Description
Costain have won extensive work across the water sector this year to support the AMP 8 investment cycle. We have been appointed by Northumbrian Water to the Living Water Enterprise to help shape and deliver its strategic infrastructure upgrade programme with contracts valued up to c.£670m to Costain over 15 years.
The Preconstruction Manager will support the planning, development, and execution of water infrastructure projects during the preconstruction phase. This role works closely with project managers, estimators, engineers, and external stakeholders to ensure all technical, financial, and logistical elements are thoroughly prepared before construction begins. You will play a key role in gathering project data, managing documentation, coordinating design deliverables, and supporting accurate cost development for water and wastewater facilities, pipelines, pump stations, and related civil infrastructure.
Responsibilities
Preconstruction Planning & Coordination
* Assist in developing preconstruction schedules, workflows, and milestone trackers
* Coordinate with internal teams (engineering, estimating, environmental, operations) to ensure alignment on project requirements
* Facilitate design review meetings, maintain action item logs, and ensure timely delivery of design packages
Document & Data Management
* Manage and maintain project documentation, including specifications, drawings, permits, geotechnical reports, and design revisions
* Organize bid documents, subcontractor information, and project correspondence in collaboration with project managers
* Maintain up-to-date project databases, material logs, and preconstruction tracking tools
Estimating & Procurement Support
* Support the estimating team in obtaining vendor quotes, analysing subcontractor proposals, and preparing quantity take-offs
* Assist in prequalification of subcontractors and suppliers specializing in water and wastewater construction
* Help prepare bid packages, RFQs, and RFPs for materials, equipment, and specialty services
Technical & Regulatory Support
* Review technical requirements, design criteria, and regulatory compliance documents for alignment with water sector standards (e.g., AWWA, EPA, local utilities)
* Coordinate environmental, permitting, and utility agency submissions
* Track risks, constraints, and dependencies related to water infrastructure design
Stakeholder Coordination
* Act as a liaison between design consultants, utility owners, permitting agencies, and the internal project team
* Participate in client meetings, document discussions, and distribute updated project information.
Qualifications
* Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Environmental Engineering, or related field; or relevant experience in the water/wastewater construction industry
* Previous experience in preconstruction, project coordination, engineering support, or construction administration preferred
* Strong understanding of water and wastewater infrastructure components (pipelines, treatment processes, pumping systems, civil/site work)
* Proficiency in construction management software (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam, Primavera, MS Project).
* Excellent communication, organization, and technical writing skills
* Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, specifications, and cost estimates
* Detail-oriented with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities
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