Focus Agency

Media. Creative. Spaces

Get in touch

Pre-Contracts Manager - Hybrid

Back

Overview

  • Job Title: Pre-Contracts Manager
  • Reporting to: Operations Director
  • Department: Spaces
  • Location: Essex
  • Job Type: Hybrid
  • Direct reports: None

The Pre-Contracts Manager role entails the management of all projects from initial client meetings through all pre contract/construction stages including design development, technical evaluation, costing, client negotiation and contract agreement, up to the point of hand over to the Project Delivery team. In addition, the role will include responsibility in securing, managing and regular evaluation of our supplier chain, through frameworks and robust negotiation; you will be assisted by the Operations Director to achieve this.

It’s essential that the appointed Pre-Contracts Manager works closely with the wider team, specifically the Head of Design and the Design team, as well as the Account Directors to develop new opportunities for the business from design concept stage, through to client approval and sign off for project delivery, at which point you will need to successfully complete an informed handover with all relevant information, data, and documentation to the Projects Delivery team.

We are an established full service Interior Design, Project Management and Project Delivery business achieving sustained profitable growth. We operate specifically in the new homes sector across new build PLC developers, Housing Associations and investor led construction companies in Build to Rent. Our offering covers marketing suites and sales environments operating in commercial/retail units, house or garage conversions or purpose built design and build modular FocusPOD™s – a project we have developed and delivered. Works will vary from Shell & Core, CAT A and A+ and CAT B works, involving all elements of delivery from design, fulfilment, logistics, labour, and installation.

We pride ourselves on being highly professional and forward thinking, as evidenced by our award winning projects and significant levels of repeat business.

We wish to appoint an experienced Pre-Contracts Manager with knowledge of Modular, Commercial, Interior Design and Fit Out to join and strengthen our existing team. You will need to be able to self-manage, be disciplined, organised, and driven with a professional and highly focused approach who can add real value to the team. You will directly report into the Operations Director but you will need to be self-sufficient and collaborative, working alongside the other team members involved in Pre-Contracts design and opportunities in order to forge a successful, financially rewarding career within this market leading business.

Job responsibilities

  • Manage with full responsibility of all pricing, cost evaluations, analysis and management of suppliers and materials.
  • Take a lead on internal systems used for pricing, scoping and financial evaluation and commercial management.
  • Optimisation of profitability to company targets.
  • Ensuring design feasibility relates to budget parameters.
  • Managing and negotiating all subcontractor and product supplier costs and contracts including a robust framework/supplier chain management process.
  • Ensure all contracts are detailed, accurate and absolutely in order at handover to projects delivery team.
  • Responsibility for the full commercial and financial elements of project proposals, taking a lead in both preparing, creating, and presenting/submitting.
  • Build strong and efficient relationships with all external partners used by the business to deliver services and projects to clients.
  • Delivering clear and concise technical information in terms a client understands and instils total confidence and trust.
  • Travel to and from meetings with clients or suppliers as you see relevant in order to fulfil your role.
  • Manage framework and online tender portal bid proposals with support from the wider team in terms of all submission content.
  • Foster an environment of growth and career advancement for direct reports by providing coaching and creating opportunities for stretch assignments.
  • Empower and enhance the skills of direct reports, fostering creativity, collaboration, high performance, and personal and professional growth.
  • Share extensive knowledge and experience with colleagues and teams, contributing to a culture of continuous learning and improvement.
  • Follow server file management protocols in alignment with company procedures, maintaining a systematic approach to data organisation.
  • Maintain and update administration systems as necessary, advocating for good housekeeping practices, including regular archiving of old files, ensuring consistent fulfilment of these duties.
  • Lead by example and ensure the team is aware of and compliant with company policies, procedures, and instructions at all times, upholding the highest standards of professional conduct.

Person specification

  • A relevant qualification in project management, construction management, or a related field is desirable but not essential.
  • CSCS Card.
  • Related Health and Safety qualifications.
  • Full, clean UK driving licence.
  • Extensive experience in the construction sector, ideally with good knowledge and/or experience in residential and fit-out, including experience within the commercial fit-out sector.
  • Familiarity with relevant software and tools used for pricing, scoping, and financial evaluation, such as Synergist or similar systems.
  • Ability to manage people, motivate, set expectations, and build strong and positive working ethos within the team.
  • Highly proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, specifically Word, Excel, Outlook, and Teams.
  • Strong client negotiation/presentation skills.
  • Strong understanding of pricing, cost evaluation, and financial management, with the ability to optimise profitability while ensuring design feasibility within budget parameters.
  • Demonstrated ability to negotiate and manage subcontractor and supplier contracts effectively, including establishing and maintaining robust frameworks for chain management.
  • Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, with the ability to articulate technical information to clients in a clear and confident manner, instilling trust and confidence in project delivery.
  • Proven ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, to identify and capitalise on new business opportunities.
  • Meticulous self-management and organisational proficiency, with a disciplined and focused approach to managing multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
  • Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to build and maintain strong and efficient relationships with external partners and clients, fostering trust and mutual success.
  • First class internal management, communication, and prioritisation skills.
  • Strategic planning and forward thinking.
  • Familiarity with GDPR and pertinent legislation.
  • Be a driven, professional, and highly focused approach who can add real value to the team and forge a successful, financially rewarding career within this market leading business.
  • Flexibility and adaptability in responding to evolving needs and priorities, with a willingness to undertake additional duties as required to support the team and business objectives.
  • Willingness and ability to travel to meetings with clients or suppliers as required to fulfil role requirements.
  • Commitment to working efficiently and accurately.
  • Equally adept at collaborative teamwork and self-motivated independent work.

Before you apply

At the Focus Agency Group, we’re committed to being the best.

Our team is made up of highly skilled professionals who possess not only a deep understanding of our clients’ requirements, but also an innate grasp of the ever-evolving digital landscape.

We value creative minds and believe in providing our team members with stimulating projects and the opportunity to work alongside leading figures in the digital industry. As part of our commitment to professional development, we offer tailored training to empower our team to stay ahead of the curve.

When you join the Focus Agency Group, you’ll be embarking on an exciting journey where your expertise will be nurtured, your ideas will be valued, and your career will thrive.

  • Please ensure you submit an up-to-date CV.
  • If the position you’re applying for requires a portfolio, we kindly ask you submit or share a link to showcase your work.
  • You must have the right to work in the UK.
  • You must be within commutable distance of your designated office.

Frequently asked questions

What do I need to provide as part of my application?

What happens once I submit my details and CV as part of the application process?

Will I receive feedback back from anyone regarding my application?

I have an interview! How can I best prepare, and will my interview be virtual or in person?

What do I need to do if I require reasonable adjustments as part of my application or interview process?

I have had my interview, when will I hear back?

If I receive an offer, what should I expect?

Do you offer remote or hybrid working?

What should I expect during the onboarding process?

Do you offer work experience, apprenticeships or graduate opportunities?

Do you provide sponsorship?

Apply here

"*" indicates required fields

DD slash MM slash YYYY
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 20 MB.
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 20 MB.
Accepted file types: pdf, Max. file size: 20 MB.
Consent