Pre Contracts Manager

Cottrell Moore Ltd; Colchester; Hybrid; GBP 40,000 - 45,000; Full time

Job summary

A construction management company in the United Kingdom is seeking a Pre-Contracts Manager to lead projects from initial client contact through the pre-contract phase. This role involves managing design coordination, pricing, and client negotiations, as well as overseeing supplier networks. The ideal candidate will have strong commercial awareness and proven experience in cost management. Benefits include generous holidays and optional private medical insurance, with a focus on operational efficiency and business growth.

Benefits

Generous holidays starting from 33 days

Birthday leave

Tax Free EOT Bonus

Group Life Assurance

Social events organised by our Social Committee

Optional private medical insurance

Long service awards every 5 years

Employee of the Quarter programme

Free tea, coffee, snacks

Beer Fridge Fridays

Referral programme

Pirkx benefits from day one

Auto-enrolment pension (3% employer contribution)

Qualifications

• Strong background in construction, ideally within commercial fit-out.
• Proven experience in pricing, scoping, and cost management.
• Confident people manager with experience overseeing supplier frameworks.
• Clear, confident communicator with clients and internal teams.
• Comfortable using commercial systems such as Synergist or similar.

Responsibilities

• Lead all pricing, cost control, and commercial elements of projects.
• Manage and negotiate supplier and subcontractor contracts.
• Oversee accurate contract preparation and smooth handover.
• Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and partners.
• Lead tender and framework submissions.

Skills

Commercial awareness

Negotiation skills

People management

Attention to detail

Organisational skills

Education

Project or Construction Management qualification

Health & Safety qualifications

CSCS Card

Tools

Synergist or similar commercial systems

Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)

Job description

Job Title: Pre-Contracts Manager

Location: Feering, Essex CO5 9SE

Hybrid: Monday - Friday 9:00AM - 5:30PM (Monday and Thursday in office)

Salary: GBP40,000 - GBP45,000

About The Role:

As Pre-Contracts Manager, you’ll lead projects from initial client contact through pre-contract and into construction. You’ll manage design coordination, technical input, pricing, client negotiations, and contract completion.

You’ll oversee and develop our supplier network, securing best value through strong relationships and effective negotiation. Working closely with the Operations Director, you’ll support operational efficiency and business growth.

You’ll work alongside Design and Project Delivery teams to identify new opportunities and deliver successful outcomes, requiring strong organisation, attention to detail, and a focus on adding value for clients and the business.

Benefits:

• Generous Holidays starting from 33 days per annum
• Birthday leave (post-probation)
• Tax Free EOT Bonus
• Group Life Assurance
• Social events organised by our Social Committee
• Optional private medical insurance after 1 year
• Long service awards every 5 years
• Employee of the Quarter programme
• Free tea, coffee, snacks, kitchen facilities, and breakout spaces
• Beer Fridge Fridays
• Referral programme
• Pirkx benefits from day one
• Auto-enrolment pension (3% employer contribution after 3 months)

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead all pricing, cost control, and commercial elements of projects, ensuring profitability and budget alignment
• Manage and negotiate supplier and subcontractor contracts, frameworks, and material costs
• Oversee accurate contract preparation and smooth handover to project delivery teams
• Build strong relationships with clients, suppliers, and partners, communicating technical detail clearly
• Lead tender and framework submissions and attend client and supplier meetings as required

Requirements:

• Strong background in construction, ideally within commercial fit-out
• Proven experience in pricing, scoping, and cost management
• Confident people manager with experience overseeing supplier frameworks
• Excellent commercial awareness and negotiation skills
• Clear, confident communicator with clients and internal teams
• Highly organised with strong attention to detail
• Comfortable using commercial systems such as Synergist or similar
• Strong Microsoft Office skills (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams)
• Project or Construction Management qualification (desirable)
• CSCS Card (desirable)
• Health & Safety qualifications (desirable)
• Full UK driving licence