Preconstruction Manager

Preconstruction Manager

Coakley & Williams Construction is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to lead estimating and preconstruction efforts for commercial construction projects ranging from $5 million to $50 million. We are interested in candidates with general contractor experience across commercial, life sciences, higher education, institutional, public-sector, or government construction.

This role will manage assigned projects from early pursuit and conceptual estimating through bid submission, value engineering, negotiation support, and turnover to Operations. The right candidate will bring hands-on estimating experience, knowledge of major construction trades, and the ability to collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal project teams.

What You'll Do:

• Manage preconstruction and estimating activities from early opportunity evaluation through final bid review and project handoff.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and detailed construction estimates.
• Review plans, specifications, contracts, and related documents to identify scope requirements, constructability concerns, and project risks.
• Prepare quantity surveys, detailed takeoffs, scopes of work, bid packages, subcontractor lists, clarifications, exclusions, and assumptions.
• Solicit, review, level, and analyze subcontractor and supplier proposals across major construction trades.
• Support value engineering, constructability reviews, design-assist efforts, scheduling discussions, and bid strategy development.
• Identify and communicate risks related to scope, cost, schedule, logistics, procurement, phasing, and subcontractor participation.
• Participate in preconstruction meetings, estimate reviews, client presentations, post-bid discussions, and negotiation planning.
• Build productive relationships with owners, architects, engineers, construction managers, subcontractors, suppliers, and industry partners.
• Collaborate with Preconstruction, Operations, Scheduling, and project teams to strengthen pursuit strategy and support a smooth transition into construction.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Business, Engineering, or a related field.
• At least three years of estimating or preconstruction experience with a commercial general contractor.
• Experience supporting or managing preconstruction for commercial, life sciences, higher education, institutional, public-sector, or government construction projects.
• Experience developing estimates, performing quantity takeoffs, preparing scopes of work, and analyzing subcontractor proposals.
• General knowledge of major construction trades and how their scopes interact.
• Fluency in Microsoft Office and Bluebeam or On-Screen Takeoff.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to assess and prioritize multiple tasks, projects, and deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, digital, and paperless environment.
• Commitment to accurate, high-quality work and continued professional development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with conceptual estimating, design development estimating, bid leveling, and value engineering.
• Experience supporting design-build, design-assist, negotiated, or competitive-bid projects.
• Knowledge of construction costs and subcontractor markets in Washington, DC, Maryland, and Northern Virginia.
• Experience participating in client presentations, estimate reviews, or post-bid discussions.
• Experience supporting business development or industry relationship-building activities.
• Experience with life sciences, higher education, institutional, government, or other technically complex construction projects.
• LEED accreditation or another relevant construction credential.

Why Join Coakley & Williams Construction?

This is an opportunity to take ownership of meaningful preconstruction assignments while working across a diverse portfolio of commercial construction projects. You will collaborate with experienced professionals in Preconstruction, Operations, Scheduling, and company leadership to help shape projects before construction begins.

The role offers exposure to conceptual estimating, design development, subcontractor engagement, client presentations, risk management, and pursuit strategy. As your technical judgment and leadership capabilities grow, you will have opportunities to manage larger and more complex pursuits, mentor team members, and progress toward senior-level responsibility within the Preconstruction department.

Coakley & Williams Construction offers a comprehensive total compensation and benefits package that includes health, dental, and vision coverage, an employer-matched 401(k), paid time off and holidays, performance-based bonuses, a wellness program, and other voluntary benefits and leave programs.

Wage Transparency

In accordance with the Maryland Wage Transparency Law, the base salary range for this position is $90,000 to $140,000. The final salary will be based on the candidate's professional experience, qualifications, education, skills, training, and other job-related factors.

Coakley & Williams Construction is an equal opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.