Manager of Preconstruction

Manager of Preconstruction

Reports to: Director of Technical Services

Location: Houston, TX or Baton Rouge, LA

Position Summary

The Manager of Preconstruction leads all estimating and preconstruction efforts, including budgeting, cost modeling, bid management, risk assessment, value engineering, and project turnover to operations. This role provides strategic leadership to estimating and VDC teams, drives process improvements, ensures accurate and competitive pricing, and supports business development efforts. The Manager collaborates closely with executive leadership, project teams, clients, subcontractors, and vendors to align client expectations with company objectives.
Key Responsibilities

• Provide leadership, coaching, and mentoring to estimating, planning and VDC staff, establishing performance expectations and professional development goals.
• Oversee all estimating, proposal development, bid submissions, and compliance with contractual and owner requirements.
• Manage and balance estimating workloads across internal teams and external contributors to meet deadlines and business priorities.
• Lead the bidding process, including bid solicitation, subcontractor and vendor coordination, bid analysis, and final pricing recommendations.
• Collaborate with executive leadership and project teams to identify, assess, and mitigate project risks and opportunities.
• Develop and maintain relationships with clients, subcontractors, vendors, suppliers, and engineering partners to support competitive positioning.
• Establish and continuously improve preconstruction processes, procedures, and technology initiatives to enhance accuracy and efficiency.
• Review drawings, specifications, contracts, and scopes of work to ensure complete and accurate estimates across all project phases.
• Maintain and analyze historical cost data, self-perform efficiencies, and market intelligence to inform future estimates.
• Lead awarded project turnover meetings and coordinate seamless handoff from preconstruction to construction operations.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field required
• Advanced degree or professional certifications (CCM, PE) preferred

Experience

• 5-10+ years in estimating, preconstruction, or project management
• 2-5+ years in a leadership role
• Experience with multiple delivery methods and competitive bidding

Skills & Competencies

• Strong expertise in estimating, cost control, and value engineering
• Ability to interpret drawings, contracts, and technical documents
• Excellent leadership, analytical, and communication skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and estimating/project management software
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple priorities

Pre-employment drug-screen and background check are required.