Senior Project Manager, Pre-Construction

THE COMPANY

Schnabel is a nationally recognized specialty contractor with over 65 years of experience in geostructural design-build and underground construction. With a portfolio of thousands of successful projects across the country, we are known for delivering smart, safe, and cost-effective solutions to complex engineering challenges. We specialize in advanced earth retention systems and other innovative geostructural techniques that create stable, lasting foundations for buildings, infrastructure, and other critical structures. At Schnabel, we combine technical expertise with a hands‑on approach to ensure every project starts on solid ground. ROLE Schnabel is seeking a Senior Project Manager, Pre-Construction, who will lead complex and high-value pre-construction efforts from pursuit through contract execution. This strategic role is critical to securing work that aligns with Schnabel’s technical strengths and business goals. You will oversee estimating, proposal development, constructability analysis, value engineering, and early-stage client engagement, ensuring a seamless transition to operations. Our typical scope of work includes installation of piles, lagging, walers, tiebacks, and braces for support of excavation projects. We also take on challenging projects with underpinning, grouting, tunneling, and unique structural support as part of our scope. Candidates having direct construction experience and familiarity with our company’s traditional scope of work are preferred.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of pre-construction activities for complex and high-value geostructural projects. Collaborate with executive leadership, estimating, operations, engineering, and business development to align project pursuits with company strategy and capabilities. Guide the development of technical and commercial proposals, ensuring they clearly articulate Schnabel’s scope, methods, and value. Lead bid reviews and pricing strategy sessions with senior management. Manage and mentor a team of Project Managers and Project Engineers. Recommend innovative solutions, alternate means and methods, or value engineering options that improve project feasibility and cost-efficiency. Serve as a key point of contact for clients, consultants, and general contractors during the pre-construction phase. Facilitate smooth project handoffs to the Operations team, providing all relevant scope, schedule, budget, and risk documentation. Stay informed about market conditions, subcontractor capabilities, and emerging construction technologies.

REQUIREMENTS

8 years of experience in construction, engineering, or estimating, with at least 5 years focused on pre-construction, estimating, or project pursuit. Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related field is required. Strong understanding of geotechnical construction methods, including earth retention, deep foundations, drilled shafts, ground improvement, soil stabilization, and underpinning. Advanced skill in reviewing and interpreting civil/structural drawings, specifications, and geotechnical reports. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to pass pre-employment drug test. Local and regional travel as required for projects. Ability to focus, stand, walk, kneel, climb, bend, and work from heights or within confined space during assigned shift. Ability to lift and carry 50 pounds of materials over rough terrain. Driver’s license, reliable transportation, and a safe driving record. Follow all safety procedures, use proper protective equipment, and help maintain a safe job site by identifying and reporting potential hazards.

SAFETY

Support the company’s safety and risk management objectives by adhering to established procedures, proactively identifying and addressing potential risks, and contributing to the achievement of safety goals through the use of metrics and continuous improvement efforts. Don’t hurt yourself, don’t hurt anyone else, and don’t let anyone hurt you; a simple philosophy that has been adopted at Schnabel. We live by this belief to provide a safe and healthy workplace for all our employees and subcontractors.

COMPENSATIONS AND BENEFITS

Competitive Base Salary and Bonus Plan 401(k) with Company Contributions Health Insurance Vision and Dental Insurance Strong PTO Offering Vehicle Allowance Company Technology or Stipend Salary ranges are determined by a variety of conditions, including regional market factors, relevant experience, education, and skill level. Final offers may vary to ensure alignment with both organizational equity and individual qualifications.

EEO STATEMENT

Schnabel is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is fully committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other characteristics protected by applicable laws. We are an E-Verify employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Schnabel