Preconstruction Manager

Preconstruction Manager – W.E. O'Neil Construction

Department: Preconstruction
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Pleasanton, CA
Reporting To: Brian Rush
Compensation: $125,000 - $175,000 / year

The Preconstruction Manager plays a pivotal role in guiding preconstruction activities, fostering strategic relationships, and ensuring the successful pursuit, planning, and execution of projects. This position a dynamic individual who excels in collaboration, strategic thinking, and driving for results.

• Strategic Leadership & Relationship Building
  • Acts as ambassador of Building Great Relationships by fostering partnership on project teams including owner, architect, and other stakeholders.
  • Establishes a positive, solutions-oriented tone from Day 1.
  • Lead internal and external coordination to ensure alignment and transparency throughout the project lifecycle.
  • Champions innovative ways to address project challenges in a hopeful, optimistic, and creative way.
• Project Pursuit & Proposal Strategy
  • Support efforts on critical RFPs and proposals.
  • Coordinate with VP and PX to develop winning strategies including staffing plans, schedules, logistics and presentation content.
  • Coordinate with marketing, VDC, estimating and operations to deliver compelling pursuit packages and team interviews.
• Budgeting, Estimating, and Value Engineering
  • Oversee bid coverage, bid inclusions/exclusions.
  • Support preconstruction and construction budget development.
  • Leverage subcontractor relationships to ensure competitive pricing.
  • Guide logistics planning and schedule development in coordination with estimating and scheduling teams.
  • Review and tailor bid qualifications to project-specific needs.
  • Manage value engineering items, including input and management of VE items in JOIN.
  • Present VE strategies to project teams and ensure clarity in budget variance reporting.
  • Support bid day operations and coordinate with marketing for RFP deliverables.
• Risk Management, Procurement, and Contracting
  • Negotiate and award early trade packages, consultant agreements and temporary services.
  • Evaluate subcontractor quality and advise leadership on trade risks.
  • Proactively manage long-lead risks including permitting, power, deferred approvals and materials.
  • Collaborate with design teams and owners to develop risk mitigation strategies.
• Operational Oversight & Preconstruction Execution
  • Lead preconstruction meetings, site walks and existing conditions assessments.
  • Ensure timely invoice submission and preconstruction data management.
  • Monitor project financial health and support PX/PDs in maintaining preconstruction milestones.
  • Facilitate preconstruction kickoff meetings and construction handoff meetings.
  • Act as design manager for design-build projects, if required.

• Technical
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office.
  • Ability to troubleshoot and resolve basic technical issues.
• Business and Management
  • Strong organizational and time-management abilities.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks and manage multiple deadlines.
  • Understanding of business operations and workflows.
  • Ability to maintain accurate records, documentation and reporting as required.
• Interpersonal
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to collaborate with diverse internal and external stakeholders.
  • Professional demeanor and customer service orientation.
  • Highly collaborative and can lead cross-functional teams.
• Personal
  • Strategic thinker that leads with curiosity and creativity to problem solve.
  • Self-motivated and detail-oriented.
  • Willingness to learn and adapt in a dynamic environment.

• 5-7 years’ experience in Construction Project Management, Estimating, Pre Construction or combination thereof.
• Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, business administration or other related subject preferred.
• Proven leadership in preconstruction management across diverse project types.
• Strong understanding of estimating, scheduling, logistics and value engineering.
• Proven track record of negotiating contracts.

• Ability to sit or stand for extended periods.
• Occasional lifting of items up to 50 lbs.
• Use of standard office equipment (computer, phone, copier etc.).

• Primarily an office-based role.
• May involve occasional travel or remote work as needed.
• May involve working at an active construction site or client office on select days.
• Typical indoor working conditions with standard lighting and ventilation.