Pre-Contract Manager
Location: Reading, RG7 2BJ
Salary: £80,000 £95,000 + Package
Working Pattern: Hybrid 3 days office / 2 days WFH (flexible and open to discussion)
About the Role
We are seeking an accomplished Pre-Contract Manager to take full ownership of the pre-construction lifecycle for high-quality CAT A and CAT B commercial and laboratory fit-out projects.
This is a senior, high-impact role with significant influence across the business. You will lead bids from initial enquiry through to contract award, overseeing estimating, design coordination, MEP input, procurement strategy and consultant engagement, while acting as a key client-facing lead throughout the tender stage.
The Opportunity
You will ensure every bid is commercially robust, technically coordinated, fully scoped and effectively de-risked. A core element of the role is delivering a structured and confident handover to project delivery teams, setting projects up for successful execution.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the end-to-end pre-contract and tender process for CAT A & CAT B fit-out projects
* Define bid strategy, programme, resource allocation and commercial approach
* Coordinate estimating, design management, MEP/services input, procurement and consultant teams
* Review tender documentation to identify risks, opportunities, assumptions, exclusions and clarifications
* Drive value engineering initiatives and alternative proposals where appropriate
* Oversee supply chain tendering, evaluation and subcontractor selection
* Develop outline programmes, construction methodologies and logistics strategies
* Act as senior point of contact for clients, project managers, quantity surveyors, consultants and landlords
* Lead tender interviews and presentations
* Support commercial negotiations and contract finalisation under JCT Design & Build 2024
* Ensure a comprehensive and structured handover to project delivery teams
About You
You are a commercially astute and confident pre-construction professional with strong interiors experience and the ability to lead multiple tenders in a fast-paced environment. You combine commercial rigour with practical delivery awareness and stakeholder confidence.
Experience & Skills
* 710+ years experience within commercial fit-out/interiors contracting
* Proven delivery of CAT A and CAT B projects under Design & Build
* Strong understanding of:
o Fit-out construction methodology
o MEP coordination and interface management
o 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
* Ability to balance commercial discipline with buildability
Qualifications
* Degree (or equivalent experience) in Construction, Quantity Surveying, Building Services or similar discipline
* Professional memberships (RICS / CIOB / CIBSE) desirable but not essential
Should you be interested please submit your direct application to or call 07700106035
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