Preconstruction Manager

We are seeking a highly experienced Preconstruction Manager to support large-scale mission-critical construction projects for a Top 30 ENR General Contractor client. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience leading preconstruction efforts for complex data center, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, industrial, or other highly technical construction projects.

This individual will serve as a key leader during project pursuit and planning phases, driving estimating, budgeting, procurement strategy, value engineering, risk analysis, and client engagement from concept through construction start.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all preconstruction activities for large-scale mission-critical, data center, semiconductor, advanced manufacturing, and industrial construction projects.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, design development, GMP, and final construction budgets throughout the project lifecycle.
• Review drawings, specifications, RFPs, and design documents to establish project scope, constructability, and pricing strategies.
• Collaborate closely with owners, architects, engineers, trade partners, and internal operations teams to align project objectives, schedules, and budgets.
• Manage detailed quantity takeoffs, cost modeling, and estimating efforts across civil, structural, architectural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing, process systems, and specialty scopes.
• Lead subcontractor and supplier outreach, bid solicitation, scope leveling, and procurement planning.
• Evaluate market conditions, escalation trends, labor availability, material pricing, and supply chain risks.
• Develop and present value engineering recommendations, alternative design solutions, and cost optimization strategies while maintaining performance, reliability, and schedule objectives.
• Support design-assist, design-build, and integrated project delivery (IPD) procurement approaches.
• Identify and mitigate project risks related to scope gaps, schedule constraints, logistics, constructability, and procurement challenges.
• Prepare executive-level cost reports, bid summaries, project narratives, and client-facing presentations.
• Support contract negotiations, bid reviews, GMP development, and project turnover to operations teams.
• Maintain estimating databases, historical cost benchmarks, productivity metrics, and market intelligence.
• Mentor junior estimators and preconstruction staff while promoting best practices across the organization.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Quantity Surveying, Architecture, or related discipline preferred.
• 7+ years of preconstruction, estimating, cost management, or project development experience within large-scale construction environments.
• Proven experience supporting one or more of the following project types:
• Hyperscale or colocation data centers
• Semiconductor manufacturing facilities (fabs)
• Advanced manufacturing facilities
• Industrial processing plants
• Pharmaceutical or life sciences facilities
• Mission-critical infrastructure projects
• Strong knowledge of mechanical, electrical, plumbing (MEP), process utility, and critical infrastructure systems.
• Experience developing conceptual estimates, detailed estimates, GMPs, and cost plans exceeding $50M-$1B+ project values.
• Proficiency with estimating and preconstruction software including Bluebeam, OST, Trimble, Accubid, Procore, BuildingConnected, Sage Estimating, or similar platforms.
• Advanced Microsoft Excel skills including cost modeling and scenario analysis.
• Strong understanding of procurement strategies, subcontractor management, and construction delivery methods.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Preferred

• Experience supporting hyperscale data center clients or semiconductor manufacturers.
• Familiarity with BIM/VDC coordination and model-based estimating workflows.
• Knowledge of mission-critical infrastructure systems including:
• Medium and high-voltage electrical distribution
• UPS systems
• Standby generation
• Chilled water and cooling systems
• Process utilities
• Structured cabling and low-voltage systems
• Fire protection and suppression systems
• Understanding of NEC, NFPA, ASHRAE, Uptime Institute, and other mission-critical design standards.
• Professional certifications such as PMP, CEP, CCM, LEED, DBIA, or related credentials.
• Experience working on projects exceeding $250M in total construction value.