Job Title: Pre-Construction Manager / Lead Estimator
Location: East of England / London (Hybrid / Office)
Salary: £75,000 – £90,000
Job Type: Full-time, Permanent
The Company
Our client is a premier Main Contractor delivering flagship projects across the Education, Commercial, Healthcare, and Residential sectors. Known for their innovation in sustainable construction and modern methods of delivery (MMC), they have a significant pipeline of high-value framework and private tender opportunities. They are looking for a strategic leader to spearhead their pre-construction function.
The Role
As a Senior Pre-Construction Manager / Lead Estimator, you will be the bridge between the initial bid and the successful start of construction. This is a high-impact leadership role where you will oversee the technical and financial integrity of tenders, manage the pre-construction team, and act as a key advisor to the Board of Directors. You will take ownership of complex, multi-million-pound bids from inception to contract award.
Key Responsibilities
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Strategic Leadership: Lead and mentor the estimating and pre-con team, setting best practices for tender submissions and cost planning.
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Complex Estimating: Produce robust, first-principle estimates for major projects (£10m - £50m+), ensuring commercial viability and competitive edge.
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Risk & Opportunity Management: Conduct deep-dive risk assessments and identify "value engineering" solutions that offer clients better value while protecting company margins.
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Supply Chain Strategy: Leverage high-level relationships with sub-contractors and suppliers to secure market-leading rates and reliable delivery partners.
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PCSA Management: Lead Pre-Construction Services Agreements (PCSAs), managing design development, planning requirements, and site logistics before the main contract begins.
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Client & Stakeholder Management: Act as the primary technical contact for clients, architects, and consultants during the tender stage, leading high-stakes project pitches and adjudications.
The Ideal Candidate
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Proven Track Record: At least 8–10+ years of experience in a senior Pre-Construction or Estimating role for a Tier 2 Main Contractor or SME.
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Technical Excellence: Mastery of JCT and NEC contract forms and a deep understanding of modern construction techniques.
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Commercial Acumen: A natural ability to spot financial risks and opportunities that others miss, with experience in high-value public sector frameworks.
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Software Proficiency: Advanced user of estimating software (e.g., Conquest, Causeway, or CostX) and project planning tools.
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Professional Qualifications: Ideally RICS, MCIOB, or Degree qualified in a relevant field.
What’s on Offer?
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Executive Remuneration: Salary up to £90k plus a comprehensive benefits package.
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Influence: A "seat at the table" where you can shape the company’s regional growth and bidding strategy.
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Projects: The opportunity to lead on some of the most innovative and sustainable builds in London and the East of England.
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Flexibility: A senior level hybrid working model that respects work life balance.
Are you a Pre-Con specialist ready to lead a department? Apply now for a confidential discussion