Senior Preconstruction Manager

Overview

Walbridge has an outstanding opportunity for an experienced Preconstruction Director to join our team. In this leadership role, you will lead the preconstruction process from project pursuit through contract award, ensuring accurate estimating, strategic planning, and strong client relationships. You will collaborate with internal teams and external partners to develop competitive, high-quality proposals and set projects up for successful execution.

Location

You will work from our enterprise headquarters in Detroit, MI, or one of our regional offices in Kalamazoo, MI, Pittsburgh, PA, or Charlotte, NC. Travel may be required based on project pursuits, client meetings, and team collaboration.

Your Key Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction efforts, including estimating, budgeting, scheduling, and planning
• Oversee preparation of conceptual and detailed cost estimates across all project phases
• Manage bid strategies, subcontractor solicitation, and proposal development
• Review drawings, specifications, and project documents to identify risks and opportunities
• Partner with business development and operations teams during project pursuits
• Facilitate design phase collaboration with owners, architects, and engineers
• Develop value engineering solutions to optimize cost, schedule, and constructability
• Present estimates, project strategies, and risk analyses to leadership and clients
• Ensure accuracy and consistency in cost modeling, historical data, and benchmarks
• Mentor and guide junior preconstruction and estimating staff

To qualify for the role, you must have

• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field required; equivalent experience may be considered.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in estimating, preconstruction, or related construction leadership roles.
• Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, estimating principles, procurement strategy, contracts, and risk management.
• Demonstrated ability to lead complex pursuits, influence stakeholders, and support successful project outcomes.
• Strong communication, leadership, organizational, and decision-making skills.

Ideally, you’ll also have

• Experience with CM at Risk, Design-Build, and negotiated delivery methods.
• Experience leading large, complex pursuits with multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Proficiency with estimating systems, Microsoft Excel, and enterprise construction platforms.
• Strong executive presence with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, leadership, and project teams.
• A process improvement mindset and commitment to standardization, quality, and continuous improvement.