Sr Manager: Pre-Construction

Senior Preconstruction Manager
Location: Sioux Falls, South Dakota
Project Portfolio: Commercial high-rise construction, $20M-$100M
About the Opportunity
Our client, an established full-service construction firm with a multi-decade track record across the upper Midwest and nationally, is seeking a Senior Preconstruction Manager to lead its preconstruction practice for commercial high-rise projects. This is a senior leadership role positioned at the intersection of project management and design - well-suited to a candidate who has spent their career translating architectural intent into executable, accurately priced commercial builds.
The successful candidate will guide projects from concept through final pricing, partnering directly with ownership groups, design teams, and trade partners to deliver predictable outcomes on complex, high-value commercial work.
Position Summary
The Senior Preconstruction Manager will provide strategic oversight of all preconstruction activities for commercial high-rise projects ranging from $20M to $100M in total project value. This role leads a team of estimators and preconstruction professionals, serves as the primary client-facing leader during the preconstruction phase, and ensures every project is positioned for successful execution before the first shovel hits the ground.
Key Responsibilities

Team Leadership

• Direct and mentor the preconstruction team across a concurrent portfolio of commercial high-rise projects
• Establish departmental standards, workflows, and continuous improvement initiatives
• Develop talent through coaching, technical guidance, and performance management

Client and Design Partnership

• Serve as the primary point of contact for ownership groups during preconstruction
• Collaborate closely with architects and engineers to align design intent with budget, schedule, and constructability
• Lead project pursuit interviews and represent the firm in early-stage client discussions

Estimating and Cost Management

• Oversee conceptual through GMP-level estimating for commercial high-rise projects in the $20M-$100M range
• Direct value engineering exercises that balance first cost, schedule impact, and lifecycle performance
• Validate trade partner pricing, scope coverage, and bid leveling

Project Setup and Risk Management

• Develop preliminary schedules, procurement strategies, and logistics plans for vertical construction
• Identify project risks early and develop mitigation strategies in partnership with operations leadership
• Lead constructability reviews and document coordination to reduce downstream change exposure

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (Associate's degree with significant relevant experience will be considered)
• 8-15 years of progressive experience in preconstruction, estimating, or commercial project management
• Demonstrated experience leading preconstruction efforts on commercial high-rise projects valued between $20M and $100M (residential-only experience will not transfer to this role)
• Proven track record managing multiple concurrent projects and leading multidisciplinary teams
• A blended background that bridges project management discipline and design fluency - the ability to read drawings critically, engage substantively with design teams, and anticipate where design intent meets field reality

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in a client-facing preconstruction leadership capacity
• Experience with self-perform trades and subcontractor market analysis
• Familiarity with alternative delivery methods (CM at Risk, Design-Build, IPD)

Technical Proficiency
Working knowledge of the modern preconstruction tech stack is expected, including: Microsoft Office, Ediphi, PlanSwift, Togal.AI, Bluebeam, Primavera P6, and BuildingConnected.
Attributes for Success

• Strong executive presence and client-facing communication
• Deep command of commercial construction costs, schedules, and means and methods
• Ability to synthesize complex technical and financial information into clear recommendations for ownership
• Sound judgment under deadline pressure
• Integrity, professionalism, and a team-first orientation