Preconstruction Manager

About the role

The Preconstruction Manager at Ajax leads project planning and cost strategy from early concept through GMP, serving as a strategic partner to clients, design teams, and operations. This role requires strong leadership in meetings and influencing the design process in a collaborative, solutions-oriented manner.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction efforts from conceptual budgeting through design development and GMP execution
• Guide pricing, validate estimates, and ensure alignment with project goals
• Create and distribute design phase deliverables, including cost reports, value engineering analyses, and budget updates
• Develop and oversee conceptual budgets, cost models, and design-phase estimates
• Prepare and lead GMP proposal development and client presentations
• Provide constructability feedback and value engineering recommendations to advance design in a cost-effective manner
• Engage with design teams to challenge assumptions and drive efficient, buildable solutions
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor pricing in coordination with the estimating team
• Maintain and utilize historical cost data to support forecasting and benchmarking
• Act as a primary point of contact with clients, architects, engineers, and consultants during preconstruction
• Lead and participate in client and design meetings, clearly communicating cost impacts and project strategy
• Build and maintain strong relationships to support both project execution and future business development

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in preconstruction/estimating within commercial construction
• Strong understanding of how projects are built, priced, and delivered across all phases of construction
• Experience leading or supporting preconstruction efforts from concept through GMP development
• Preferred experience with higher education and/or municipal projects
• Experience in South Carolina market (Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, etc.)
• Effective client-facing role and meeting leadership
• Demonstrated ability to guide and influence the design process proactively and collaboratively
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience)
• Strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
• Willingness to travel for project meetings and presentations as needed

Skills

N/A

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• 401(k) retirement plan with employer match
• Life & AD&D Insurance
• Long-term Disability Insurance
• Short-term Disability insurance
• Critical Illness Insurance
• Accident Insurance
• Hospital Indemnity Insurance
• Home & Auto Insurance
• Family Support
• Pre-tax Paid Parking/Public Transportation
• Paid time off
• Time Away Benefits
• Paid holidays
• Group Legal
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan
• Identity Theft Protection
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program

Pay

N/A

Schedule

N/A