Preconstruction Project Manager

Pre-Construction Project Manager I

This position is based out of our Savannah, GA regional office. As a Pre-Construction Project Manager I in our Savannah region, you'll shape how clients experience Samet before the first shovel hits the ground. You'll turn early designs into accurate estimates and translate architects' and engineers' plans into buildable, biddable projects.

You'll work directly with design teams, subcontractors, and project development staff, guiding each pursuit from concept to contract. Your estimates and relationships help Samet win the right work and set every project up for success once it moves into construction.

What You'll Do

• Perform take-offs and develop quantities for conceptual and preliminary cost estimates using estimating software.
• Prepare accurate conceptual, preliminary, and contract cost estimates, including general conditions, site development, and building systems.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and designers to understand design concepts and requirements, and review documents for accuracy, completeness, and constructability.
• Set up and run vendor/subcontractor bid solicitation, targeting three bids per trade for full bid-day coverage.
• Build and maintain strong subcontractor and vendor relationships that give Samet a competitive edge.
• Assist in preparing proposal responses for strategic project pursuits, and support sales presentations to prospective clients as needed.
• Attend planning and kickoff meetings with project development staff to review scope and shape project approach.
• Provide weekly project status updates to the Sr. Director of Pre-Construction Services to keep proposals on deadline.
• Facilitate communication and coordination between design teams, subcontractors, and internal project teams.
• Prepare written scopes of work and technical specifications for procurement of design and consulting services.
• Develop value engineering and alternative cost proposals for client review and consideration.
• Document meetings and prepare written correspondence to keep project scope clear and teams accountable.
• Coordinate with administrative staff to make plans and specifications available through internal systems and plan rooms, and schedule and monitor completion of design documents from design partners.
• Identify risks tied to cost estimating and design integration, and develop mitigation strategies.
• Participate in project turnover meetings to transfer projects from pre-construction to construction.
• Maintain and update historical cost data to improve future estimates and department efficiency.
• Stay current on industry trends, building codes, regulations, and innovative construction approaches.

What You Bring

• Bachelor's degree (B.S.) from a four-year college or university, or two to four years of related experience/training, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Understanding of building codes, regulations, and construction processes.
• Knowledge of construction project delivery methods (Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, Construction Manager at Risk).
• Experience with cost estimating principles and quantity take-off procedures.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), Zoom, and Microsoft Teams.
• Experience with estimating software (MC² or similar preferred).
• Knowledge of scheduling software (Primavera, SureTrak, or similar).
• Familiarity with project collaboration platforms and BIM technologies.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve cost- and design-related issues.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey technical concepts to a range of stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects at once.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and foster a positive team culture.
• Proven track record of building relationships and working effectively with subcontractors and vendors.
• Flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced construction environment.
• Self-motivated, with the ability to proactively move projects forward.

Additional Requirements

Physical Demands: Regularly required to sit, walk (including on rough or uneven surfaces), use hands and fingers, reach, drive, bend, talk, see, and hear. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds. Occasionally required to stand, climb stairs or ladders, balance, kneel, crouch, and turn or twist, with infrequent crawling. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment: Primarily an office role with frequent, recurring visits to construction sites. Noise levels range from low to high, and temperature varies by location. Frequent travel is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Language Ability: Ability to read and comprehend detailed instructions, long correspondence, and memos; write complex correspondence; and communicate effectively in one-on-one, small-group, and large-group settings with Associates and clients.

Computer Skills: Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office and SharePoint, with the ability to communicate and collaborate remotely through Zoom or Teams and type complex correspondence.

Math Ability: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide using whole numbers, fractions, and decimals, and to compute rate, ratio, and percent, including reading and interpreting bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability: Ability to comprehend and carry out detailed written and oral instructions using common-sense reasoning, and to work through straightforward challenges in conventional situations.

Certificates and Licenses: A valid driver's license is required.

Why Samet

At Samet, we build more than projects—we build people. As one of the fastest-growing construction firms in the Southeast, we give our team the tools, training, and trust to take on real responsibility early and grow into the leaders our projects need.

You'll learn directly from some of the best builders in the business, backed by structured development through Samet University and Builders Building Builders. You'll work on meaningful projects, supported by an award-winning safety culture and a team that genuinely looks out for one another. And you'll do it all The Samet Way: with integrity, a commitment to quality, and a belief that how we build matters as much as what we build.

If you're ready to grow your career with a company that's invested in your success, we'd love to meet you.