Building Preconstruction Manager

Description

• Participate in project kickoff meetings to communicate design intent, scope, budget, and risk factors.
• Coordinate with design teams to resolve discrepancies and integrate practical construction insights early in design.
• Prepare and present budget updates, cost studies, and risk assessments to stakeholders.
• Identify potential risks related to budget, schedule, logistics, and design; develop mitigation strategies.
• Manage outreach, prequalification, and selection of trade partners, ensuring compliance with company standards and project requirements.
• Ensure a seamless transition to the construction team by delivering complete and accurate project documentation.
• Develop and manage preconstruction schedules, track key milestones, design progress, and decision deadlines.
• Monitor key estimating metrics and ensure they are within an acceptable range or provide explanation.
• Maintain accurate cost tracking and reporting throughout preconstruction.
• Mentor and support estimating and project engineering staff in preconstruction procedures and best practices.
• Lead coordination meetings and maintain transparent communication across project teams.
• Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work overtime and weekends as required.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and related documents to identify scope gaps and potential cost risks.
• Communicate and present building related estimates and proposals to senior management and clients.
• Support the preparation of statements of work or scopes of work and assist in contract negotiations prior to construction award.
• Stay abreast of trends and developments, such as new products, methods and procedures that are developing in the industry.
• Participate in design review meetings to evaluate constructability, materials, systems, and means/methods.
• Review plans and specifications to develop a comprehensive understanding of the project and build strategy for the construction to serve as basis for the estimate.
• Serve as the primary point of contact during preconstruction to support the procurement strategy for building work.
• Communicate critical issues and estimate assumptions to the project manager or estimate manager as they arise to ensure alignment during estimate reviews.
• Develop procurement strategy, division of responsibilities, and bid packages, sometimes with limited information, that align with project schedule and budget.
• Provide value engineering options to optimize cost, constructability, and project efficiency without compromising quality.
• Collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, and consultants to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
• Lead the preconstruction phase for assigned building projects, ensuring alignment with client goals, design intent, budget, and schedule.
• Perform work safely and effectively. Understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
• Solicit, review, and level trade partner bids to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Prepare cost budgets and varying classes of estimates at intended design stages.
• Support early buyout and mobilization activities as required.
• Recommend alternative construction techniques and sequencing to reduce schedule or cost impacts.

Requirements

• Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications.
• OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety certification or equivalent a plus.
• Certifications (Preferred)
• Continuing education in cost estimating, project planning, and building technologies are highly desirable.
• Professional Experience
• Professional certifications such as Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), or PMP preferred.
• Understanding of building codes, design standards, and sustainable construction principles.
• 7–10 years (15+ years senior level) of progressive experience in construction estimating, preconstruction, project management, or trade partner management within the building industry.
• Exceptionally strong attention to detail, oral and written communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
• Ability to build lasting relationships with owners, architects, and trade partners.
• Demonstrated success leading design-phase coordination, budget development, and value engineering efforts.
• Strong client-facing skills, including experience in proposal development, budget presentations, and negotiations.
• Work productively and meet deadlines timely
• Strong organizational and time management skills; able to manage multiple concurrent pursuits.
• Experienced in the use of estimating software and willingness to learn Kiewit’s proprietary software InEight.
• Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment.
• Management & Leadership Abilities
• Understand project past cost data for benchmarking to compare to current estimates.
• Experience with a variety of project delivery methods (Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, Design-Assist, EPC, CM at Risk, IPD).
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams including estimators, engineers, designers, and trade partners with a passion for preconstruction.
• Skilled in strategic planning, risk assessment, and decision-making under tight deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare and deliver professional presentations.
• Regular, reliable attendance
• Skilled in project scheduling tools (Primavera P6) and takeoff software (Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff).
• Ability to perform or review detailed quantity takeoffs and cost analysis at all design stages.
• Demonstrated ability to mentor junior staff and foster collaboration across project teams.
• Demonstrated commitment to ethics and integrity.
• Results oriented with a strong work ethic and willing to do what it takes to meet deadlines.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Civil/Structural/Architectural Engineering, Architecture, or related field required.
• Proven track record managing preconstruction phases for industrial and heavy commercial projects.
• Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, materials, building systems, and market pricing.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance