Job Description
Technical Director (Pre-Contracts) – Design & Build Interiors
London SE1 (London Bridge) | Fully Office-Based
Salary: £80,000–£120,000 + commission (OTE £40k)
Hours: 08:30–17:30 (Mon–Fri)
Working pattern: 100% office-based (no WFH/flexible working)
Overview
My client is a leading Design & Build workplace interiors contractor based in SE1, seeking a Technical Director to lead all internal technical and commercial pre-contract activity from tender stage through to adjudication. This is a pivotal appointment for an experienced pre-contract leader who can combine technical credibility, cost control and client-facing confidence in a fast-turnaround D&B environment.
The successful candidate will be comfortable managing multiple tenders at pace, producing accurate pricing and scope documentation, and presenting cost and technical solutions in high-pressure pitch scenarios.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead the technical and commercial pre-contract process from tender stage through to adjudication
* Price tenders in line with the project brief, building constraints and submitted design, ensuring gross profit targets are achievable
* Work closely with internal design stakeholders to ensure all designs are accurate, technically compliant, deliverable, and fully costed
* Build and maintain strong subcontractor relationships to secure best-value commercial terms
* Ensure pitch documentation is produced to deadlines and support rehearsals ahead of client presentations
* Produce tender submissions including pricing, programme and supporting technical information in line with deadlines
* Review contracts to protect business interests and engage external legal support where required
* Ensure gross profit margin requirements are achieved on all tenders
* Lead structured handovers and adjudication meetings in line with internal processes
* Produce pre-contract programmes outlining critical path activities
* Ensure the delivery team fully understands scope, pricing, risks, timeline and project background
* Maintain compliance with internal procedures, CDM requirements, and relevant quality/environment/health & safety standards
* Ensure technical solutions comply with Building Regulations, Planning requirements and Building Control legislation
Candidate Profile
This role will suit a senior pre-contract professional with a commercial interiors Design & Build background, ideally from a Commercial Officer / Preconstruction leadership route, who is now operating at Technical Director / Head of Pre-Contracts level.
Key requirements include:
* Strong experience in cost planning and value engineering
* Proven background in commercial pre-contracts within office/workplace Design & Build
* Detailed knowledge of JCT contracts
* Confident presenter, able to pitch and influence at client level
* Highly driven, organised and comfortable working at pace across multiple tenders
* 5+ years’ industry experience or degree-level qualification
Salary & Benefits
My client offers a competitive salary and commission structure, plus a comprehensive benefits package including:
* Employee Assistance Programme with 24/7 confidential support and wellbeing hub
* Virtual GP service available 24/7 for employee and immediate family
* Complimentary access to independent pensions and mortgage advice
* Life assurance (3x salary after 12 months’ service)
* Season ticket loans and Cycle to Work scheme
* 25 days annual leave plus bank holidays
* Additional Christmas closure days (not deducted from annual leave allowance)
* On-site coffee shop with complimentary tea, coffee, fresh fruit and breakfast
* Company pension scheme via salary sacrifice, with enhanced contributions available
* Trial initiative: office closure on the last Friday of each month (discretionary and subject to business needs)