Preconstruction Manager

The Preconstruction Manager leads and oversees all preconstruction and estimating activities across commercial construction projects. This role serves as a strategic bridge between business development, design teams, clients, trade partners, and internal operations. The Manager is responsible for driving the preconstruction process from conceptual design through handoff to construction, delivering highly accurate budgets, value engineering, constructability analyses, and competitive bid strategies. The ideal candidate is a proactive leader with deep commercial estimating expertise, exceptional strategic vision, strong subcontractor networks, and proven success in guiding project teams through complex preconstruction phases.The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel so classified.Preconstruction & Estimating ManagementLead the preparation of comprehensive conceptual, schematic, design development, and guaranteed maximum price (GMP) / lump-sum cost estimates across diverse commercial projects.Support the project team in communicating with Owners by participating in interviews, constructability meetings, weekly progress meetings, deliverable reviews, and other project-related meetings.Analyze prospective project requirements, risks, and market conditions; present strategic insights and recommendations to executive leadership for bid select decisions.Analyze drawings, specifications, and project documents to support accurate quantity take-offs.Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier bids for completeness, scope coverage, and pricing.Maintain and update cost databases and historical project data.Maintain and update subcontractor lists (Project Sight, Building Connected, etc.).Maintain and update the master estimating template.Bid ManagementDirect the end-to-end bidding process, establishing project bid schedules, scope coverage requirements, and strategic trade partner outreach.Set up an Estimate Project with standard file structure.Add/Maintain projects on Master Estimating Schedule.Coordinate the bid process, including issuing invitations to bid, tracking responses, and collecting proposals.Coordinate project schedule duration with superintendents.Develop and distribute bid packages and scope sheets to subcontractors.Participate in bid leveling and comparison to ensure complete and competitive pricing.Identify and populating scope within the bid tabs.Initiate outreach and build strong professional relationships with new subcontractors.Lead post-bid debriefs and market analyses on both won and lost pursuits to identify competitive trends and continuously enhance win strategies.Project Planning & CoordinationSupport preconstruction schedules and milestone tracking.Collaborate with design teams, architects, consultants, and internal stakeholders to ensure alignment on project scope and feasibility.Assist in constructability reviews and value engineering efforts.Identify potential risks and provide input on mitigation strategies.Documentation & CommunicationAlways improve and implement the best Estimating practices across the enterprise.Analyze subcontractor participation following unsuccessful bids and request awarded team details from clients to identify competitive trade partners and strategically expand the subcontractor database.Prepare preconstruction deliverables such as cost reports, proposals, bid summaries, andpresentations.Maintain organized project documentation and records.Facilitate communication between estimating, operations, and project management teams.Coordinate and document project and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing meetings as bid schedule permits and capture and distribute accurate meeting minutes to stakeholders.Provide general administrative support to the team, including document reproduction, shipping coordination, and tracking project-related errands.Attend BD meetings to present an update of bidding efforts to leadership.Transition to OperationsLead comprehensive handoff meetings with project management and field execution teams, ensuring clear transfer of budget assumptions, scope sheets, buyout plans, and risk profiles.Initiate project setup in project management software, including organizing initial documentation, photos, and creating the submittal register.Schedule a meeting with the project team to handoff from preconstruction to operations teams.Ensure all relevant information (budgets, scopes, assumptions) is clearly communicated.Support early procurement activities as needed.Other duties as assigned.Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent practical experience in the construction industry..3+ years of experience in commercial construction estimating and preconstruction management, with a track record of successfully leading bids and preconstruction efforts on complex projects.Estimating experience with Public Works.Proficiency with MS Office Suite, and experience with industry-standard software such as Bluebeam, MS Project, On-screen Takeoff, Building Connected, ProjectSight.Ability to read drawings and specifications.Exceptional written, verbal, negotiation, and presentation skills; comfortable interfacing with executive leadership, clients, owners, and trade partners.Deep knowledge of commercial building systems, conceptual budgeting, cost control, bid leveling, risk management, value engineering, and trade partner relationships.Compensation:Salary range: $120,000 to $160,000.Benefits:401(k) with a 4% company matchComprehensive Medical, Dental, and Vision InsuranceEmployer-paid Life Insurance coverage up to $100,000Long-term Disability Insurance20 days of paid time off, accrued annuallyVoluntary paid time offPaid Bereavement Leave8 paid holidays per yearPotential for a discretionary bonus based on company performanceEmployee Assistance Program (EAP)$5,000 Referral ProgramPaid Monthly ParkingTuition Reimbursement