Preconstruction Manager

About the Company

Alston Construction Company is a nationwide general contractor, with more than 20 offices coast to coast. For 40 years, we have been a true partner, an honest advisor, and a responsible contractor for our clients. We believe the success of any project depends upon a strong builder-client relationship and a commitment to establishing common goals and objectives from the project start. Alston Construction offers a diverse background of general contracting, construction management, and design-build experience across industrial, commercial, healthcare, education, retail, and government projects. We look for passionate construction professionals who share our core values: commitment, integrity, teamwork, and respect.

About the Role

Responsible for assisting management in the general business operations of the company by the daily management, supervision, coordination, and successful completion of the preconstruction phase of projects. In addition, the Preconstruction Manager will assist with business development. The overall goal is to provide a thorough, accurate, and competitive proposal that will result in the award of a profitable project.

Responsibilities

• Provide thorough, accurate, and competitive cost estimates through all phases of design, from concept to construction and permit documents.
• Identify value-engineered alternatives relating to construction methods, materials, schedule, and design.
• Determine proposal specifications and the scope of work by reviewing drawings, attending and/or managing bid and preconstruction meetings.
• Analyze and document cost analysis from historical projects, purchase orders, contracts, and cost reports for future use in estimates.
• Provide design assistance and cost data regarding project feasibility to the client, design professionals, and project team.
• Prepare bid packages and provide leadership and coordination on bid solicitation and RFPs.
• Develop scopes of work for sub-trades prior to and during bid solicitation.
• Perform takeoffs of multiple trades to minimize Alston Construction’s cost risks.
• Analyze proposals from subcontractors for cost, scope, and completeness to determine award of work.
• Identify and qualify new subcontractors to ensure an adequate number of qualified and financially sound subcontractors are available.
• Negotiate price with clients and qualified subcontractors.
• Prepare preliminary project schedules during the preconstruction phase and assist the Superintendent with the contracted schedule prior to construction.
• Organize and lead the transition of the project cost estimate to the Project Manager.
• Assist the Project Manager with pricing and negotiating owner and subcontractor change orders.
• Maintain detailed records of working documents as backup for estimate figures, including assumptions made for conceptual designs.
• Update and maintain subcontractor and design consultant database.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with prospective and current clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors.
• Develop a comprehensive understanding of the Company’s services to assist in identifying applicable potential new clients and projects.
• Identify new work opportunities and advise leadership of potential projects with existing and new clients.
• Conduct or participate in presentations to clients.
• Maintain a detailed pipeline of clients and projects, including status of opportunities and analysis/reasons for wins/losses.
• Provide assistance and evaluations to Risk Management regarding potential contract, cost, construction feasibility, and insurance risks.
• Review subcontracts for compliance with documents and estimate prior to issuance.
• Manage design team through the development of permit documents.
• Make recommendations for ways to improve business operations, client satisfaction, efficiency, and profitability.
• Participate in applicable corporate meetings and forums.
• Comply with all safety policies, report safety concerns, and support the company’s safety culture.
• Remain current in all company-required safety training and certifications.
• Understand and work within the accepted ethical standards of the company.
• Proactively support and encourage diversity on projects and teams.
• Stay abreast of industry changes, best practices, and trends in construction methods, materials, costs, labor, and technology.
• Continuously improve skills, knowledge, and performance.

Qualifications

• Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of experience successfully estimating (conceptual and hard bid) construction projects for a general contractor.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Design-build experience on relevant project types.
• Experience in value-engineering.
• Valid State-issued driver’s license and vehicle insurance which meets Alston Construction liability coverage requirements and satisfactory driving record.
• OSHA 10-hour Certification.
• First Aid/CPR Certification.

Skills

• Ability to estimate costs associated with technical tasks and thorough knowledge of estimating techniques, cost control systems, and accounts.
• Thorough understanding of multiple project delivery types (Design-Build, CM at Risk, CM not at Risk, General Contractor).
• Thorough understanding of multiple contract delivery methods (lump sum, guaranteed maximum price, cost-plus).
• Strong industry contact relationships and ability to identify and secure profitable new business.
• Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
• Ability to maximize profitability while balancing client needs and company standards.
• Ability to exercise initiative and sound independent judgment with minimal supervision.
• Thorough understanding of job task sequencing and critical timeline scheduling.
• Ability to read and understand construction documents (drawings, specifications, maps, surveys, schedules, cost reports).
• Understanding of local, state, federal, and company safety and environmental regulations.
• Good knowledge of sub-trades and their interrelationships.
• Creative problem-solving and adaptability to changing conditions.
• Excellent organization, time management, planning, and prioritization skills.
• Effective communication (written and verbal) and presentation skills.
• Professional demeanor and effective interpersonal skills.
• Good negotiation skills.
• Proficiency in Phoenix, Word, Excel, Outlook, CMiC, Estimating Takeoff Software (e.g., On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam), and Cost Estimating Software (e.g., DESTINI Estimator).
• Willingness and ability to travel and work extended hours, including evenings and weekends.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Prescription safety glasses.
• Short-term and long-term disability insurance.
• Life insurance/AD&D.
• HSA, health FSA, and dependent daycare FSA.
• EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
• 401(k) and Roth 401(k).
• After-Tax Roth In-Plan Conversion.
• Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays.
• Tuition reimbursement.
• Tickets at Work program.
• Paid Identity Theft Protection (family coverage).

Office: Dallas, TX