Vice President of Commercial Preconstruction

Wharton-Smith, Inc. is a full-service construction management firm built on a foundation of integrity, collaboration, and performance. We partner closely with owners, designers, and trade partners to deliver complex commercial projects with precision, transparency, and accountability. Our culture values proactive leadership, thoughtful problem-solving, and doing the right thing—every time. At Wharton-Smith, we believe great projects start with great people, and we are committed to developing talent, fostering long-term relationships, and delivering exceptional results for our clients and communities.

The Vice President of Preconstruction Services-Commercial is a senior leadership role responsible for overseeing all preconstruction activities for the commercial construction portfolio. This role provides strategic direction, ensures accurate and competitive estimating, drives early project planning, and partners closely with business development, operations, and clients to position projects for successful execution. The VP sets standards, leads teams, and ensures preconstruction efforts align with company growth, profitability, and client satisfaction goals.

• Lead and continuously improve the commercial preconstruction function, including estimating, conceptual budgeting, value engineering, scheduling, and risk analysis.
• Establish preconstruction best practices, procedures, and performance metrics across all commercial projects.
• Support company growth initiatives by aligning preconstruction strategy with market trends and business development goals.
• Oversee preparation and review of conceptual, schematic, design-development, and GMP estimates.
• Ensure accuracy, competitiveness, and risk mitigation in all pricing strategies.
• Lead value engineering efforts to optimize cost, schedule, and constructability while maintaining design intent.

• Partner with Business Development and Executive Leadership on pursuits, proposals, and presentations.
• Serve as a senior preconstruction representative in client meetings, interviews, and negotiations.
• Build strong relationships with owners, architects, engineers, and trade partners.
• Manage personnel in multiple offices.
• Lead, mentor, and develop preconstruction managers, estimators, and support staff.
• Set performance expectations, conduct reviews, and support career development pathways.
• Foster a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

• Evaluate project feasibility, margins, and risk profiles prior to contract execution.
• Participate in executive reviews, go/no‑go decisions, and fee strategy discussions.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, contractual requirements, and ethical standards.

• Translating vision into execution
  , using data, experience, and market insight to drive smart decisions.
• Communicating with confidence and clarity
  , whether presenting to executives or collaborating with project teams.
• Taking ownership
  —you don’t just support the business; you help lead it.

• Own the front end of the business by influencing project selection, pricing strategy, risk management, and delivery approach.
• Lead and develop a high‑performing preconstruction team, setting standards for estimating, budgeting, constructability, and client engagement.
• Partner directly with executive leadership to align pursuit strategy with long‑term business goals.
• Drive innovation and continuous improvement across preconstruction processes, tools, and market intelligence.
• Build trusted client relationships early positioning the company as a strategic partner, not just a builder.
• Leave a lasting legacy by scaling systems, mentoring future leaders, and shaping how commercial projects are delivered.

Formal

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.

Work Experience: 20+ years of experience in commercial construction, with significant preconstruction leadership experience.

Proven success managing complex commercial projects and large estimating teams.

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