Pre-Construction Project Manager

About Amicus

Amicus is an award-winning employer with offices in Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. Established in 2005, our initial focus was on design and fitout for the Office, Laboratory, Education and Hospitality sectors. Today, our service offering covers a full suite of workplace design and construction solutions, alongside expertise in workplace strategy, culture, leadership, technology and finance. At Amicus, we look for individuals with the right skills and experience who are a great cultural fit, have a mindset oriented to learning and growth and are eager to contribute. Your well-being is a top priority. We foster a positive and supportive company culture that champions a healthy work-life balance. Our activity-based workspace and hybrid work arrangements empower you to find a balance that works for you. We are passionate about supporting the growth and development of our people. We believe that investing in our employees is the key to achieving success, both individually and collectively.

About the Role

As a Pre-Construction Manager, you will play a critical role in guiding clients through the early stages of their workplace transformation journey – bridging vision and reality before construction begins. Your focus will be on planning, budgeting and design development, ensuring projects are strategically aligned, commercially sound and delivered with clarity and confidence. One of your most important responsibilities is to educate clients as their trusted adviser, providing guidance utilising the design and construction model, that empowers informed decision-making. You'll manage the journey from concept to construction, by breaking it down into key milestones:

1. Concept Design & Initial Budgeting – Translate a 2D plan into a concept layout with a high-level budget aligned to client's functional and aesthetic objectives.

2. Detailed Planning & Compliance Preparation – Develop a return services brief (detailing spatial use and services requirements by room) and engage surveyors to assess NCC compliance, ensuring early regulatory alignment.

3. Design Development & Cost Refinement – Lead the design development process, incorporating client feedback and providing a refined budget based on clearer scope and design resolution.

4. Tendering & Market Pricing – Manage trade tendering to obtain market-informed pricing, leading to a final, validated pre-construction budget.

5. Construction Handover – Provide a comprehensive hand over to the construction team inclusive of but not limited to: – IFC documentation, Approved budget, Statutory approvals, Executed construction agreement.

Throughout this process, you'll provide commercial clarity, communicate the financial implications of design and compliance decisions and ensure all necessary documentation is secured (e.g. architectural drawings, permits, IFC). You'll work alongside Estimators, Designers, Subcontractors and Sales to ensure projects flow seamlessly into delivery – with no surprises, just confidence.

Here Are Some Examples of What You'll Do

• Educate clients through a structured design and cost journey – helping them feel confident, informed and in control.

• Oversee contracts, approvals and resourcing (workflow & capacity).

• Maintain strong, positive relationships with clients, delivering exceptional experiences.

• Manage expectations around budget, program, design and quality.

• Collaborate closely with Subcontractors, Estimators, Services, and Construction teams.

• Manage consultants and stakeholders from engagement through to construction handover.

• Lead project scheduling, document control, cost management and HSEQ site setup.

• Provide financial updates and reporting against agreed budgets and forecasts.

• Ensure key regulatory and design approvals are in place (NCC, IFC, permits, architectural documentation).

• Work closely with the Sales team to support bid strategy and client pitches.

Here's What Will Make You Ideal for the Role

• 5+ years Project Management experience, ideally in a Design & Construct environment.

• Previous experience delivering workspace fitout projects.

• Comfortable with ERP/project systems like Procore, ACC, Excel and MS Project.

• Proven experience guiding clients through a multi-stage design and costing process.

• Strong commercial acumen and understanding of how design impacts budget.

• Experience collaborating with Sales and Estimating teams from bid through to handover.

• Qualifications in Construction Management or Project Management preferred.

Here's Why You Might Love Working With Us

• We offer a 9-day fortnight – more time for life outside work.

• We're on a mission to inspire people and transform workplaces – you'll see your work make a real impact.

• We've been growing steadily since 2005 and offer stability, growth and a strong project pipeline.

And What Might Not Work For You

• We value feedback and growth – you'll get constructive feedback and coaching regularly.

• We run fast – many projects, fast timelines and quick pivots are part of the landscape.

• Our hiring process is thorough but efficient – we go deep into your experience and follow up with references.

How to Apply

• Click "Quick Apply" and follow the steps.

• Contact Person: Kate Branagan (Please note: No agency inquiries, thank you).

Amicus. Inspiring people and innovating spaces, since 2005.