Pre-Construction Manager

About the role

As the Pre-Construction Manager, you will lead the Pre-Construction function and will be responsible for the overall development, accuracy, and delivery of project estimates and proposals.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the analysis of past project performance and establish standardized Pre-Construction procedures to support the development of future estimates.
• Aid with the oversight and maintenance of the historical cost database, bid management systems, and Pre-Construction software platforms.
• Collaborate with senior company managers to maintain departmental standards for deliverables, including bid packages, formatting requirements, and budget tracking tools.
• Work directly with senior company managers to finalize and implement processes for the effective use of HCSS HeavyBid.
• Manage subcontractors, suppliers, and A/E partners throughout the estimating and proposal process, including solicitation, bid leveling, negotiations, and relationship management to ensure competitive and reliable pricing.
• Conduct thorough analyses of project risks throughout the pre-construction phase, identifying potential issues (e.g., site conditions, regulatory requirements, subcontractor performance), quantifying associated costs, and incorporating mitigation strategies into estimates and proposals.
• Lead design development meetings from conceptual pricing through design development phases, coordinating with architects, engineers (A/E), and stakeholders to refine scope, incorporate value engineering, and optimize constructability.
• Lead the development and preparation of proposal technical narratives, executive summaries, and qualification statements that clearly articulate the company’s approach, experience, and value proposition.
• Develop and maintain comprehensive proposal schedules, including milestone timelines for design, estimating, subcontractor solicitation, and proposal submission deadlines.
• Facilitate the development and refinement of project budgets following contract award by collaborating with project managers, operations, and finance to transition estimates into baseline budgets and establish cost control mechanisms.
• Perform and oversee self-perform estimating for key construction activities (e.g., earthwork, concrete, structural work), including labor, equipment, and material takeoffs to support accurate composite bids.
• Lead internal estimate review meetings with senior management, estimators, operations, and other stakeholders to validate assumptions, resolve discrepancies, and approve final bid amounts.
• Review and prepare proposal deliverables, including bid packages, cost breakdowns, schedules, and supporting documentation, ensuring accuracy, completeness, and alignment with client requirements.
• Mentor and develop Pre-Construction team members, including estimators and coordinators, through training on standardized procedures, software tools, and industry best practices.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field; equivalent combination of education, experience, and demonstrated skills may be considered in lieu of a degree.
• Minimum of 10 years of relevant construction experience, including pre-construction estimating and project planning.
• Experience with federal construction projects, including US Army Corps of Engineers.
• Proven experience managing pre-construction processes, including cost estimating, bid preparation, and scope analysis, is highly desirable.
• Must be willing to travel for work related purposes.
• Valid state driver’s license and must be qualified to operate a vehicle under the conditions of Company’s driving policy.

Skills

• Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate budgets and cost estimates, with in-depth knowledge of fiscal management principles and procedures.
• Strong understanding of standard operating practices and procedures in construction.
• Knowledge of basic revenue models, project ledgers, and cost-to-completion projections.
• Proficient in all Pre-Construction software, with particular emphasis on HCSS and related estimating tools.
• Knowledgeable in one or more specialized areas of construction.
• Ability to break down construction operations into a logical sequence of tasks and activities.
• Effectively collaborate and contribute in a team environment.
• Communicate professionally the rationale behind individual work products, even under high-pressure conditions.
• Comply consistently with all company policies and procedures.
• Able to meet deadlines while dedicating the necessary time and effort to complete work to standard.
• Exhibit a strong work ethic and personal accountability.
• Maintain strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Maintain attention to detail and ability to identify discrepancies or issues accurately.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle in a safe and efficient manner.
• Ability to travel for work-related purposes.