Senior Preconstruction Manager

At Unispace, we create spaces that empower people and businesses to thrive. We are a global design-build partner delivering workplace and life sciences projects for some of the world’s most innovative brands.

With over 500 people across four continents, we bring together strategy, design, project management, and delivery into one seamless experience. Our integrated approach enables us to move with agility, solve complex challenges, and deliver meaningful outcomes for our clients.

Our people are at the centre of everything we do. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity, accountability, creativity, and continuous improvement. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us create better experiences for our clients and each other.

At Unispace, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects, work alongside talented global teams, and grow your career in an environment that encourages innovation and new ideas.

Role Profile:

As Senior Preconstruction Manager for our London Studio, you will play a vital role in supporting our ambitious growth plans in the UK and Ireland markets. You will be a key contributor to our financial success by analysing market trends, evaluating project feasibility, and ensuring cost-effective execution of our design projects.

Responsibilities include but not limited to:

• Market Analysis and Forecasting: Conduct comprehensive market research to understand current and future trends within the construction industry, including labour costs, material prices, regulations, and demand for specific commercial building types.
• Project Feasibility & Costing: Analyse potential projects, evaluating their economic feasibility, assessing risks and opportunities, and developing detailed cost models for construction, labour, materials, and other relevant expenses related to commercial design projects.
• Cost Optimisation & Value Engineering:  Identify cost-saving opportunities through value engineering techniques, exploring alternative materials, construction methods, or project designs to maximise efficiency while maintaining the high design standards expected of Unispace.
• Risk Assessment & Mitigation: Analyse and assess potential risks associated with construction projects, including economic fluctuations, regulatory changes, labour shortages, and supply chain disruptions. Develop strategies to mitigate these risks and ensure project success within budget constraints.
• Financial Modelling & Reporting:  Develop and maintain financial models to forecast project costs, revenue, and profitability for commercial design projects. Provide clear and concise reports for management decision-making, including economic analyses, cost breakdowns, and risk assessments.
• Collaboration and Communication:  Collaborate effectively with other departments, including project managers, designers, and finance, to ensure smooth project execution and informed decision-making. Communicate complex economic insights and recommendations in a clear and concise manner.
• Stay Informed & Proactive: Continuously research and stay up-to-date on industry developments, economic trends, and emerging technologies impacting the construction sector. Proactively identify and share potential opportunities and challenges to drive strategic business decisions.

Experience you will have:

• Strong Experience in the Design & Build market, either in the UK or elsewhere in the world.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience working as a Preconstruction Manager, Construction Estimator, Project Manager, or in a similar professional role within the construction industry.
• Strong analytical and quantitative skills with a proven ability to develop and interpret Strategic Commercial plans.
• Excellent understanding of construction cost structures, project feasibility analysis, and risk management principles.
• Proficiency in financial modelling, data analysis, and statistical software.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills with the ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely.
• A strong understanding JCT Contract administration.
• Exposure working on projects with rough values between £5-million to £15-million.

What We Offer

In return, you will receive a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including a pension, paid holiday leave, and travel opportunities across our global offices. Unispace values its employees and offers extensive rewards and recognition, career development, and a focus on well-being.

Join Us

If you are passionate about joining Unispace and contributing to some of the world’s most recognisable commercial design projects, then please apply through our careers page

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and employment lifecycle where required by applicable law.

Inclusion & Diversity

At Unispace, we believe diverse perspectives strengthen our teams, our culture, and the work we deliver for our clients. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with respect and has the opportunity to thrive.

Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.