Head of Preconstruction

Salary
: £120,000 Base Salary + Comprehensive Benefits Package

Location
:
United Kingdom (Flexible / Hybrid)

About the Company

Our client is a leading UK civil engineering contractor is seeking an exceptional Head of Preconstruction to drive strategic growth and oversee the front-end delivery of major infrastructure projects across the UK.

Renowned for operational excellence and high-quality project delivery, the business operates across key sectors including highways, rail, water, coastal protection, and complex earthworks.

The Role

The Head of Preconstruction will report directly to the Executive Board and take complete ownership of the preconstruction lifecycle.

This strategic leadership role requires a commercial and technical authority to lead bidding, work winning, estimating, and design management initiatives, ensuring all tenders are robustly priced, commercially viable, and strategically aligned with corporate targets.

Key Responsibilities
:

• Strategic Leadership:
  Define and implement the overall preconstruction strategy, establishing high-performing bid processes and governance frameworks across all civil engineering divisions.
• Work Winning & Tendering:
  Lead major bid submissions, framework competitions, and single-stage/two-stage tenders, collaborating with business development and operational teams to maximise conversion rates.
• Commercial & Technical Governance:
  Oversee preconstruction risk management, value engineering, buildability reviews, and target cost formulations prior to final contract awards.
• Team Development:
  Build, mentor, and lead multi-disciplinary teams consisting of estimators, bid managers, planners, and design managers.
• Client & Stakeholder Management:
  Cultivate strong relationships with key clients, local authorities, consultants, and supply chain partners across the UK infrastructure sector.

Candidate Requirements

• The ideal candidate will demonstrate a proven track record of preconstruction leadership within a recognised UK civil engineering main contractor.
• Experience:
  
  Extensive experience operating at a senior management or director level within preconstruction, bidding, or commercial leadership roles.
• Sector Expertise:
  In-depth knowledge of civil engineering disciplines (e.g. heavy infrastructure, highways, structures, earthworks, or utilities) under standard contract forms (NEC4, JCT, ICC).
• Track Record:
  Proven success in winning multi-million-pound civil engineering contracts and leading two-stage, ECI (Early Contractor Involvement), and framework procurement routes.
• Qualifications:
  
  Degree qualified in Civil Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, or a related discipline. Professional chartership (ICE, RICS, or CIOB) is highly desirable.