Preconstruction Manager

Our client, an established general contractor with a growing presence in the Raleigh–Durham–Chapel Hill market, is hiring a Preconstruction Manager to run its Triangle preconstruction function. This is a senior role with real ownership: you will lead pursuits from first conversation through contract award, set the budgets the company builds to, and hand projects to operations with the risk already identified.

The client has a strong backlog, a pipeline of repeat owners, and leadership that backs preconstruction as a driver of margin, not a cost centre. We are speaking only with candidates who have led estimating and design-phase budgeting on commercial projects.

Preconstruction Manager to run its Triangle preconstruction function, leading pursuits from first conversation through contract award, setting the budgets the company builds to, and handing projects to operations with the risk already identified.

• Self-performing and CM-at-risk general contractor with a track record of on-time, on-budget delivery
• Active in multifamily / healthcare / higher education / life sciences / mixed-use
• Project sizes typically $5M–$100M+
• Collaborative, low-ego culture with clear paths to Director and VP level
• Name disclosed to shortlisted candidates only, after an initial conversation

• Lead preconstruction from pursuit to handoff: conceptual budgets, schematic and DD estimates, and GMP or lump-sum pricing
• Run constructability, value engineering, and bidability reviews alongside architects and engineers
• Own subcontractor prequalification, bid solicitation, scope leveling, and buyout strategy
• Build master schedules, long-lead procurement plans, and site logistics and phasing strategies
• Navigate permitting and plan review with the City of Raleigh, Wake County, Cary, Durham, and surrounding jurisdictions
• Support contract negotiation (AIA, Consensus Docs, or owner forms), allowances, contingencies, and exclusions
• Present at owner interviews and win-work meetings with the business development team
• Lead and develop a team of estimators and preconstruction coordinators
• Deliver structured handoffs to project management and field teams, and keep historical cost data current

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or equivalent experience

• 8+ years in commercial construction, including 4+ years in preconstruction or estimating
• Track record taking projects through multiple design phases to a signed GMP
• Strong command of means and methods, sequencing, and trade scopes
• An existing subcontractor and design-team network in the Triangle or a comparable Southeast market
• Proficiency in estimating and takeoff tools (Sage Estimating, Procore, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff) and scheduling software (MS Project or Primavera P6)

• Experience with design-build and negotiated work
• BIM and VDC coordination experience
• CPE, CPC, LEED AP, PMP, or CCM credentials
• Familiarity with NC building codes and General Contractor licensing requirements

• Genuine seat at the leadership table, with direct access to ownership
• A defined career path to Director of Preconstruction
• Competitive base and bonus tied to win rate and budget accuracy
• Stable, repeat-client work in one of the strongest construction markets in the Southeast