Unispace Life Sciences is one of the leading engineering design and project management firms in the industry. We deliver process and utility facility as well as laboratory and workspace design and construction projects for pharmaceutical, biopharmaceutical, advanced therapeutics, medical device, and other life sciences companies. Part of Unispace Group, our award-winning and multi-disciplinary engineering, design, and construction project teams design and build complex process-driven life sciences facilities, labs, and workplaces for the world's top bio-pharma companies. We promote a culture of integrity, professional excellence, and teamwork that informs everything we do. If you're interested in joining our Centre of Excellence and working with top biopharma clients around the world, we'd love to hear from you.
Role Profile
We are seeking an experienced Pre‑Construction Manager to lead the full pre‑construction process for high‑quality CAT A and CAT B commercial & Laboratory fit‑out projects, delivered predominantly under JCT Design & Build 2024.
The Pre‑Construction Manager is a senior, influential role with full ownership of bids from enquiry to contract award, leading estimating, design, services, procurement and consultant engagement, and acting as a key client‑facing figure during the tender stage.
The Pre‑Construction Manager will be responsible for ensuring all bids are commercially sound, fully scoped, buildable, and de risked, and that projects are handed over to delivery teams with clarity and confidence.
Responsibilities include but not limited to
- Lead the end‑to‑end pre‑contract and bid process for CAT A & CAT B fit‑out projects.
- Set bid strategy, programme, resourcing and commercial approach.
- Manage and coordinate estimating, design management, services (MEP), procurement and consultant input.
- Review tender documentation, identify risks and opportunities, and produce robust assumptions, exclusions and clarifications.
- Lead value engineering and alternative proposals where appropriate.
- Oversee supply‑chain tendering, evaluation and subcontractor selection.
- Coordinate outline programmes, methodology and logistics strategies.
- Act as senior point of contact for clients, PMs, QSs, consultants and landlords.
- Lead tender interviews and presentations.
- Support commercial negotiations and contract finalisation under JCT D&B 2024.
- Ensure a structured handover to project delivery teams.
About you
You will be a confident, commercially astute pre‑construction professional with a strong interiors background and the ability to lead multiple tenders at pace.
Experience & Skills
- Extensive experience within commercial fit‑out / interiors contracting
- Proven delivery of CAT A and CAT B projects under Design & Build
- Strong understanding of Fit‑out construction methodology
- Strong understanding of MEP coordination and interfaces
- Strong understanding of Landlord and base‑build constraints
- Solid working knowledge of JCT Design & Build 2024.
- Experience leading bids typically ranging from £500k to £10m+.
- Excellent communication and stakeholder‑management skills.
- Able to balance commercial rigor with practical delivery reality.
Qualifications
- Degree or equivalent experience in Construction, Quantity Surveying, Building Services or similar.
- Professional memberships (RICS / CIOB / CIBSE) desirable but not essential.
What We Offer
- Senior role with real influence over bid strategy and project outcomes.
- Exposure to high quality commercial interiors projects.
- Competitive salary and benefits package (DOE).
- Opportunity to help shape pre contract processes and standards as the business grows.
The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the person(s) assigned to this job. This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.
We encourage applicants of all backgrounds to apply, and we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities, allowing them to perform essential job functions as determined on a case-by-case basis.
Inclusion and Diversity Commitment:
At Unispace, we are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We proudly embrace equal opportunity hiring and will evaluate qualified applicants without regard to race, religion, colour, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, marital status, medical condition (as defined by state law), physical or mental disability, military service, veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.
We are proud that our leadership reflects this commitment, with persons of colour, women, LGBTQ+ and neurodiverse individuals playing pivotal roles in shaping the future of our organization. Their unique perspectives and experiences drive innovation and help us create a truly inclusive culture. We are dedicated to ensuring that every voice is heard and that our workplace is a space where diversity is not only celebrated but is integral to our success.
