Pre-Construction Manager

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.