Pre-Construction​/Estimating Manager

• Location:
  
  Chesterfield
• Reports To:
  
  Key Account Manager (KAM) within Team Structure
• Team Structure:
  Team of 3 (KAM + PC + Sales Executive)

• Pre-Construction Manager (PC) – Doorsets & Ironmongery
• Location:
  
  Chesterfield
• Department:
  Sales / Pre-Construction
• Reports To:
  
  Key Account Manager (KAM) within Team Structure
• Team Structure:
  Team of 3 (KAM + PC + Sales Executive)

DATIM Ltd is a leading UK manufacturer of architectural internal Doorsets and Ironmongery, delivering compliance-led, multi-room solutions into Apartments, PBSA, hotels, MOD/Defence and framework projects.

Our success is built on early technical engagement, structured estimating, commercial discipline and strong collaboration between Sales, Estimating, Production and Project Management.

The Pre-Construction Manager is central to converting opportunities into secured, profitable orders.

The Pre-Construction Manager sits between the Key Account Manager and the Sales Executive within the Team of 3.

• Estimating leadership.
• Bid coordination.
• Needs analysis ownership.
• Value engineering.
• Technical compliance management.
• Commercial solution development.

• Client requirements.
• Budget constraints.
• Value engineering appetite.
• Programme demands.
• Competitor landscape.
• Key decision makers.
• Design and sample processes.

The objective is to establish a clear and structured "Path to Order" for every live opportunity.

Work alongside the KAM to lead or support structured Needs Analysis meetings with the client.

• Project scope and technical requirements.
• Door schedules, specifications and compliance obligations.
• Budget parameters and cost expectations.
• Value engineering appetite and decision flexibility.
• Programme timelines and critical milestones.
• Procurement route and framework constraints.
• Competitor involvement and positioning.
• Key stakeholders and decision makers.
• Sample requirements and design sign-off process.

• A defined technical and commercial strategy.
• A clear "Path to Order" plan.
• Identified risks and mitigation actions.
• A structured bid return approach.

• Compile detailed doorset schedules from architects’ drawings and specifications.
• Revise and refine schedules as designs evolve.
• Coordinate ironmongery integration to ensure full package alignment.
• Convert door schedules into structured estimating system formats.
• Liaise with Procurement to source products and negotiate costs.
• Raise and track RFIs to close information gaps.
• Write and refine specifications to improve competitiveness.
• Break down competitor specifications and positioning.
• Handle technical queries relating to doorsets and compliance.
• The PC owns technical accuracy and commercial integrity of the submission.

• Manage the full bid lifecycle from enquiry to submission.
• Ensure documentation completeness and validation.
• Coordinate with Sales Executive for data input and pack preparation.
• Align submission timing with agreed client deadlines.
• Ensure pricing reflects agreed strategy and risk profile.
• Support framework tenders and blue-chip contractor submissions.
• The PC ensures bids are accurate, compliant and commercially structured to win.

• Analyse project budgets and propose compliant VE alternatives.
• Align technical proposals with client cost targets.
• Protect margin while improving competitiveness.
• Identify scope expansion opportunities.
• Provide technical justification to support pricing position.
• The PC must balance competitiveness with profitability.

• Review project programme requirements.
• Identify long-lead items or compliance risks.
• Ensure production capability alignment.
• Highlight programme risk to KAM early.
• Support realistic commitment setting.
• The PC prevents over promising and protects operational delivery.

• Ensure accurate booking-in of projects and documentation structure.
• Maintain structured live quote tracking.
• Coordinate spreadsheet imports and data consistency.
• Support internal review meetings and bid strategy sessions.
• Prepare technical handover documentation for PM team upon order.

• Joint needs analysis.
• Commercial positioning strategy.
• Competitor assessment.
• Client engagement…