The Opportunity
If you have a mechanical background and have been working at the intersection of estimating, design and pre-construction, this is a role that should make sense on paper.
Our client is a well-established M&E building services contractor based on the Wirral, with over 60 years in the industry and a project portfolio that spans build to rent, purpose-built student accommodation, education, commercial fit-out and facilities management. They have invested significantly in their pre-construction capability in recent years and are now looking for an experienced Pre-Construction Manager to lead that function and help shape how the business wins work going forward.
It is a permanent role, based from their Wirral office, offering £70,000 to £75,000 plus a full benefits package. The mechanical bias is important: the right candidate will have come through the mechanical side and have a solid understanding of how mechanical packages are put together at tender and pre-contract stage.
About the Business
Founded in the 1960s, our client has grown from a regional mechanical services contractor into one of the North West’s most diverse M&E businesses. Their mechanical heritage remains the core of what they do, but they have expanded considerably, bringing electrical services fully in-house and building out a growing decarbonisation and renewable technology offering alongside their traditional building services work.
Their project portfolio is notably varied. They are active in the BTR and PBSA markets with multi-million-pound mechanical packages, deliver across education and commercial sectors, and hold places on several significant public sector procurement frameworks. That breadth of work means the pre-construction function handles a genuinely diverse mix of bids, sectors and contract types.
The business has recently gone through a management buyout and is in a clear period of growth, with new senior hires reinforcing the commercial and delivery teams. For a pre-construction professional looking for a role with real influence over how a business develops its pipeline, the timing is well suited.
What You'll Be Doing
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Leading pre-construction activity across a range of M&E projects, with particular focus on mechanical packages
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Managing the tender process from initial enquiry through to submission, coordinating input from estimating, design and delivery teams
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Preparing and reviewing mechanical estimates, ensuring pricing is accurate, competitive and properly risk-assessed
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Driving value engineering and buildability reviews during the pre-construction phase
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Developing and maintaining relationships with clients, consultants and main contractors through the bid process
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Working closely with the design team to ensure technical submissions are aligned with cost plans and programme
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Reviewing contract terms and flagging commercial risks ahead of award
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Contributing to the development of pre-construction processes, tools and standards across the business
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Supporting post-tender negotiations and handover to the delivery team on awarded projects
What We're Looking For
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A mechanical background is essential, with a clear understanding of how mechanical M&E packages are priced and programmed
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Demonstrable experience in a pre-construction, estimating or bid management role within an M&E contracting environment
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Comfortable leading the tender process across a varied mix of project types, sectors and values
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Strong on value engineering, risk identification and commercial review at pre-contract stage
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Confident engaging with clients, design teams and main contractors throughout the bid process
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Relevant mechanical or M&E qualifications
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Full UK driving licence
What's on Offer
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£70,000 - £75,000 depending on experience
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Full company benefits package
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A genuine leadership role in a function the business is actively investing in
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Varied bid portfolio spanning BTR, PBSA, education, commercial and public sector
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A well-established contractor with a strong regional reputation and a clear growth trajectory