Director of Preconstruction

Director of Preconstruction

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Location: Charlotte, NC

Industry: Commercial Construction

Position: Full-Time

About the Opportunity

A well-established and highly respected commercial general contractor is seeking an experienced Director of Preconstruction to join its growing Charlotte, NC team.

This is a senior leadership opportunity for an accomplished preconstruction professional who can take ownership of the preconstruction process, develop strong client and design-team relationships, and lead estimating and preconstruction efforts across a diverse portfolio of commercial projects.

The company has a strong reputation for delivering complex projects across sectors including healthcare, education, corporate, industrial, institutional and public work , with a relationship-driven approach to construction and a significant focus on early project involvement.

The Role

As Director of Preconstruction, you will play a key role in shaping projects from initial concept through contract award. You will lead the preconstruction function while working closely with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors and internal operations teams.

You will be responsible for developing accurate budgets, managing estimating efforts, identifying project risks and opportunities, and ensuring that projects are positioned for successful delivery before construction begins.

This position will also provide leadership and mentorship to the preconstruction and estimating team, helping establish consistent processes, standards and best practices across the Charlotte operation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee all preconstruction activities from initial concept through GMP/final bid and contract award.
• Develop and manage detailed conceptual budgets, estimates and cost models.
• Lead estimating efforts for commercial construction projects ranging from mid-size developments to complex, high-value projects.
• Review drawings, specifications and other project documents to identify scope, cost and schedule considerations.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, owners and consultants throughout the design process.
• Lead value engineering and constructability reviews to maximize project value while maintaining design intent.
• Develop and maintain detailed project budgets and cost estimates at various stages of design.
• Manage subcontractor and supplier bidding, including scope development, bid solicitation and leveling.
• Analyze subcontractor proposals and negotiate pricing, scope and terms.
• Identify project risks, exclusions, opportunities and potential cost impacts before construction begins.
• Provide clients with clear and commercially focused recommendations regarding cost, schedule and constructability.
• Participate in client interviews, presentations and business development activities.
• Assist the operations team with a smooth transition from preconstruction into construction.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors and vendors.
• Lead, develop and mentor members of the preconstruction and estimating team.
• Help develop and improve company-wide preconstruction processes, procedures and best practices.
• Work closely with senior leadership to evaluate opportunities and determine project pursuit strategies.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be an experienced Preconstruction Manager, Senior Estimator, Director of Preconstruction or similar senior-level construction professional with a strong background working for a commercial general contractor.

You should have a proven ability to manage the full preconstruction lifecycle while confidently communicating with owners and design teams. Strong commercial awareness, technical estimating ability and leadership skills are essential.

Preferred Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience within commercial construction, estimating or preconstruction.
• Previous experience in a senior preconstruction or estimating leadership position.
• Strong understanding of commercial construction means, methods and sequencing.
• Experience with projects in sectors such as healthcare, education, corporate, industrial, institutional or public construction.
• Proven experience developing conceptual budgets through final estimates.
• Strong value engineering and constructability experience.
• Experience managing subcontractor bidding and scope leveling.
• Strong understanding of drawings, specifications and construction documents.
• Excellent communication, negotiation and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain long-term client and design-team relationships.
• Experience leading and mentoring estimating/preconstruction professionals.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or a related field is preferred.

What You'll Bring

• Strong leadership and team-management skills.
• Exceptional attention to detail and analytical ability.
• Commercial awareness and sound financial judgment.
• A client-first approach to preconstruction.
• The ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
• Strong knowledge of construction costs, market conditions and subcontractor pricing.
• Confidence presenting budgets, estimates and recommendations to senior stakeholders.
• A collaborative approach and the ability to work effectively across preconstruction, operations and business development.

Why Join?

This is an opportunity to take a high-impact leadership position within an established commercial contractor with a strong presence across the Southeast.

You will have the opportunity to influence projects from their earliest stages, work directly with sophisticated clients and design teams, and play a key role in the continued growth and development of the company's Charlotte operation. xhyhwjd

The organization places significant value on its people, relationships and long-term client partnerships, while providing its teams with the resources and autonomy needed to deliver complex commercial projects successfully.