Building Preconstruction Manager

Company logo
Kiewit
One of North America’s largest construction and engineering firms delivering complex infrastructure and industrial projects.
Lead preconstruction estimates and coordination for large building projects.
6 days ago ago
Experienced (8-12 years)
Full Time
Lenexa, KS
Office Full-Time
Company Size
31,100 Employees
Service Specialisms
Construction services
Engineering
Project Management
Design
Technical Services
General Contractor
Turnkey
Sector Specialisms
Mine Management
Production
Infrastructure Construction
Maintenance
Contract Mining
Power Industry
Gas-fired Generation
Power Delivery
Role
What you would be doing
cost estimating
schedule management
bid management
value engineering
risk analysis
client coordination
  • Perform work safely and effectively. Understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
  • 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.
  • Develop and manage preconstruction schedules, track key milestones, design progress, and decision deadlines.
  • Maintain accurate cost tracking and reporting throughout preconstruction.
  • Monitor key estimating metrics and ensure they are within an acceptable range or provide explanation.
  • Ensure a seamless transition to the construction team by delivering complete and accurate project documentation.
  • Prepare cost budgets and varying classes of estimates at intended design stages.
  • Mentor and support estimating and project engineering staff in preconstruction procedures and best practices.
  • Participate in design review meetings to evaluate constructability, materials, systems, and means/methods.
  • Analyze drawings, specifications, and related documents to identify scope gaps and potential cost risks.
  • Lead the preconstruction phase for assigned building projects, ensuring alignment with client goals, design intent, budget, and schedule.
  • Support early buyout and mobilization activities as required.
  • Stay abreast of trends and developments, such as new products, methods and procedures that are developing in the industry.
  • Coordinate with design teams to resolve discrepancies and integrate practical construction insights early in design.
  • Manage outreach, prequalification, and selection of trade partners, ensuring compliance with company standards and project requirements.
  • Solicit, review, and level trade partner bids to ensure accuracy and completeness.
  • Serve as the primary point of contact during preconstruction to support the procurement strategy for building work.
  • Provide value engineering options to optimize cost, constructability, and project efficiency without compromising quality.
  • Prepare and present budget updates, cost studies, and risk assessments to stakeholders.
  • Recommend alternative construction techniques and sequencing to reduce schedule or cost impacts.
  • Develop procurement strategy, division of responsibilities, and bid packages, sometimes with limited information, that align with project schedule and budget.
  • Support the preparation of statements of work or scopes of work and assist in contract negotiations prior to construction award.
  • Participate in project kickoff meetings to communicate design intent, scope, budget, and risk factors.
  • Collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, and consultants to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
  • Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work overtime and weekends as required.
  • Identify potential risks related to budget, schedule, logistics, and design; develop mitigation strategies.
  • Communicate and present building related estimates and proposals to senior management and clients.
  • Lead coordination meetings and maintain transparent communication across project teams.
  • Communicate critical issues and estimate assumptions to the project manager or estimate manager as they arise to ensure alignment during estimate reviews.
What you bring
cpe
pmp
primavera p6
bluebeam
leadership
bachelor’s
  • Professional certifications such as Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), or PMP preferred.
  • Exceptionally strong attention to detail, oral and written communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
  • Results oriented with a strong work ethic and willing to do what it takes to meet deadlines.
  • Proven track record managing preconstruction phases for industrial and heavy commercial projects.
  • Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams including estimators, engineers, designers, and trade partners with a passion for preconstruction.
  • OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety certification or equivalent a plus.
  • Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications.
  • Management & Leadership Abilities
  • Skilled in strategic planning, risk assessment, and decision-making under tight deadlines.
  • Strong organizational and time management skills; able to manage multiple concurrent pursuits.
  • Work productively and meet deadlines timely
  • Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare and deliver professional presentations.
  • Demonstrated ability to mentor junior staff and foster collaboration across project teams.
  • Certifications (Preferred)
  • 7–10 years (15+ years senior level) of progressive experience in construction estimating, preconstruction, project management, or trade partner management within the building industry.
  • Strong client-facing skills, including experience in proposal development, budget presentations, and negotiations.
  • Ability to build lasting relationships with owners, architects, and trade partners.
  • Ability to perform or review detailed quantity takeoffs and cost analysis at all design stages.
  • Professional Experience
  • Skilled in project scheduling tools (Primavera P6) and takeoff software (Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff).
  • Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, materials, building systems, and market pricing.
  • Regular, reliable attendance
  • Experienced in the use of estimating software and willingness to learn Kiewit’s proprietary software InEight.
  • Demonstrated success leading design-phase coordination, budget development, and value engineering efforts.
  • Understand project past cost data for benchmarking to compare to current estimates.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Civil/Structural/Architectural Engineering, Architecture, or related field required.
  • Experience with a variety of project delivery methods (Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, Design-Assist, EPC, CM at Risk, IPD).
  • Understanding of building codes, design standards, and sustainable construction principles.
  • Demonstrated commitment to ethics and integrity.
  • Continuing education in cost estimating, project planning, and building technologies are highly desirable.
Benefits
Information not given or found
Training + Development
Information not given or found
Company
Overview
Founded in 1884
Year Established
The company began operations in 1884.
1920s and ’30s
Growth Period
The company expanded during this time, building landmark structures.
$17B in 2023
Revenue
The company's revenue in 2023 topped $17 billion.
  • It evolved into a massive employee‑owned network operating across North America, delivering projects valued in the billions.
  • Today it specializes in transportation, water/wastewater, power, oil, gas & chemicals, building, industrial, marine and mining sectors.
  • Signature projects include New York’s 63rd Street Tunnel, Baltimore’s Fort McHenry Tunnel, T‑Mobile Park in Seattle, and major renewable energy sites.
  • Its marine division undertakes dredging, coastal resiliency and naval base work, while energy teams deliver gas, power delivery and renewables.
  • With deep roots in engineering‑led construction, it is known for tackling the kind of ‘impossible’ projects that reshape cities and industries.
Culture + Values
  • Safety First – We care for the safety and well-being of our employees and those around us.
  • Integrity – We are honest, ethical, and transparent in all that we do.
  • Excellence – We deliver exceptional results by striving for continuous improvement and exceeding expectations.
  • Customer Focus – We develop strong relationships with our customers and work together to achieve success.
  • Accountability – We take responsibility for our actions and outcomes.
  • Collaboration – We work together to leverage the strengths of our diverse teams and achieve shared goals.
Environment + Sustainability
2050 Target
Carbon Neutrality Goal
Aiming to achieve net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, aligning with global climate efforts.
100% Renewables
Clean Energy Transition
Committed to integrating renewable energy solutions into projects to support a low-carbon future.
  • Investing in sustainable infrastructure to support the transition to a low-carbon economy.
  • Tracking and reducing our carbon footprint across operations and construction sites.
  • Incorporating sustainable practices into the design, construction, and operation of projects to minimize environmental impact.
Inclusion & Diversity
15%
Women in Workforce
Approximately 15% of the workforce are women, reflecting current representation in the organization.
  • Aim to build a diverse workforce, with a focus on gender, race, and other underrepresented groups.
  • Set clear goals for increasing the percentage of women in leadership and technical roles.
  • Track progress on diversity metrics across all levels of the organization.
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