Head of Pre-Construction

Overview

Leads and governs pre‑award activities, strategy, estimating and delivery planning across business units.

Key Responsibilities

• cost estimating
• digital tools
• design management
• pre‑construction strategy
• safety leadership
• compliance

Tasks

-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
• estimating
• 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

-It delivers complex civil engineering and building megaprojects, including highways, bridges, tunnels, and power plants. -It covers the full project lifecycle—planning, construction, operation, facility management, redevelopment, and demolition. -Its specialisms include building construction, civil engineering, infrastructure, tunnelling, and facility management. -The company operates globally through a dense network of subsidiaries, with notable work on Alpine tunnels and major airports. -It is an innovation engine, driving over 250 R&D projects and maintaining over 400 sustainability initiatives. -In its history, it built infrastructure for the Nazi regime during WWII—a notable yet darker chapter.

Sector Specialisms