Vice President of Preconstruction Services - Commercial

Vice President of Preconstruction Services - Commercial

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 thingevery 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.

General Description

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.

Essential Functions

Strategic Leadership

• 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.

Estimating & Cost Management

• 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.

Client & Business Development Support

• 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.

Team Leadership & Development

• 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.

Financial & Risk Oversight

• 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.

Who You Are

• 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 ownershipyou don't just support the business; you help lead it.

What's In It For You

• 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.

Key Requirements

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.

Job-Related Knowledge: Strong understanding of delivery methods (CMAR, Design-Build, Lump Sum, etc).

Exceptional leadership, communication, and client-facing skills.

Position Type/ Expected Full-time, exempt position.

Hours of Work: Work hours generally align with standard business hours but may require extended hours depending on project.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree or professional certifications (LEED, DBIA, CCM, etc.)
• Experience supporting large-scale or diversified commercial portfolios
• Strong market knowledge and trade partner relationships

Core Competencies

• Strategic thinking and decision-making
• Financial acumen and risk management
• Relationship building and negotiation
• Team leadership and talent development
• Attention to detail with a big-picture mindset

Company Benefits

• Employer-paid medical (HDHP) + preventive care
• Dental, vision, Rx & FSA options
• Employer-paid life, AD&D, STD & LTD
• Voluntary supplemental insurance options
• Parental leave & EAP support
• Tuition reimbursement
• 401(k) with 100% employer match up to 10% and bi-annual bonuses
• Generous paid time off (holidays, PTO, bereavement, volunteer)
• Community sponsorships & involvement
• Employee appreciation events & celebrations
• Company-paid trainings & certifications

Other duties

The above statements are intended to describe general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities and duties required of those in this position.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability

Wharton-Smith provides equal opportunity to qualified disabled veterans, Pre-JVA special disabled veterans and individuals with disabilities to online application systems by making reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access for submitting to job openings. (i.e., wheelchair accessibility, website accessibility, etc).

Our recruiting process is centralized and is handled by our HR Department. If we are sent unsolicited resumes from recruiters, we will not pay any recruiting fees. Unsolicited resumes are any resumes sent to us by a recruiter who has not been pre-approved by HR, has not signed our contract, and has not been requested by our HR Department to search for a specific position.