Preconstruction Manager

Unispace Life Sciences; Reading; On-site; GBP 70,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Unispace Life Sciences is seeking an experienced Pre-Construction Manager to lead the full pre-construction process for CAT A and CAT B commercial & laboratory fit-out projects, delivered primarily under JCT Design & Build 2024.

You will own bids from enquiry to contract award, guiding estimating, design, services, procurement and consultant input while acting as the key client-facing figure during tender stage.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in commercial fit-out/interiors contracting.
• Proven delivery of CAT A/B projects under Design & Build.
• Strong understanding of MEP coordination and landlord/base-build interfaces.
• Solid knowledge of JCT Design & Build 2024.
• Experience leading bids from £500k to £10m+.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end pre-contract and bid process for CAT A & B fit-out projects.
• Set bid strategy, programme, resourcing and commercial approach.
• Coordinate estimating, design management, services (MEP), procurement and consultant input.
• Review tender docs, identify risks and opportunities, and produce robust exclusions/clarifications.
• Lead value engineering and alternative proposals where appropriate.
• Oversee supply-chain tendering, evaluation and subcontractor selection.
• Coordinate outline programmes, methodology and logistics strategies.
• Act as senior client-facing contact during tender stage.
• Lead tender interviews and presentations.
• Support commercial negotiations and contract finalisation under JCT D&B 2024.
• Ensure structured handover to project delivery teams.

Skills

Commercial fit-out

CAT A & CAT B

JCT D&B 2024

Estimating & bids

Design management

MEP coordination

Stakeholder management

Education

Construction or Quantity Surveying degree

Tools

MS Office

Bid management tools

Job description

We are seeking an experienced Pre‑Construction Manager to lead the full pre‑construction process for high‑quality CAT A and CAT B commercial & Laboratory fit‑out projects, delivered predominantly under JCT Design & Build 2024.

The Pre‑Construction Manager is a senior, influential role with full ownership of bids from enquiry to contract award, leading estimating, design, services, procurement and consultant engagement, and acting as a key client‑facing figure during the tender stage.

The Pre‑Construction Manager will be responsible for ensuring all bids are commercially sound, fully scoped, buildable, and de risked, and that projects are handed over to delivery teams with clarity and confidence.

Responsibilities include but not limited to

• Lead the end‑to‑end pre‑contract and bid process for CAT A & CAT B fit‑out projects.
• Set bid strategy, programme, resourcing and commercial approach.
• Manage and coordinate estimating, design management, services (MEP), procurement and consultant input.
• Review tender documentation, identify risks and opportunities, and produce robust assumptions, exclusions and clarifications.
• Lead value engineering and alternative proposals where appropriate.
• Oversee supply‑chain tendering, evaluation and subcontractor selection.
• Coordinate outline programmes, methodology and logistics strategies.
• Act as senior point of contact for clients, PMs, QSs, consultants and landlords.
• Lead tender interviews and presentations.
• Support commercial negotiations and contract finalisation under JCT D&B 2024.
• Ensure a structured handover to project delivery teams.

About you

You will be a confident, commercially astute pre‑construction professional with a strong interiors background and the ability to lead multiple tenders at pace.

Experience & Skills

• Extensive experience within commercial fit‑out / interiors contracting
• Proven delivery of CAT A and CAT B projects under Design & Build
• Strong understanding of Fit‑out construction methodology
• Strong understanding of MEP coordination and interfaces
• Strong understanding of Landlord and base‑build constraints
• Solid working knowledge of JCT Design & Build 2024.
• Experience leading bids typically ranging from £500k to £10m+.
• Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
• Able to balance commercial rigor with practical delivery reality.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in Construction, Quantity Surveying, Building Services or similar.
• Professional memberships (RICS / CIOB / CIBSE) desirable but not essential.

What We Offer

• Senior role with real influence over bid strategy and project outcomes.
• Exposure to high quality commercial interiors projects.
• Competitive salary and benefits package (DOE).
• Opportunity to help shape pre contract processes and standards as the business grows.