Pre-Construction Project Manager

About the role

To support the Bid Team in securing civil engineering opportunities and leading successful two-stage bids through Stage 1. The role will coordinate the design, pricing, programme, procurement and risk process to develop a buildable and commercially robust solution, ready for a controlled handover to the delivery team for Stage 2 construction.

Location

• Bowburn

What we will expect from you

Tender management:

• Review tender and contract documentation to identify requirements, risks, constraints and resource needs.
• Work collaboratively with the estimating teams, bid team, planner, operational colleagues, designers and supply chain to deliver compliant, high-quality submissions.
• Lead tender launch, review and settlement meetings, controlling actions, clarifications, assumptions and amendments.
• Carry out methodologies, programmes, phasing, logistics proposals, written responses and client interviews.
• Ensure submissions are complete, approved and issued in accordance with the tender deadline.

Stage 1 pre-construction delivery:

• Mobilise successful two-stage bids by establishing the Stage 1 delivery plan, project team, programme, responsibilities and reporting arrangements.
• Coordinate design development, surveys, technical information and approvals, ensuring the solution is buildable and aligned with the client brief, programme and budget.
• Work collaboratively with the estimating and commercial teams to develop the cost plan, target price or activity schedule, supported by appropriate market testing and supply chain quotations.
• Carry out the construction programme, methodology, logistics and procurement strategy, including long-lead items and specialist packages.
• Lead value engineering and value management activity while protecting safety, quality, performance and client outcomes.
• Maintain clear records of risks, opportunities, assumptions, changes and decisions, and provide concise progress reporting to internal and client teams.

Stage 2 readiness and handover:

• Engage the proposed delivery team throughout Stage 1 so operational knowledge is incorporated and ownership transfers progressively.
• Confirm that the design, price, programme, procurement, approvals and risk position are sufficiently developed before construction commitment.
• Lead a formal handover covering the agreed scope, contract requirements, tender assumptions, design status, cost, programme, procurement, risks and outstanding actions.
• Support mobilisation and the close-out of residual pre-construction actions during the agreed transition period.

General Responsibilities:

Comply with company policies, governance and applicable legislation; promote high standards of health, safety, wellbeing, environmental performance and quality; treat colleagues, clients and supply chain partners fairly and respectfully; protect confidential and commercially sensitive information; and undertake other duties consistent with the level of the role.

Key measures of success for the successful candidate will be:

• Tender submissions delivered to the required quality and deadlines.
• Successful mobilisation and management of Stage 1 pre-construction activity.
• Design, price, programme, procurement and risk developed to an agreed and transparent position.
• Controlled Stage 2 handovers with clear ownership and minimal loss of tender knowledge.
• Positive client and internal stakeholder feedback.

What to Expect from us:

At Esh, our values shape the way we work every day — and you can expect to see them in action from the moment you join us.

• Care: We prioritise your wellbeing and development, offering a supportive environment where you’re encouraged to grow, learn, and bring your best self to work
• Trust: You’ll have the autonomy to take ownership of your work, with managers who believe in your abilities and are there to support you when needed
• Integrity: We do the right thing, even when it’s not the easiest option. You can rely on open, honest communication and fair decision making
• Respect: We value diverse perspectives and create a workplace where everyone is listened to, valued, and treated with dignity
• Working Together: Collaboration is at the heart of how we operate. You’ll join a team that celebrates shared success and supports one another to achieve great results

Together, these values create a workplace where people feel welcome, trusted, appreciated, and proud to be part of the team.

Qualifications

• Relevant construction or civil engineering qualification, or equivalent demonstrable experience.
• Experience in civil engineering project delivery, pre-construction, estimating, planning, design management or bid management with a solid technical background. Ideally looking for somebody who has been hands on and had plenty of site exposure.
• Experience of two-stage tendering, Early Contractor Involvement or pre-construction services agreements.
• Good knowledge of civil engineering construction methods, temporary works, programme development, procurement and supply chain engagement.
• Ability to coordinate designers and develop solutions from tender concept to construction-ready information.
• Commercial understanding sufficient to challenge cost plans, quotations, risk allowances and pricing assumptions.
• Working knowledge of NEC contracts is desirable.
• Ability to develop tender-stage programmes for civil engineering schemes is desirable, including sequencing, critical path, resources, phasing and key constraints.
• Competent user of Microsoft Office; Microsoft Project experience
• Full UK driving license and willingness to travel as required.

Attributes & Skills

• Strong leadership, ownership and organisational skills.
• Clear written and verbal communication.
• Collaborative approach with the confidence to challenge constructively.
• Commercial awareness and sound practical judgement.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and drive timely decisions.
• High standards of accuracy, record keeping and professional conduct.
• Attention to detail