Pre-Construction Engineering Manager (0740)

We are recruiting for a Pre-Construction Engineering Manager to join us at Octavius, working within our Highways Division.

In this role you will lead the early engineering and design development of our highways schemes, coordinating pre‑construction activities to shape safe, buildable and value‑focused solutions. Working closely with customers, design partners and delivery teams, you'll keep programmes, costs and technical requirements on track while driving innovation and continuous improvement. We're looking for someone confident, collaborative and proactive — a natural problem‑solver who thrives in a fast‑paced environment and brings strong technical judgement to early project decision‑making.

You'll be working on…. (what your role and responsibility is)

• Leading and coordinating pre‑construction engineering and design activities to shape high‑quality, CDM‑compliant solutions.

• Working closely with customers, design partners and delivery teams to develop schemes that meet programme, cost and technical requirements.

• Managing design reviews, identifying gaps, and ensuring design outputs align with the wider project schedule.

• Overseeing TQ/RFI processes, maintaining clear audit trails and driving timely resolutions.

• Ensuring governance, documentation and assurance requirements are met across all pre‑construction deliverables.

• Planning surveys, site investigations and temporary works inputs to support accurate tendering and programme development.

• Managing design partner scopes, commercial compliance, change control and risk/opportunity processes.

• Supporting bid development through methodology input, estimating packs and quality submission content.

• Embedding sustainability, environmental considerations and CSR commitments into early project decisions.

• Driving continuous improvement through innovation, BIM, Lean thinking and lessons learned.

You'll receive…. (because we value you)

We offer a competitive rewards package, including a Company Car scheme, Private Healthcare, Pension, Life Assurance cover, 25 days Annual Leave (and a day off for your birthday). You'll also have access to Hybrid working where possible, an enhanced Paternity & Maternity package and the opportunity to develop yourself personally and professionally.

About you…. (what you are skilled at)

• A confident leader who brings people together and builds trust with customers and partners.

• Comfortable operating in a fast‑moving, technically complex environment with plenty of moving parts.

• Professional, open and collaborative — someone who naturally reflects company values in how they work.

• Persistent, solutions‑focused and committed to delivering safe, high‑quality outcomes.

• Curious and improvement‑driven, always looking for smarter, more efficient ways of working.

• Able to engage effectively with multidisciplinary teams and influence decision‑making.

You'll bring… (your wealth of experience & qualifications)

• Strong background in pre‑construction or pre‑delivery engineering management (essential).

• Experience across the full project lifecycle is beneficial, but early‑stage delivery is key.

• Solid understanding of highways projects and National Highways assurance processes.

• Technical grounding in relevant engineering disciplines (Civils, M&E, Geotechnical, pavement, lighting, drainage).

• Working knowledge of NEC3 and experience administering design partner contracts.

• Strong grasp of CDM 2015 duties, PCI requirements and design risk management.

• Familiarity with MCHW/specification updates and tender amendment processes.

• Confident using collaborative tools such as Teams and structured registers.

• Degree, diploma or vocational qualification in Construction or Civil Engineering (essential).

• Chartered membership (APM, ICE or similar) is an advantage.

• Temporary Works Coordinator training (desirable).

Inclusion and diversity are important to us, we are an equal opportunities employer and value difference. We want and will continue to build an inclusive environment where our people thrive. We firmly believe constantly striving to build a truly diverse workforce is what makes us a strong business and will enable us to continue to solve important problems and deliver unrivalled value to both our customers and clients. If you need any specialist support throughout your application, we will work with you where we can to support your journey with us.