Pre-Construction Manager

Pre-Construction Manager Infrastructure Division Location: UK (project-dependent) Hours: 08:00 – 17:30 Salary: Competitive + package (PAYE or Contract considered) The Opportunity We are seeking an experienced Pre-Construction Manager to lead the end-to-end operational and technical pre-construction process across major infrastructure schemes. This is a pivotal leadership role, responsible for shaping winning bid strategies, aligning technical delivery with commercial objectives, and ensuring high-quality, compliant and competitive submissions across complex civils projects. The successful candidate will operate at a senior level, influencing directors, engaging directly with clients and frameworks, and leading multidisciplinary teams to secure work across highways, rail, water, energy and enabling works sectors. The Role Reporting to the Commercial Director and Head of Pre-Construction, you will take ownership of allocated infrastructure bids from early client engagement through to tender settlement and post-submission follow-up. You will be responsible for: Leading bid/no-bid decisions and strategic bid planning sessions Managing all operational tender inputs including programme, methodology, BIM, resources and sequencing Producing and managing detailed tender methodologies Developing and coordinating tender programmes (including producing programmes where required) Aligning methodology and programme with pricing, labour outputs and commercial assumptions Reviewing preliminaries, commercial models and risk allowances Ensuring full compliance with client specifications, scoring matrices and submission protocols Supporting value engineering, innovation and alternative technical proposals Leading internal governance, approvals and risk reviews Presenting operational and technical tender settlements to Directors Representing the business at client briefings, forums and industry events Maintaining ownership of submitted tenders and monitoring progress You will act as the operational face of the business from pre- to post-tender stage. Key Responsibilities Bid & Strategy Leadership Lead pre-construction across allocated infrastructure bids Shape winning strategies aligned to client drivers and evaluation criteria Support pipeline development through early engagement with clients and framework managers Programme & Technical Integration Coordinate planning, design management and construction methodology Ensure clear alignment between programme, price and delivery strategy Manage multidisciplinary input from estimating, planning, operations and supply chain Commercial & Risk Oversight Review commercial models, preliminaries and risk allowances Challenge assumptions to strengthen bid competitiveness Maintain governance and assurance throughout the tender lifecycle Client & Market Engagement Engage with clients, consultants and stakeholders pre- and during tender Maintain awareness of competitor positioning and market trends Contribute to business development and strategic growth About You You will bring: A minimum of 8 years’ experience within pre-construction and/or senior operational or commercial roles in civils or infrastructure A proven track record of leading and winning major infrastructure bids Strong knowledge of estimating, planning, design coordination and bid writing Excellent understanding of infrastructure construction methodologies Solid commercial acumen and risk management capability Experience working under NEC3/NEC4 (JCT and bespoke forms advantageous) Strong presentation, communication and influencing skills Confidence managing senior stakeholders and cross-functional teams Experience across major infrastructure frameworks (e.g. rail, highways, water, public sector programmes) is highly desirable. Qualifications Essential: Degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management or related discipline Significant infrastructure pre-construction experience Desirable: Chartered status (MCIOB, MICE, RICS) NEC3/NEC4 contract training Experience with public sector frameworks Why Apply? Exposure to nationally significant infrastructure schemes Leadership-level influence within a growing division Varied and complex project portfolio Strong package and long-term career pathway