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.
Pre-Construction Manager
Chicago
Permanent
Why you’re here :
You’re an experienced and commercially astute construction professional who thrives in collaborative fast-paced, multidisciplinary environments. You bring both technical and financial insight, aligning design ambition with commercial reality. You act as the project integrator, steering projects through pre-construction with clarity, consistency, and confidence.
Your mission is to shape each project before it reaches site, collaborating with strategy and design teams, developing cost plans and programmes that remain achievable and profitable, while safeguarding design integrity and client trust.
What you’re responsible for:
Project Strategy & Planning
- Partner with Project Directors, Design Managers, and Delivery teams to define pre-construction strategy, ensuring alignment on scope, programme, and budget expectations.
- Contribute to early feasibility studies, site assessments, and risk workshops to inform go/no-go decisions.
- Coordinate internal disciplines to produce clear project briefs and pre-contract deliverables.
Design & Technical Appraisal
- Review drawings and specifications to identify buildability issues, coordination gaps, and opportunities for value engineering.
- Support the design team in developing solutions that balance design integrity with cost, programme, and procurement efficiency.
- Maintain alignment between design progress, budget updates, and client expectations.
Estimating & Cost Management
- Manage the preparation of conceptual and detailed cost plans, ensuring clarity of scope and alignment with project objectives.
- Track budget evolution through design development, maintaining visibility of GP and contingency impacts.
- Lead the commercial handover to Delivery, ensuring all assumptions, allowances, and risks are clearly communicated.
Procurement & Supply Chain Engagement
- Lead subcontractor tender processes, ensuring accurate scope coverage and consistent pricing returns.
- Prepare bid packages, analyse returns, and support commercial negotiations.
- Build and maintain strong, value-driven relationships with key supply chain partners.
Programme & Logistics Planning
- Prepare outline pre-construction programmes capturing design, procurement, and approval milestones.
- Support integration of site logistics and sequencing into bid documentation and presentations.
- Anticipate procurement and design lead times to de-risk delivery start dates.
Contracts & Commercial Awareness
- Demonstrate working knowledge of standard forms of construction contract (e.g., JCT Design & Build, NEC, and client bespoke forms).
- Review client contract terms to identify commercial or delivery risks, escalating and advising on mitigations.
- Align subcontractor scopes and inclusions with main contract obligations to ensure consistency and coverage.
- Support preparation of contract summaries and project handovers to ensure delivery teams understand obligations and commercial controls.
Client Interface & Presentation
- Prepare and deliver clear, engaging client presentations covering design, cost, and programme strategy.
- Participate in client meetings, offering practical insight on buildability, risk, and commercial positioning.
- Maintain strong client relationships through proactive communication and high-quality deliverables.
Team Collaboration & Continuous Improvement
- Work closely with Design, Commercial, and Project Management leads to ensure cohesive project setup.
- Contribute to post-project reviews and the continuous improvement of Pre-Construction tools, templates, and processes.
- Support mentoring and development of Assistant Pre-Construction staff.
How we’ll measure it:
- Projects progressing through pre-construction with clear scope, accurate budgets, and achievable delivery programmes.
- Alignment between design, cost, and delivery teams maintained throughout project development.
- Successful commercial handovers and smooth transition into delivery.
- Proactive engagement and trust from the subcontractor and consultant supply chain.
- Profitable project outcomes achieved through accurate early budgeting, commercial control, and risk management.
- Strong client satisfaction and confidence through clear, consistent communication.
Your experience & skills:
- 5–7 years’ experience in pre-construction, estimating, or commercial management within the fit-out or wider construction sector.
- Strong understanding of design processes, construction sequencing, procurement strategy, and standard forms of contract.
- Proven ability to develop budgets and cost plans during early design stages, providing clear commercial direction to design teams and clients.
- Demonstrated experience working collaboratively across design, strategy, commercial, and delivery disciplines in a fast-paced, agile environment.
- Track record of coordinating multidisciplinary teams to deliver profitable, design-aligned projects.
- Sound knowledge of building regulations, health & safety standards, and pre-construction best practices.
- Confident communicator with the ability to lead client presentations and influence outcomes.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Project and construction management software (Vista or equivalent preferred).
- Degree in Construction Management, Quantity Surveying, or a related field (preferred).
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 & DiversityAt 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.
Skills Required
- 5-7 years of experience in construction estimating
- Comprehensive understanding of local markets, subcontractors, and trade-specific requirements
- Proficiency in Microsoft Project and construction project management software
- Degree in Construction Management or related field
What We Do
We are a global workplace strategy, design, and construction leader creating experiential spaces for a rapidly changing world. We believe our spaces should spark brilliance in people who use them. Together as One Team, we create environments that deepen connections, foster a sense of belonging and propel success. As we knock down the barriers between strategy, design, and construction, we deliver our projects on meaningful timeframes, collaborate free of egos, and strive for excellence across all aspects of our work, without sacrificing any one discipline. We are a global partner, driven by data and real-world insights, and we honor local culture everywhere we work.
