Preconstruction Manager

About the role

The Preconstruction Manager is responsible for leading and coordinating all pre-construction activities for assigned projects within a defined market sector. This role plays a critical part in project success by providing accurate cost planning, constructability input, and client-facing support from early concept through contract execution.

Job Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction efforts from initial pursuit through project turnover to operations
• Collaborate with Business Development and sector leadership during project pursuits
• Participate in client meetings, presentations, and interviews
• Develop and manage pre-construction schedules and deliverables
• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and GMP estimates
• Perform quantity takeoffs and pricing analysis
• Develop detailed scopes of work and bid packages
• Analyze subcontractor proposals for completeness, accuracy, and value
• Lead value engineering efforts and cost-saving initiatives
• Partner with design teams to ensure alignment with budget and project goals
• Provide constructability reviews and technical input throughout design phases
• Evaluate alternative systems, materials, and methods
• Support design-assist and design-build delivery methods as needed
• Develop deep understanding of assigned market sector trends, costs, and risks
• Maintain relationships with key trade partners and consultants within the sector
• Provide benchmarking and historical cost data to inform project decisions
• Risk Management
• Identify project risks and opportunities during preconstruction
• Develop mitigation strategies related to cost, schedule, and scope
• Aid in contract review and scope clarification
• Procurement Support
• Prequalify subcontractors and vendors
• Cook up bid solicitations and leveling
• Support early procurement strategies for long-lead items
• Handoff to Operations
• Ensure seamless transition from pre-construction to construction teams
• Participate in project kickoff meetings
• Clearly communicate assumptions, risks, and estimate details

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• 20+ years of experience in preconstruction, estimating, or project management within at-risk construction organization
• Experience in the assigned market sector strongly preferred

Technical Skills

• Strong estimating and cost modeling capabilities
• Proficiency with estimating software (e.g., Sage Estimating, WinEst, OST, Bluebeam, etc.)
• Solid understanding of construction methods, materials, and systems
• Ability to read and interpret drawings and specifications at all design stages

Core Competencies

• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
• Excellent communication and client-facing abilities
• High attention to detail and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously
• Collaborative mindset with a proactive approach

Physical Requirements

• The work is semi-sedentary work and requires the ability to lift up to 20 pounds.
• Manual dexterity, hearing, mental acuity, typing, reaching, repetitive motion, speaking, talking, and visual acuity.
• Ability to navigate and move around the construction site, which may involve walking, climbing, and standing for extended periods on uneven surfaces.
• Ability to operate a motor vehicle.
• Ability to stand and sit for periods longer than 30 minutes but not to exceed two hours consecutively.
• Ability to control behavior when encountering stressful situations or short deadlines and to maintain a high level of concentration.
• Ability to print and draw letters, numbers, words, characters, and symbols that are legible and understood by others.
• Ability to learn complex tasks and remember how to complete tasks without assistance once trained.