Pre-Construction Manager – D&B

Overview

As Pre-Construction Manager, you lead cost planning, tender strategy, and risk management for complex fit-out projects in London. You will shape bid strategy and commercial robustness within the Estimating and Tendering function, collaborating with design, delivery, and business development teams. The role emphasizes aligning pre-construction outputs with project delivery and JLL standards to win profitable work. You’ll work on Cat A/B projects with a strong governance and sustainability focus, delivering measurable impact on margins and delivery quality.

Pay / Benefits

• competitive salary package
• car allowance
• 28 days annual leave plus bank holidays
• private medical insurance
• life assurance
• wellbeing support

Responsibilities

• Lead preparation of cost plans, estimates, and tender submissions for fit-out projects typically 1m–5m+
• Review architectural, structural, MEP information, employer’s requirements, and contract docs
• Develop aligned cost strategies during bid and pre-contract stages
• Produce detailed cost breakdowns, work packages, and pricing schedules (Excel and estimating software)
• Develop pricing strategies balancing competitiveness with margin protection
• Maintain and update pre-construction budgets through design development
• Prepare and contribute to go/no-go bid assessments
• Support internal tender reviews and pitch rehearsals
• Manage subcontractor and supplier enquiries across all trade packages
• Assess and compare subcontractor tenders and negotiate commercial terms
• Lead subcontractor interviews and challenge scope, pricing, and programme assumptions
• Develop and maintain relationships with key supply chain partners
• Support PSL development with procurement and supply chain leads
• Develop pre-contract programmes, procurement schedules, and design timelines
• Identify long-lead items, temporary works, and specialist packages
• Prepare logistics strategies for constrained London sites
• Coordinate RFI processes during pre-construction
• Support method statements and buildability reviews
• Ensure sustainability requirements (BREEAM, LEED, WELL) are integrated in planning
• Prepare and present pre-contract cost information and tender submissions to clients
• Attend client interviews and bid presentations
• Provide buildability, cost, and value engineering advice during bid/pre-contract
• Coordinate with design, commercial, and delivery teams for alignment
• Support business development with technical and commercial input
• Assist with collation and review of pre-contract docs and schedules
• Ensure accurate handover of pre-construction information to delivery teams
• Attend post-handover meetings for continuity

Key requirements

• 6+ years in pre-construction, estimating, or commercial management within London fit-out
• Proven track record delivering bids on Cat A and Cat B projects
• Experience with 1m–5m+ projects including refurbishments and live environments
• Strong understanding of commercial risk and cost control
• Degree in construction-related discipline or equivalent
• MCIOB, RICS, or similar accreditation preferred

• Clear and confident communicator
• Analytical and problem-solving mindset
• Detail-oriented with structured approach
• Strong knowledge of construction methods and materials
• Knowledge of MEP systems and ability to discuss with clients
• Experience with estimating software and advanced Excel

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