Pre-Construction Manager

About Volumetric Building Companies (VBC)

Volumetric Building Companies (VBC) is a vertically integrated global volumetric construction leader, headquartered in Philadelphia, PA. with locations across the United States and in Europe in the UK, Poland and Serbia.

Utilizing our technology-enabled design and engineering model, precision-driven manufacturing capabilities, and project-proven modular construction expertise, the company's focus is on providing high quality, sustainably produced buildings in less time across varied market sectors including housing and hospitality.

As we grow, we are continually and very selectively adding top talent to our team. Our engaging culture is one that promotes teamwork, innovation, continuous learning, open and candid communications, and respect and support for one another, and for the communities in which we operate.


If you think you are one of the best at what you do and want to join us on our journey to build the future and improve lives, then we'd love to hear from you!

Role Overview

The Pre-Construction Manager will be a member of VBC's U.S. Commercial Team. In this role you will be responsible for supporting company sales strategy, establishing an initial project plan following company pre-construction processes and acting as the project leader during phase 1 and phase 2 of the VBC Project Delivery Stream. The Pre-Construction Manager will also act as support to the Project Management team during Phases 3 - 5 to ensure the project plan is communicated seamlessly. You will use established precon tools, processes, and best practice methodologies to develop initial scopes, specifications, schedules, logistics plans and budgets.

• Deep experience in the AEC or manufacturing sectors, working in fast-paced environments, with efficient and effective project planning and stakeholder management
• Responsible for representing VBC, both internally and externally, in a manner that aligns with our brand and core values

Key Responsibilities

Client Relationship Management

• Support Business Development Manager with client communications and act as a point of contact between VBC and client project teams during Phase 1 & 2 of the VBC PDS
• Demonstrate a strong understanding of the PCSA key contract terms and manage the relationship with the client and VBC in accordance with the contract
• Responsible for initial project planning and client transition, including appropriate documentation as defined deliverables in the PDS
• Collaborate with Business Development on conceptual estimating, proposals, and client presentations
• Communicate progress, risks, and cost implications clearly and proactively

Project Life Cycle Management

• Create a project plan that supports the business objectives while providing critical feedback to the client and project team on feasibility

Contract and Scope Management

• Support Pre-Construction Department strategic goals and objectives
• Provide support to the Project Management team while creating visibility and feedback loops back to the Business Development and Pre-Construction Management team

Budget and Financial Oversight (Cost, Schedule & Performance Management)

• Create an initial project budget that supports the business objectives with stakeholder approval
• Coordinate development of preliminary and master project schedules aligned with design milestones and manufacturing constraints
• Provide monthly preconstruction cost analysis, progress status reports, and budget management for active assignments
• Lead transition meetings between preconstruction and operations teams

Internal Cross Functional Communication

• Work cross-functionally with internal stakeholders as necessary during design to facilitate the completion of the manufacturing contract with the customer
• Feedback loop to inform future opportunities

Communication, Organizational Leadership & Team Development

• Maintain clear communication across all levels-field crews, consultants, executives
• Promote a culture of accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement
• Support internal initiatives to improve project delivery processes and operational efficiency
• Work closely with the project management team to drive lessons learned feedback loop to internal team to improve standardization and efficiency

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in architecture, engineering, or related field and at least 5 years of work experience managing projects in the manufacturing or AEC industries or high school diploma and at least 10 years of work experience managing large-scale, multidisciplinary projects in AEC industry
• Experience managing multidisciplinary project teams including internal and external design teams, to deliver complex projects (ideally, from design through manufacturing and delivery)
• Experience generating, managing, and reporting project schedules and budgets
• Experience reviewing and managing complex client and subconsultant contracts
• Experience in identifying project risks including design deficiencies, schedule concerns, and other project-specific issues
• Proficiency in interpretation of project documentation (large multidisciplinary architectural and engineering drawing sets), procedure manuals, schedules, RFIs, etc.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, and Project
• Experience with industry specific software and technology (e.g., SAP, ACC)
• Familiarity with (or willingness to learn) cloud base CRM and/or project management tools such as HubSpot, MS Project
• <10% travel required to each of VBC's manufacturing locations on a regular basis

Preferred Qualifications

• Project Management Professional (PMP) or similar certification
• Experience managing 100+ unit multi-family residential projects from inception to delivery or experience delivering customer projects in a discrete manufacturing environment
• General understanding of building codes, zoning regulations and permit processes
• Experience with turnkey general contracting and site/civil scopes preferred
• Construction or modular industry experience preferred but not required

The salary range for this position is $95,000 - $115,000 annual salary. We also off the following benefits:

• Highly competitive pay, benefits program, and flexible time-off programs
• 401(k) program with employer matching
• Employee referral programs with charitable donations
• Day of Giving program to volunteer at community charities

VBC is an equal opportunity employer