Preconstruction Executive

Job Description Dewberry Design-Builders, Inc. is seeking a Preconstruction Executive to join our growing team in Raleigh, NC.The Preconstruction Executive provides leadership for preconstruction and estimating activities across a diverse portfolio of design-build projects, including federal, energy, water, and industrial/MEPS-focused facilities. Serving as a trusted advisor to clients, design partners, and project teams, this role is responsible for driving project planning, cost strategy, scheduling, risk management, and design-phase coordination to ensure successful project delivery.

Dewberry is a leading, market-facing professional services firm with more than 60 locations and 2,500 professionals nationwide. What sets us apart from our competitors is our people. At Dewberry, we seek out exceptional talent and strive to deliver the highest quality of services to our clients. Whether you’re an experienced professional or a new graduate, you’ll have the chance to collaborate with the best and brightest and work on innovative and complex projects at the forefront of the industry.

Our commitment to excellence stems from our personal integrity and from other defining attributes, which we call “Dewberry at Work,” that have inspired our employees to be successful for more than a half-century.

Responsibilities What You’ll DoLead multiple projects through the preconstruction phase, from initial concept development through design completion.

Develop, review, and present conceptual budgets, cost models, estimates, and pricing proposals utilizing market intelligence, historical data, subcontractor input, and industry benchmarks.

Collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, and internal teams to align project scope, budget, schedule, and quality objectives.

Guide programming, conceptual design, constructability reviews, value engineering efforts, and risk assessments to support informed decision-making.

Lead early project planning activities, including site evaluations, feasibility assessments, test fits, massing studies, and design alternatives.

Manage design-phase cost control, scope development, contingency planning, and budget reconciliation throughout project development.

Facilitate the selection and coordination of architects, engineers, consultants, and trade partners for design-build projects.

Develop and maintain project schedules in collaboration with design teams and operations staff.

Identify project risks and opportunities and proactively implement strategies to support successful project outcomes.

Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, design partners, contractors, suppliers, and key stakeholders.

Mentor, develop, and provide leadership to preconstruction and estimating professionals.

Support business development efforts, proposal pursuits, and client presentations as needed.

Required Skills & Required Experience Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
10+ years of progressive experience in preconstruction and estimating.

Demonstrated experience leading complex projects through planning, design, budgeting, and GMP development.

Strong understanding of construction costs, scheduling methodologies, constructability, value engineering, and risk management.

Excellent leadership, communication, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.

Proven ability to manage multiple projects and priorities in a fast-paced environment.

Strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities with a client-focused approach.

Ability to travel to project sites and client meetings as needed.

Don’t meet every single requirement? At Dewberry we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic…