Preconstruction Manager

The Preconstruction Manager leads all preconstruction activities from initial project pursuit through turnover to operations. This role partners closely with clients, design teams, subcontractors, and internal project teams to develop accurate budgets, schedules, value engineering solutions, and risk assessments that position commercial construction projects for successful execution. The position is ideal for a professional with strong estimating, budgeting, and client-facing experience and a thorough understanding of project planning and delivery in the commercial construction sector.

The Preconstruction Manager leads all preconstruction activities from initial project pursuit through turnover to operations. This role partners closely with clients, design teams, subcontractors, and internal project teams to develop accurate budgets, schedules, value engineering solutions, and risk assessments that position commercial construction projects for successful execution. The position is ideal for a professional with strong estimating, budgeting, and client-facing experience and a thorough understanding of project planning and delivery in the commercial construction sector.

• Lead and coordinate preconstruction efforts for commercial construction projects from conceptual stage through contract award.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and guaranteed maximum price (GMP) estimates for a variety of commercial projects.
• Collaborate closely with architects, engineers, owners, and consultants throughout the design process to align scope, budget, and schedule.
• Manage project budgets and provide ongoing cost guidance as designs evolve to ensure alignment with client goals and financial targets.
• Facilitate preconstruction meetings and present estimates, schedules, value engineering options, and recommendations to clients and internal stakeholders.
• Prepare detailed quantity takeoffs and comprehensive cost analyses for all major building systems and trades.
• Solicit, receive, and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing to ensure completeness, competitiveness, and alignment with project scope.
• Analyze market conditions, labor trends, and material costs to support competitive pricing and informed decision-making.
• Develop, update, and maintain conceptual estimating databases and historical cost information to improve accuracy and efficiency.
• Identify cost-saving opportunities and value engineering options that maintain quality while optimizing project budgets.
• Assist in developing preliminary project schedules and phasing plans that align with client requirements and operational constraints.
• Evaluate project logistics, site constraints, procurement strategies, and long-lead materials to support efficient project execution.
• Coordinate with operations teams to ensure alignment on project execution plans, means and methods, and resource requirements.
• Identify project risks and develop mitigation strategies to support reliable cost and schedule outcomes.
• Review drawings, specifications, and contract documents for constructability concerns and provide feedback to design and project teams.
• Support contract negotiations and scope clarification efforts to ensure clear, complete, and coordinated agreements.
• Document project assumptions, qualifications, and exclusions clearly and thoroughly for use in proposals and project handoff.
• Participate in client meetings, project interviews, and proposal presentations to support business development and project pursuits.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, architects, engineers, and trade partners to support repeat and negotiated work.
• Support pursuit strategies, including pricing strategies and proposal development, to help secure new work opportunities.
• Collaborate with leadership on market intelligence, backlog analysis, and pipeline forecasting to inform strategic planning.
• Lead project handoff meetings with operations teams to ensure a smooth transition from preconstruction to execution.
• Ensure complete transfer of estimate data, subcontractor information, schedules, assumptions, value engineering options, and identified project risks to project teams.
• Support project teams during startup and procurement phases by clarifying scope, pricing, and preconstruction decisions as needed.

• 10+ years of experience in commercial construction, including significant involvement in preconstruction, estimating, or project…