Pre Construction Manager (D&B)

Pre-Construction Manager - D&B\n\nThe Company\n\nOur client is a well-established design and build fit-out contractor delivering high-quality commercial interior projects across London and the South East. With a strong reputation within the workplace and commercial interiors sector, they specialise in delivering Cat A and Cat B office fit-outs for a wide range of corporate and blue-chip clients.\n\nProjects typically range from £1m–£12m and include complex refurbishments, live environments, and fast-track workplace schemes.\n\nThe Role\n\nThe Pre-Construction Manager will take ownership of the pre-construction phase across multiple commercial fit-out projects, leading cost planning, tender strategy, subcontractor engagement, and commercial risk management.\n\nWorking closely with senior leadership, design teams, and delivery teams, this role will play a key part in securing profitable new business opportunities while ensuring commercially viable and deliverable project solutions.\n\nKey Responsibilities\n\nTender Management & Cost Planning\n\nLead cost planning, estimating, and tender submissions for commercial fit-out projects.\nReview architectural, MEP, and contract documentation.\nDevelop cost strategies aligned with client requirements and project briefs.\nPrepare detailed cost breakdowns using estimating software and Excel.\nEnsure competitive tender submissions while maintaining margin protection.\nMonitor budgets and contribute to bid review and go/no-go processes.\n\nSupply Chain & Subcontractor Management\n\nManage subcontractor enquiries across all relevant trades and packages.\nReview tender returns and lead subcontractor negotiations.\nNegotiate commercial terms to achieve best value and minimise risk exposure.\nBuild and maintain strong relationships with supply chain partners and specialist contractors.\n\nPre-Construction Planning & Strategy\n\nDevelop procurement schedules, project programmes, and pre-construction timelines.\nIdentify long-lead items and specialist subcontract packages early within the process.\nSupport logistics planning for constrained or live working environments across London projects.\nCoordinate RFIs and support sustainability and compliance requirements throughout the bid stage.\n\nClient & Stakeholder Engagement\n\nPresent cost plans and tender submissions to clients and senior stakeholders.\nAttend client meetings, interviews, and bid presentations.\nProvide advice on buildability, value engineering, programme, and commercial considerations.\nCoordinate closely with design, commercial, and operational delivery teams.\n\nLeadership & Team Support\n\nMentor junior estimators and commercial team members where required.\nSupport resource allocation across multiple live bids and opportunities.\nPromote consistent commercial and pre-construction processes across the business.\n\nExperience & Requirements\n\n * Minimum 6 years’ experience within pre-construction, estimating, or commercial management in the commercial fit-out sector.\n\n * Strong experience delivering successful bids on Cat A and Cat B office fit-out projects.\n\n * Good understanding of MEP systems and ability to discuss technical elements with clients and consultants.\n\n * Proven track record delivering projects typically ranging from £1m–£5m+, ideally within complex refurbishment or live environments.\n\n * Knowledge of JCT, NEC, and Design & Build contracts.\n\n * Experience using estimating software and strong Excel capability.\n\n * Understanding of BIM workflows and digital take-offs advantageous.\n\n * Strong commercial awareness with the ability to identify and manage project risk.\n\n * Experience with modern construction methods, modular systems, or prefabrication beneficial.\n\n * Professional accreditation such as MCIOB, RICS, or similar preferred.\n\nPackage\n\n * Competitive salary and benefits package\n\n * Car allowance\n\n * Private healthcare and pension scheme\n\n * Ongoing professional development and training support\n\n * Clear long-term progression opportunities\n\n * Modern London office environment with excellent transport links\n\n * Hybrid working available following probation period