Pre-Construction Project Manager

Shou; Manchester; Hybrid; GBP 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading UK utility provider is seeking a Pre‑Construction Project Manager for their Gas Division. The role involves providing technical input in project bidding, managing projects during the pre‑construction phase, and ensuring compliance with safety and quality standards. Ideal candidates will possess a strong background in engineering management, experience with multi-discipline projects, and familiarity with NEC contracts. Opportunities for career development within a supportive team environment are offered.

Benefits

Competitive salary / remuneration

Opportunity to shape service delivery

Career development opportunities

Qualifications

• Strong background in engineering and construction management, ideally in gas environment.
• Proven experience in pre‑construction and project management.
• Familiarity with NEC3/NEC4 contracts and governance.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical input during bid preparation.
• Develop mobilisation plans and coordinate resources.
• Manage project governance and ensure compliance.

Skills

Engineering and construction management

Project management of multi‑discipline projects

Stakeholder engagement

Organizational skills

Knowledge of Hydrogen and energy transition projects

Job description

Job Title: Pre‑Construction Project Manager – Gas Division
Salary: Competitive with benefits package
Location: Nationwide
Contract: Permanent / Contract

About IES

IES Utilities Group Ltd is a leading UK utility Provider delivering end-to-end utility solutions. Our teams operate across Power, Gas, Water, Telecoms, District Heating and Renewables, where we provide survey, design, construction, and maintenance services nationwide. With a commitment to innovation, safety, and sustainability, IES supports clients in building and maintaining resilient, future‑ready infrastructure networks across the UK. Headquartered in Manchester, IES continues to grow as a trusted partner in the utilities sector.

About The Gas division

The IES Gas Division operates across two principal workstreams: Pipelines and Above‑Ground Installations (AGIs) — encompassing Pressure Reduction Stations (PRSs), Offtakes, Compressor Stations, and Terminals. Each stream delivers both core maintenance works, typically single‑discipline and non‑complex, and multi‑discipline or complex projects that integrate civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering elements.

The Division’s reputation has been built on the safe, reliable, and high‑quality delivery of maintenance works across the National & Local Transmission Systems forming the backbone of IES’s client relationships and financial stability. However, the largest growth opportunity lies in expanding the Division’s multi‑discipline and technically complex projects across both Pipelines and AGIs. These works demand deeper technical collaboration, early client engagement, and strategic alignment with each of our customers’ investment and energy transition objectives, including emerging initiatives in Hydrogen and Carbon Capture infrastructure.

Role Summary

The Pre‑Construction Project Manager will play a pivotal role in supporting our works through the bidding, design and mobilisation of projects under various framework contracts. This includes providing technical input during pre‑contract proposal generation and then managing call‑off projects from award through the detailed design phase, if applicable, and lead on the production of all pre‑start deliverables leading to a seamless handover to the operational delivery team. The role will also include providing technical consultancy to the operational delivery teams through the construction and commissioning phases ensuring a clear route to success from conception to completion.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide technical input and support during bid preparation for call‑off contracts under framework agreements.
• Collaborate with estimating and commercial teams to ensure accurate and competitive proposals.
• Develop mobilisation plans and coordinate resources for awarded projects.
• Act as the primary point of contact during pre‑construction and mobilisation phases.
• Take responsibility for the project management (on time, to budget and right quality) of all pre‑construction deliverables.
• Manage project governance from award through to operational handover, ensuring compliance with safety, quality, and schedule requirements.
• Liaise with internal and external design, engineering, and delivery teams to ensure readiness for execution.
• Identify risks and implement mitigation strategies during pre‑construction stages.
• Maintain strong relationships with clients and stakeholders, ensuring transparency and trust.
• Support continuous improvement by capturing lessons learned and feeding back into bid and delivery processes.

Essential Skills & Experience

• Strong background in engineering and construction management, ideally in a high‑pressure gas environment advantageous.
• Proven experience in pre‑construction and/or project management of multi‑discipline projects under framework contracts.
• Understanding and appreciation of project design development (FEED and detailed design).
• Familiarity with NEC3/NEC4 contracts and associated governance.
• Excellent organisational and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Some knowledge of Hydrogen, CCUS, and energy transition projects is advantageous.

What We Offer

• Competitive salary / remuneration
• Opportunity to own a portfolio of projects and shape service delivery.
• Supportive team environment committed to high safety & quality standards along with a self‑delivery resourcing strategy.
• Career development opportunities within a growing energy services company.

How to Apply

If you believe you have the skills and experience we are looking for, please submit your CV, including a brief covering note outlining your most relevant Pre‑Construction, Construction and Design Project Management experience to [e-mail]. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply.