Pre-Construction Manager

Criterion Capital; Greater London; On-site; GBP 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Criterion Capital is seeking a dynamic Pre-Construction Manager to lead the pre-construction phase of office-to-hotel conversion and PRS development projects. You will bridge design, construction, asset management and operations teams to deliver robust plans.

You will manage scope, programme, budgets and risks, coordinating with architects, engineers and contractors to ensure buildable, fully coordinated designs and commercial control throughout the early delivery stages.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in pre-construction or construction project management.
• Proven track record delivering office-to-hotel conversions.
• Strong refurbishment/existing-building experience and understanding of conversions.
• Experience in hotel or residential sectors preferred.
• Knowledge of planning, regulations and approvals.
• Proficient in project management software (MS Project, Primavera, Procore).

Responsibilities

• Lead pre-construction phase across multiple projects from design through to handover.
• Develop plans, programmes, budgets; track milestones and risks.
• Define Employer’s Requirements and manage design coordination.
• Coordinate surveys, investigations, and enabling works.
• Lead consultants, contractors, and cost consultants; drive value and compliance.
• Oversee tendering, procurement, and contract recommendations.
• Coordinate planning inputs and ensure buildable designs before handover.
• Maintain risk registers and progress reporting for commercial de-risking.

Skills

Pre-construction management

Project coordination

Cost control

Risk management

Negotiation

Cross-functional leadership

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management/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