Join to apply for the Head of Pre-Construction role at STRABAG UK.
We are looking for an experienced Pre-Construction Director to lead a centralised function that operates across multiple Business Units and reports to Sub‑Division Management. The role sets strategy and governance for all pre‑award activity, from opportunity shaping to contract execution, driving disciplined selection, margin protection, design certainty and predictable delivery outcomes in line with People • Planet • Progress and the 9 Guiding Principles.
Responsibilities
* Provide visible leadership for health, safety and wellbeing in all preconstruction activities; ensure Safety by Design, CDM compliance and quality are embedded in bids and pre‑award delivery planning.
* Lead the development and execution of the FY26+ preconstruction strategy, including pipeline shaping, sector/region prioritisation and stage‑gate governance across all BUs.
* Act as functional lead for estimating, pre‑award planning, design management/technical assurance, proposals, and pre‑award procurement; set standards, templates and KPIs for a consistent approach nationwide.
* Run disciplined bid/no‑bid and pursuit planning aligned to capability, capacity, risk appetite and target margins; chair stage‑gates (PQQ → ITT → BAFO/Negotiation → Contract Execution).
* Oversee estimating and cost planning standards (WBS, benchmarking, first‑principles pricing), validating prelims, logistics, productivity, inflation and ESG allowances; direct tender programmes, construction methodology, logistics and resource planning; assure buildability, access/temporary works and commissioning strategies are defined pre‑award.
* Lead design management and technical assurance from concept through IFC alignment; define the DRM, BIM Execution Plan and digital reviews/clash detection to ISO 19650; promote early contractor involvement, two‑stage procurement and pre‑services agreements; ensure clear client win themes and value propositions per pursuit.
* Set category strategies and market testing for key trades and OEM packages; ensure due diligence, ESG performance and modern slavery compliance of the supply chain.
* Collaborate with Frameworks, Central Services and BU leaders to align resources and secure repeatable, framework‑led growth.
* Mentor and coach preconstruction managers and bid teams; build capability, succession and a high‑performing, inclusive culture across regions and BUs.
* Establish data and digital tools for single‑source tender data, bid libraries and lessons learned; track win/loss insights and tender vs. outturn variance to drive continuous improvement.
* Ensure robust contract, commercial and insurance positions with deviation logs and approvals; hand over cleanly to Delivery with zero surprises.
* Champion carbon‑aware design optioneering, social value and ED&I commitments in tender solutions and client proposals.
* Report with authority to Sub‑Division leadership on preconstruction strategy, pipeline, risk, ESG and client outcomes.
Skills & Qualifications
Required:
* Degree in Engineering, Construction, Quantity Surveying, Business or related discipline.
* Extensive leadership of preconstruction across multi‑disciplinary bids (£20m–£300m+), including two‑stage and framework call‑offs.
* Strong commercial and contractual literacy (NEC/JCT; JV/FIDIC); risk, insurance and bonding.
* Deep understanding of estimating, cost planning, planning and buildability; proven ability to protect margin through target value design.
* Track record of managing client and operator relationships at senior levels.
* CDM 2015, Safety by Design and quality assurance understanding; ability to embed HSSE in pre‑award stages.
* Digital/BIM fluency and ISO 19650 awareness; competence with common data environments and 4D/tender planning tools.
* Track record of leading and coaching regional/bid teams; building capability and consistent standards.
* Ability to align Central Services expertise with operational delivery requirements.
* Excellent communication and influencing skills with clients, consultants, partners and supply chain at senior level.
* Chartered status (CIOB / RICS / ICE / CEng) or progress toward it.
* FIDIC/JV contracting experience; experience of alliancing and target cost models.
* Sector breadth across building and infrastructure civils; commissioning and MEP integration literacy.
* Demonstrable experience of ECI/two‑stage procurement and pre‑services agreements.
* Knowledge of carbon accounting (LCA/LCC), social value measurement and ED&I in bids.
* Advanced data skills (Power BI or equivalent) for pipeline, win/loss and variance analysis.
Seniority level
Director
Employment type
Full‑time
Job function
Construction and Civil Engineering
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