Preconstruction Manager - Richmond/Hopewell

Job Description Job Description About Harlan Construction
Harlan Construction is a 65-year-old industrial general contractor headquartered in the Richmond/Hopewell, Virginia area. We self-perform civil, concrete, and structural work — a capability that sets us apart in the local market and gives our preconstruction team a distinct edge in pricing and delivering value to owners. We specialize in industrial ground-up, pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB), design-build, and heavy civil projects, and we operate on EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) with a culture built on accountability, ownership, and performance.

Position Overview
The Preconstruction Manager is a key contributor on a focused four-person preconstruction team, working directly under the VP of Preconstruction. This role leads estimating and preconstruction delivery on industrial and design-build pursuits from early conceptual budgeting through GMP and contract award. The right candidate brings sharp estimating instincts, thrives on winning work, and wants to grow into client-facing responsibilities over time. This is a high-visibility role at a company where individual contribution is seen and rewarded.

Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Bid Management
Lead quantity takeoff and cost estimating for industrial, PEMB, civil, and design-build projects using Procore Estimating and Bluebeam
Manage the full bid process through Procore — subcontractor solicitation, scope leveling, and bid-day assembly
Develop conceptual budgets, SD/DD estimates, and GMP packages in coordination with design partners
Prepare and present detailed estimate summaries and clarification narratives for leadership review
Design-Build & Owner Coordination
Support design-build pursuits in partnership with the Design-Build Manager and third-party design firms
Participate in owner interviews, scope development meetings, and value engineering sessions
Coordinate with Harlan’s self-perform trades (civil, concrete, structural) to integrate cost and schedule advantages into estimates
Preconstruction Delivery
Execute structured preconstruction-to-operations handovers using Harlan’s established turnover process
Develop preliminary project schedules using Outbuild in coordination with operations leadership
Maintain accurate pursuit tracking and pipeline data in our CRM
Contribute to departmental Rocks, scorecards, and IDS items as an active participant in Harlan’s EOS cadence
Business Development Support
Attend client meetings, industry events, and owner presentations alongside the BD Director
Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and design partners
Identify opportunities to add owner value through self-perform scope, PEMB solutions, and design-build delivery

Schedule
Monday – Friday
7:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Qualifications
Required:
5+ years of estimating experience at a commercial or industrial GC
Demonstrated proficiency with Procore Estimating and Bluebeam
Experience estimating industrial, manufacturing, PEMB, or warehouse projects
Strong quantity takeoff skills across multiple CSI divisions
Ability to read and interpret civil, structural, MEPF, and architectural drawings
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Organized, self-directed, and comfortable working in a lean team environment
Alignment with EOS principles and structured accountability culture

Preferred:
Experience with design-build delivery (DBIA familiarity a plus)
Familiarity with Procore
Exposure to Outbuild or similar scheduling platforms
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field
Virginia market knowledge and subcontractor/supplier relationships
LEED AP, DBIA, or other relevant professional credentials

Growth & Development
The Preconstruction Manager role is structured with a defined progression path toward senior estimating leadership and expanded client-facing responsibilities. Specific milestones and a career development plan will be established during onboarding and reviewed annually through Harlan’s EOS Vision process.

What We Offer
Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
Medical Insurance
401(k) with company match up to 5% (eligible after 1 year)
Paid time off and company holidays
Performance-based bonus tied to win rate and department results
Vehicle allowance for preconstruction activities
Company phone and laptop
Professional development and continuing education support
Stable, family-owned company with 65 years of regional market presence