Director of PreConstruction | Custom Homes

Director, Preconstruction | Custom Luxury Homes | San Francisco 

Retained Search represented by Wentworth Executive Recruiting.

This is an exclusive CAREER opportunity with our firm. 

We are seeking a Director of Preconstruction to lead the estimating department, drive
consultative sales, and serve as the strategic bridge between early design concepts and
production.
Position Overview
As the Director of Preconstruction, you will be a key executive leader in our firm. You
will head a department backed by 2–3 dedicated support staff members who handle
technical quantity takeoffs and database inputs.

This frees up your time to focus on high-level relationship management, architectural collaboration, preconstruction
agreements, and department leadership.

The ideal candidate possesses deep technical construction knowledge.

A mastery of value engineering, and the sophisticated communication skills necessary to guide high-net-worth clients through complex financial decisions.

Key Responsibilities
Strategic Preconstruction and Budgeting (40%)
• Architectural Collaboration: Partner with local architects during early schematic and
design development phases to provide real-time constructability reviews and cost
feedback.
• Conceptual Estimating: Develop accurate early-stage preliminary budgets based on
minimal drawings, helping clients navigate the financial realities of their design
early on.
• Value Engineering: Innovate creative cost-saving solutions that lower project
budgets without compromising the architect’s aesthetic vision or quality.
• Risk and Logistics Planning: I dentify long-lead materials, structural complexities, and
site logistics well ahead of the construction handoff.

Consultative Sales and Marketing Support (30%)
• Close Preconstruction Agreements: Lead initial client interviews and presentations,
turning incoming leads into signed, paid preconstruction contracts.
• Architect Relationship Management: Act as a primary brand ambassador to elite
architecture firms, securing repeat project referrals through exceptional
preconstruction service.
• Client Advisory: Serve as the trusted guide for high-net-worth individuals, managing
budget updates and presenting material options with a sophisticated,
professional approach.
• Marketing Support: Work with marketing staff and external marketing firms to guide
company branding, social media presence, and targeted outreach to new
potential architects and design professionals.

Leadership and Department Operations (30%)
• Team Management: Lead, mentor, and maximize the efficiency of 2-3 existing
preconstruction support staff members.
• Process Oversight: Direct your support staff in running digital takeoffs, managing
bidding software, and building out the subcontractor pricing database.
• Trade Partner Networking: Cultivate relationships with high-end, specialized
craftsmen and subcontractors capable of executing luxury-tier finishes.
• Operations Handoff: Lead the smooth transition of vetted budgets, scopes, and
schedules to the Project Management and Field Operations teams.
Qualifications & Skills

Experience

8–10 years of estimating or preconstruction management experience required.

BA/BS in Construction Management or Business a plus, but not required. 

Proven track record in high-end, custom residential construction ($2M+ project scale).

• Preconstruction Expertise: Strong mastery of conceptual budgeting, value
engineering, and architectural plan reading before drawings are fully finalized.
• Sales Acumen: Exceptional interpersonal, presentation, and negotiation skills.
Comfortable pitching to luxury clients and collaborating with creative architects.
• Leadership Ability : Experience managing or mentoring junior estimators or assistant
staff.
• Tech Savvy: Familiarity with modern estimating and takeoff software (PlanSwift)
along with standard project management and scheduling tools (Autodesk,
Smartsheet, Excel, Bluebeam).
• Communication: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills; absolute
comfort presenting complex financial breakdowns to non-technical clients and elite architects .

• Analytical Mindset: Laser-focused attention to detail with the ability to spot missing scopes or design conflicts in early architectural phases.

What We Offer
• Competitive base salary of $150,000 – $180,000 plus performance-based bonus
potential ($10k – 40k+). Based on experience.
• Comprehensive health and dental benefits.
• 401(k)
• Paid time off and holiday schedules.
• A collaborative, professional company culture with a strong local reputation.

Employment Type: Full Time
Years Experience: 5 - 10 years
Salary: $150,000 - $180,000 Annual
Bonus/Commission: Yes