Senior Pre-Construction Manager (Melbourne)

At Unispace, we design and deliver transformative workplaces for some of the world’s leading brands. With a global network of 27 studios, we combine strategy, design, and construction to create high-performing environments that enable people and businesses to thrive. Our success is built on strong client partnerships, innovative thinking, and a commitment to our people. We offer adaptable and hybrid working, career development opportunities, and a strong focus on wellbeing and inclusion across everything we do. Why this role exists We are seeking a Senior Project Manager (Preconstruction) to lead commercial interior fit-out projects through the full preconstruction lifecycle – from early client engagement through to contract award and handover to delivery teams. You will play a critical role in shaping successful project outcomes by driving accuracy, commercial performance, and buildability from the outset. What you’ll do
- Lead end-to-end preconstruction activities including estimating, budgeting, and tender submissions
- Review drawings and specifications to develop detailed cost plans and scope understanding
- Identify value engineering opportunities, risks, and constructability issues early in the process
- Coordinate subcontractor tendering to ensure fair, consistent and competitive pricing
- Develop and maintain project budgets through all stages of preconstruction
- Work closely with leadership teams to ensure alignment on commercial outcomes, margins and risk
- Manage cash flow considerations and negotiate favourable payment terms
- Present proposals and cost plans clearly to clients, ensuring transparency and confidence in outcomes
- Build strong relationships with subcontractors, consultants and clients
- Ensure seamless handover of projects into the construction delivery phase
- Contribute insights and lessons learned to support continuous improvement across teams How success will be measured
- Accuracy and reliability of cost plans and estimating outputs
- Ability to identify and capture commercial opportunities and risks
- Successful negotiation and subcontractor engagement outcomes
- Timely, clear and professional client communication
- Smooth preconstruction-to-delivery handovers
- Effective management of multiple concurrent projects What you’ll bring
- Degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Civil Engineering or similar (preferred)
- Strong background in construction estimating and preconstruction management
- Experience within commercial fit-out or similar construction environments
- Strong understanding of subcontractor markets and trade scope development
- Knowledge of construction methodologies, buildability and sequencing
- Proficiency in Microsoft Project and construction management systems (Vista advantageous)
- Strong commercial acumen and attention to detail
- Understanding of Australian building codes and HSE requirements
- Excellent communication and stakeholder management skills #J-18808-Ljbffr Apply on Kit Job: kitjobau.com/job/3rqbia