Design jobs in United Kingdom

Pre-Construction Manager

Permanent

Oxford (with London travel requirements)

We are seeking an experienced Pre-Construction Manager to oversee the planning and preparation phases of our commercial and laboratory construction projects. The role involves managing budgets, assessing project feasibility, developing detailed construction schedules, and coordinating closely with design teams to ensure projects are delivered efficiently, safely, and to specification. This role is critical in identifying potential challenges early and ensuring that projects proceed smoothly from concept through to construction.

Our client is a full‑service workspace design and build firm, operating across London and Cambridge. They deliver a broad range of commercial projects including:

• Workplace and hybrid office interiors
• Building refurbishments and landlord CAT A+ works
• Custom laboratory and life‑science facilities design and build.
• We handle everything from architectural design and engineering, specification and layout, to construction, offering clients a fully integrated, coordinated solution so that their workspace meets requirements precisely.

• Develop detailed project budgets and schedules, including cost estimates, phasing, and construction timelines.
• Conduct site visits to evaluate feasibility, understand site constraints, and identify potential risks or challenges.
• Collaborate closely with design teams to resolve technical issues, ensure compliance with project requirements, and maintain constructability.
• Negotiate contracts and subcontracts with suppliers, contractors, and other key stakeholders.
• Oversee the preparation and coordination of all pre‑construction documentation, including plans, specifications, and contractual agreements.
• Identify, assess, and manage project risks, ensuring effective mitigation strategies are in place.
• Lead and coordinate the pre‑construction phase, ensuring deliverables are completed on time, within budget, and to the required quality standards.
• Communicate effectively with all stakeholders, including clients, contractors, consultants, and internal teams, to keep everyone aligned on project objectives and progress.

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related discipline.
• Proven experience (typically 5–10 years) in construction project planning and pre‑construction management, ideally within commercial, laboratory, or technical fit‑out environments.
• Strong understanding of construction processes, cost estimating, scheduling, and risk management.
• Excellent leadership, coordination, and team management skills.
• Strong communication and negotiation abilities; comfortable managing multiple stakeholders.
• Detail‑oriented with strong analytical and problem solving skills.
• Familiarity with construction documentation, contracts, and regulatory compliance requirements.
• Experience working alongside design teams and understanding architectural / engineering drawings is highly desirable.