Location: Dubai, UAEReports to: Managing Director, UAEDirect Reports: Sales Strategy and Innovation Manager & Bid Management Manager Department: Sales
THE ROLE: As Pre-Contracts Director, you will lead our client’s pre-contracts function and play a central role in converting design intent into commercially viable, buildable projects. This strategic leadership role oversees the Sales Strategy and Innovation and Bid Management teams, ensuring every opportunity is approached with commercial rigour, technical insight, and a clear win strategy. You will work in close partnership with the Sales Director and Business Development Manager to manage the opportunity pipeline, ensure alignment on go/no-go decisions, and contribute to sales forecasting. Sitting at the intersection of design, commercial, and client strategy, your influence will directly impact the quality of work we pursue, the conversion of pipeline opportunities, and the profitability of our delivery.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: Provide strategic leadership to the Pre-Contracts, Sales Strategy and Innovation, and Bid Management teams. Collaborate closely with the Sales Director and Business Development Manager to review pipeline, prioritise opportunities, and determine go/no-go decisions. Guide the pre-contracts process from early-stage client engagement through to contract award, ensuring robust pricing, programme alignment, and scope clarity. Ensure technical compliance and commercial soundness across all tenders, with clear alignment between design vision, construction feasibility, and client budgets. Oversee engagement with subcontractors and suppliers to secure competitive pricing and full scope coverage. Lead bid strategy and proposal development, ensuring timely submissions that reflect our client's value proposition and differentiation. Review and approve cost plans, value engineering proposals, and procurement strategies. Act as a key advisor in early client interactions, providing insights that shape scope, schedule, and budget from the outset. Maintain strong internal alignment across departments and ensure seamless commercial handover to project teams. Embed a feedback culture by implementing lessons learned from delivered projects into future bids and proposals.
KEY REQUIREMENTS:Minimum 8–10 years of experience in a senior pre-contracts, estimating, or commercial leadership role, preferably within the design and build sector. Proven track record of managing multidisciplinary pre-contract teams and influencing successful project wins. Strong commercial, technical, and strategic acumen with deep knowledge of workplace design and build projects. Exceptional communication skills with the ability to engage credibly with senior clients and internal stakeholders. Highly collaborative leader who fosters cross-functional alignment and performance. Strong command of financial metrics, pricing models, and construction methodologies. Relevant degree in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Architecture, or related field.