Job Description

The Head of Pre-Construction is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing and managing all pre-construction activities across the business. This includes estimating, tendering, budgeting, value engineering, design coordination, programming, and early client engagement.

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Working closely with the Managing Director, Project Managers, and key external stakeholders, the Head of Pre-Construction ensures that projects are accurately costed, commercially viable, well planned, and effectively transitioned from tender to delivery.

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This role is critical to winning work, protecting margins, managing risk, and setting projects up for successful execution, particularly within a medium-sized construction and specialist fit-out environment.

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Key Responsibilities

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- Lead the end-to-end pre-construction process from early feasibility through to contract award.
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- Oversee the preparation of accurate, competitive, and commercially sound estimates and tenders.
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- Review tender documentation, scopes, drawings, and specifications to identify risks, opportunities, and ambiguities.
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- Drive value engineering initiatives to optimise cost, buildability, and programme without compromising quality.
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- Ensure all tenders align with company strategy, capacity, and risk appetite.
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- Manage and mentor the estimating team, ensuring consistent methodologies and standards.
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- Develop detailed cost plans, budgets, and cash flow forecasts.
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- Lead subcontractor and supplier pricing strategies, negotiations, and package scoping.
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- Maintain up-to-date cost data, benchmarking, and market intelligence.
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Design & Buildability Coordination

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- Coordinate early design input with consultants, subcontractors, and internal delivery teams.
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- Provide construction and fit-out expertise during design development to improve buildability and reduce risk.
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- Identify design gaps, inconsistencies, and opportunities for alternative solutions.
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- Develop high-level construction programmes and methodologies during tender and pre-construction phases.
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- Collaborate with delivery teams to ensure programmes are realistic, achievable, and aligned with resources.
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- Identify critical path activities and potential constraints early.
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- Lead risk identification workshops and ensure appropriate allowances and mitigation strategies are built into tenders.
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- Support contract strategy, including procurement routes, contract terms, and conditions.
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- Assist with final negotiations and handover to the delivery team post-award.
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Client & Stakeholder Engagement

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- Act as a key point of contact for clients, consultants, and key stakeholders during pre-construction.
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- Support business development activities, including early contractor involvement (ECI) and negotiated opportunities.
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- Represent the company professionally in client meetings, presentations, and interviews.
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- Build, lead, and develop a high-performing pre-construction and estimating function.
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- Implement and improve systems, processes, and templates to enhance efficiency and accuracy.
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- Foster collaboration between pre-construction and construction teams to ensure seamless project handovers.
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Key Skills & Experience

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- Proven experience in a senior pre-construction, estimating, or commercial leadership role.
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- Strong background in construction and/or specialist fit-out projects.
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- Demonstrated success in winning and delivering profitable projects.
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- Excellent understanding of construction methodologies, procurement, and contract forms.
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- Strong commercial acumen with the ability to manage risk and margins.
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- Advanced stakeholder management and communication skills.
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- Ability to lead, mentor, and develop teams.
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- Experience in Design & Construct (D&C;) and negotiated contract environments.
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- Relevant construction, engineering, or quantity surveying qualifications.
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- Experience working in a medium-sized or growing construction business.
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Personal Attributes

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- Strategic thinker with a hands-on approach.
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- Commercially astute and detail-oriented.
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- Strong leadership presence and decision-making capability.
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- Cooperative, solutions-focused, and client-centric.
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- Resilient and adaptable in a fast-paced environment.
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What We Offer

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- Senior leadership role with influence over business performance and growth.
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- Competitive salary package commensurate with experience.
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- Opportunity to work on diverse and high-quality construction and fit-out projects.
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- Supportive and collaborative company culture.
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This position plays a pivotal role in shaping the companys project pipeline, profitability, and long-term success.

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📌 Head of Pre Construction (New South Wales)
🏢 FOX Human Resources
📍 New South Wales