Head of Pre-Construction

Overview

Directs pre‑construction strategy, safety, cost and design governance across multiple business units.

Key Responsibilities

• bid planning
• cost planning
• digital tools
• safety leadership
• design management
• preconstruction strategy

Tasks

The Preconstruction Director leads a centralised function that operates across multiple Business Units (BUs) and reports into the Sub‑Division Management. The role sets the strategy and governance for all pre‑award activity from opportunity shaping to contract execution, driving disciplined selection, margin protection, design certainty, and predictable delivery outcomes in line with People • Planet • Progress and the 9 Guiding Principles. (Ownership / Transparency / Reliability). -Report with authority to Sub‑Division leadership on preconstruction strategy, pipeline, risk, ESG and client outcomes. (Transparency / Success) -Run disciplined bid/no‑bid and pursuit planning aligned to capability, capacity, risk appetite and target margins; chair stage‑gates (PQQ → ITT → BAFO/Negotiation → Contract Execution). (Transparency / Success) -Oversee estimating and cost planning standards (WBS, benchmarking, first‑principles pricing), validating prelims, logistics, productivity, inflation and ESG allowances. (Reliability / Sustainability) Direct tender programmes, construction methodology, logistics and resource planning; assure buildability, access/temporary works and commissioning strategies are defined pre‑award. (Innovation / Reliability) -Establish data and digital tools for single‑source tender data, bid libraries and lessons learned; track win/loss insights and tender vs. outturn variance to drive continuous improvement. (Innovation / Success) -Provide visible leadership for health, safety and wellbeing in all preconstruction activities; ensure Safety by Design, CDM compliance and quality are embedded in bids and pre‑award delivery planning. (Health & Safety Leadership / People. Planet. Progress.) -Set category strategies and market testing for key trades and OEM packages; ensure due diligence, ESG performance and modern slavery compliance of the supply chain. (Sustainability / Transparency) -Lead design management and technical assurance from concept through IFC alignment; define the DRM, BIM Execution Plan and digital reviews/clash detection to ISO 19650. (Innovation / Transparency) Promote early contractor involvement (ECI), two‑stage procurement and pre‑services agreements; ensure clear client win themes and value propositions per pursuit. (Partnership / Future) -Lead the development and execution of the FY26+ preconstruction strategy, including pipeline shaping, sector/region prioritisation and stage‑gate governance across all BUs. (Future / Ownership) ensure that the Pre Construction function complies with STRABAG systems and processes which stand up to the scrutiny of compliance reviews. The role will have a key governance focus operating across several Bus as the business grows to ensure we have standardised approach, support and training to operate in a compliant way within the STRABAG environment -Champion carbon‑aware design optioneering (LCA/LCC), social value and ED&I commitments in tender solutions and client proposals. (Sustainability / Diversity / Social Value) -Collaborate with Frameworks, Central Services (HSSE, Finance, Legal, People, Digital) and BU leaders to align resources and secure repeatable, framework‑led growth. (Partnership / Appreciation) -Extensive leadership of preconstruction across multi‑disciplinary bids (£20m–£300m+), including two‑stage and framework call‑offs -Mentor and coach preconstruction managers and bid teams; build capability, succession and a high‑performing, inclusive culture across regions and BUs. (People Development / Appreciation) -Ensure robust contract, commercial and insurance positions (NEC/JCT/FIDIC/JVs) with deviation logs and approvals; hand over cleanly to Delivery with zero surprises. (Transparency / Reliability) -Act as functional lead for estimating, pre‑award planning, design management/technical assurance, proposals, and pre‑award procurement; set standards, templates and KPIs for a consistent approach nationwide. (Partnership / Reliability)

Requirements

• fidic
• power bi
• chartered
• bim
• nec
• leadership

What You Bring

-Track record of managing client and operator relationships at senior levels (Partnership / Appreciation). -FIDIC/JV contracting experience; experience of alliancing and target cost models -Deep understanding of estimating, cost planning, planning and buildability; proven ability to protect margin through target value design -CDM 2015, Safety by Design and quality assurance understanding; ability to embed HSSE in pre‑award stages -Excellent communication and influencing skills; credible with clients, consultants, partners and supply chain at senior level -Demonstrable experience of ECI/two‑stage procurement and pre‑services agreements -Advanced data skills (Power BI or equivalent) for pipeline, win/loss and variance analysis -Chartered status (CIOB / RICS / ICE / CEng) or progress toward it -Strong commercial and contractual literacy (NEC/JCT; JV/FIDIC exposure advantageous); risk, insurance and bonding -Track record of leading and coaching regional/bid teams; building capability and consistent standards -Sector breadth across building and infrastructure civils; commissioning and MEP integration literacy -Knowledge of carbon accounting (LCA/LCC), social value measurement and ED&I in bids -Digital/BIM fluency and ISO 19650 awareness; competence with common data environments and 4D/tender planning tools -Ability to align Central Services expertise with operational delivery requirements (Partnership / Reliability). -Degree in Engineering, Construction, Quantity Surveying, Business or related discipline

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About Strabag Uk

-Established in the UK in 2011, the company weaves global engineering expertise into the British landscape. -As a subsidiary of a major European technology-led builder, it handles everything from roads and rail to airports and industrial facilities. -It secured its first major UK civil contract in 2017 designing and constructing 48 km of HS2 tunnels and later launched its own tunnelling projects. -In 2023–24, it built a state‑of‑the‑art factory in Hartlepool to produce precast tunnel segments—supporting HS2 and local jobs. -Its projects range from mega‑infrastructure schemes to light industrial buildings, data centres, logistics hubs and ground‑engineering works. -Known for integration across the full build journey—design, planning, execution and commissioning—it brings complex structures to life. -Its innovation extends to techniques like ground freezing in London and automated precast production, showcasing engineering prowess.

Sector Specialisms