Preconstruction Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary:

The Preconstruction Manager leads all activities during the planning and design phases of construction projects, ensuring alignment between owner expectations, design intent, budget, and schedule. This role is responsible for delivering accurate cost estimates, managing design-phase coordination, and driving value through collaboration with internal teams, clients, design professionals, and trade partners.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Preconstruction Leadership:

• Lead preconstruction efforts from initial pursuit through GMP development.
• Manage the full lifecycle of budgeting, estimating, and design-phase coordination.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for owners and design teams during preconstruction.
• Facilitate collaboration between Owner, Architect, Program Manager, and internal operations teams.

1. Estimating & Budget Development:

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and GMP-level estimates.
• Develop detailed cost models and track cost changes through design progression.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and validate pricing with subcontractors and vendors.
• Lead value engineering (VE) efforts to align scope with budget without sacrificing quality.
• Develop and manage:
  • GMP packages (Exhibits A–G)
  • Assumptions & Clarifications (A&C)
  • Allowances, alternates, and unit pricing

1. Trade Partner Engagement:

• Develop bid packages and scopes of work.
• Solicit and evaluate subcontractor/vendor pricing.
• Conduct scope leveling and bid analysis.
• Maintain relationships with key trade partners to ensure competitive and complete coverage.

1. Design & Constructability Review:

• Participate in design reviews at all phases (SD, DD, CD).
• Identify constructability issues and provide solutions.
• Collaborate with operations teams to incorporate means & methods, logistics, and phasing.
• Ensure coordination with site constraints, especially for occupied campuses.

1. Scheduling & Logistics Planning:

• Develop and maintain preliminary project schedules.
• Identify long lead items and develop procurement strategies (early release packages).
• Support phasing plans and logistics for complex or occupied sites.

1. Client & Proposal Support:

• Support business development efforts including:
  • RFP responses
  • Interview presentations
  • Conceptual budgeting during pursuits
• Clearly communicate cost drivers, risks, and opportunities to clients
• Build trust with owners through transparency and responsiveness

1. Technology & Reporting:

• Utilize platforms such as Procore or cost tracking, document management, and collaboration.
• Maintain estimate documentation, VE logs, and cost history.
• Coordinate with accounting systems (e.g., Sage Intacct) for budget alignment.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• 7+ years of experience in preconstruction, estimating, or project management.
• Experience with CMAR and/or Design-Build delivery methods preferred.
• K–12, municipal, private sector, or occupied campus project experience strongly preferred.

Preferred Skills:

• Excellent negotiation, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Demonstrates a keen attention to detail, enabling thorough review of complex documents.
• Exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple contracts and deadlines simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.