construction phase of our office-to-hotel conversion and PRS (Private Rented Sector) development projects.

Working across a business that acts as developer, asset manager and owner/operator of long-term hospitality and residential assets, the Pre-Construction Manager will act as a vital bridge between our in-house design, construction, asset management and operations teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and deliver the pre-construction phase of multiple office-to-hotel conversion and PRS development projects through RIBA Stages 1–3, taking ownership of scope, programme, budget, design coordination and risk.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, programmes, milestones and budgets, proactively identifying and resolving issues to keep projects on track.
• Develop and manage the Project/Client Brief and Employer’s Requirements, coordinating with design, construction, asset management and operations teams to ensure requirements are clearly defined.
• Identify, procure and manage surveys, investigations, technical information and enabling works required to inform the design, de-risk construction and support an efficient transition into delivery.
• Lead and coordinate architects, engineers, specialist consultants, cost consultants and contractors, challenging teams on cost, buildability, programme, quality and operational requirements.
• Lead tendering and procurement activities, including contractor engagement, tender analysis, commercial negotiations and contract recommendations, while maintaining strong commercial control.
• Work closely with Design and Planning teams to manage planning inputs and conditions, ensuring designs are fully coordinated, sufficiently developed and buildable before handover to Construction.
• Maintain robust project records, risk registers and reporting, providing clear updates on progress, decisions, risks and actions, and ensuring a commercially robust, fully de-risked project is handed over to the Construction team.

About You

• A minimum of 5 years’ experience in pre-construction, construction project management or a closely related discipline.
• Proven experience managing projects from early design through to construction, ideally including office-to-hotel conversions.
• Strong refurbishment and existing-building experience, with a good understanding of the challenges associated with converting existing assets.
• Experience in the hotel and/or residential sector is strongly preferred.
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, procurement, buildability, programme management and cost control.
• Proven ability to manage and challenge architects, designers, consultants, cost consultants and contractors effectively.
• Strong commercial, negotiation, decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Good knowledge of planning, building regulations and statutory approvals.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline.
• Proficient in project management and construction software, including MS Project, Primavera, Procore or similar.

The Person

We are looking for a hands‑on doer who takes ownership and is comfortable being accountable for getting projects construction-ready.

You will be someone who:

• Takes responsibility for outcomes rather than simply coordinating activity.
• Challenges poor, incomplete or unrealistic work and drives teams towards solutions.
• Makes informed decisions and keeps projects moving.
• Identifies problems early and resolves them before they reach site.
• Maintains firm control of cost, programme, scope and risk.
• Is confident pushing consultants, contractors and design teams for clear answers and timely decisions.
• Has the commercial awareness to understand where time and cost can be saved without compromising quality or project objectives.
• Closes actions and drives accountability rather than allowing issues to remain open indefinitely.
• Can operate effectively across design, construction, development, asset management and operations teams.
• Understands that speed, cost control and risk management are critical to successful pre‑construction delivery.
• Takes pride in handing over projects that are properly coordinated, fully prepared and ready for construction.
• Ultimately, you will be accountable for ensuring projects reach Construction on time, on budget, with the right scope and design, and with risks identified and appropriately managed