Pre-Construction Manager
1 day ago
City of London
Criterion Capital is seeking a dynamic and experienced Pre-Construction Manager to join our team and play a key role in delivering the pre-construction phase of our office-to-hotel conversion and PRS (Private Rented Sector) development projects. Working across a business that acts as developer, asset manager and owner/operator of long-term hospitality and residential assets, the Pre-Construction Manager will act as a vital bridge between our in-house design, construction, asset management and operations teams. Key Responsibilities • Lead and deliver the pre-construction phase of multiple office-to-hotel conversion and PRS development projects through RIBA Stages 1–3, taking ownership of scope, programme, budget, design coordination and risk., • Develop and maintain comprehensive project plans, programmes, milestones and budgets, proactively identifying and resolving issues to keep projects on track., • Develop and manage the Project/Client Brief and Employer’s Requirements, coordinating with design, construction, asset management and operations teams to ensure requirements are clearly defined., • Identify, procure and manage surveys, investigations, technical information and enabling works required to inform the design, de-risk construction and support an efficient transition into delivery., • Lead and coordinate architects, engineers, specialist consultants, cost consultants and contractors, challenging teams on cost, buildability, programme, quality and operational requirements., • Lead tendering and procurement activities, including contractor engagement, tender analysis, commercial negotiations and contract recommendations, while maintaining strong commercial control., • Work closely with Design and Planning teams to manage planning inputs and conditions, ensuring designs are fully coordinated, sufficiently developed and buildable before handover to Construction., • Maintain robust project records, risk registers and reporting, providing clear updates on progress, decisions, risks and actions, and ensuring a commercially robust, fully de-risked project is handed over to the Construction team. About You • A minimum of 10 years’ experience in pre-construction, construction project management or a closely related discipline., • Proven experience managing projects from early design through to construction, ideally including office-to-hotel conversions., • Strong refurbishment and existing-building experience, with a good understanding of the challenges associated with converting existing assets., • Experience in the hotel and/or residential sector is strongly preferred., • Strong knowledge of construction methods, procurement, buildability, programme management and cost control., • Proven ability to manage and challenge architects, designers, consultants, cost consultants and contractors effectively., • Strong commercial, negotiation, decision-making and problem-solving skills., • Good knowledge of planning, building regulations and statutory approvals., • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering or a related discipline., • Proficient in project management and construction software, including MS Project, Primavera, Procore or similar. The Person We are looking for a hands-on doer who takes ownership and is comfortable being accountable for getting projects construction-ready. You will be someone who: • Takes responsibility for outcomes rather than simply coordinating activity., • Challenges poor, incomplete or unrealistic work and drives teams towards solutions., • Makes informed decisions and keeps projects moving., • Identifies problems early and resolves them before they reach site., • Maintains firm control of cost, programme, scope and risk., • Is confident pushing consultants, contractors and design teams for clear answers and timely decisions., • Has the commercial awareness to understand where time and cost can be saved without compromising quality or project objectives., • Closes actions and drives accountability rather than allowing issues to remain open indefinitely., • Can operate effectively across design, construction, development, asset management and operations teams., • Understands that speed, cost control and risk management are critical to successful pre-construction delivery., • Takes pride in handing over projects that are properly coordinated, fully prepared and ready for construction., • Ultimately, you will be accountable for ensuring projects reach Construction on time, on budget, with the right scope and design, and with risks identified and appropriately managed