DIRECTOR OF PRECONSTRUCTION- SEATTLE

Description

• Partner with builders to preplan work and develop creative approaches to project challenges.
• Optimizes the size of the preconstruction team to meet the needs of the business.
• Work with People Services to identify needs, recruit, hire and onboard best in class talent for the preconstruction team.
• Manage departmental resources to ensure efforts are properly staffed.
• Differentiate Lewis as industry leaders that provide creative solutions and best in class service to clients and design teams.
• Aid projects in life cycle/material/system analysis and selection.
• Work with Chief Estimator to maintain comparative metrics (Cost/Material/Space) across projects/markets.
• Work with Chief Estimator to maintain a robust historical cost database.
• Align design intent to clients’ drivers and develop procurement strategies to maximize clients’ buying power.
• Lead the selection and utilization of appropriate preconstruction software and technology (e.g., estimating platforms, scheduling tools, BIM integration).
• Actively participate in business development initiatives: provide expertise, innovative insights, and creative ideas that support Lewis’s business development and marketing efforts to win new work.
• Interface with the client, building trust and maintaining transparent communication regarding our services and their level of satisfaction.
• Sets annual preconstruction budget and manages departmental expenses, striving to achieve high levels of client reimbursement.
• At established intervals, alongside Chief Estimator and Project Executive, reconcile actual cost or methods used versus planned.
• Mentor and develop the preconstruction team including estimators, preconstruction managers, project managers on rotation, and SME’s including regular check-ins, goal setting, consistent feedback, and annual performance evaluations.
• Advise the client on local permitting requirements/processes, particularly those on the critical path.
• Oversee every preconstruction effort, and collaborate closely with the VP of Operations, Operations Directors, Design Integrators, and Project Executives to ensure budget continuity and consistency of preconstruction services across markets and delivery methods.
• Develop project-specific tools as appropriate.
• Share experience and tools developed across various projects/markets for consistency and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Lead cost analysis and target value design workshops with design teams and owners, focusing on maximizing owner value without compromising design intent or quality.
• Participate in industry organizations and events to enhance Lewis’s brand in the market and develop an understanding of market dynamics that affect our services and delivery.
• Lead and prepare comprehensive presentations for prospective and existing clients, clearly articulating the project approach and value proposition.
• Ensure every project is set-up for successful execution including a contract estimate, contract schedule, site logistics plan, site specific safety plan, yard rental plan, risk management plan, etc.
• Ensures a collaborative and seamless transition to the operations team.
• Partner with our Design Construction Integrators and Virtual Design and Construction teams to provide industry leading value-added services in our preconstruction efforts.
• Establish, implement, and continuously refine best practices and operating procedures for all estimating, budgeting, and proposal generation processes.
• Provide comprehensive guidance on decisions dates, processes, and priorities for job setup and initial design.
• Maintain strategic fluency in evolving construction methodologies, delivery methods, regulatory/code requirements, and emerging building technologies.

Requirements

• Exemplifies Lewis’s values and leadership principles through daily acts and deeds.
• Proven ability to solve complex problems in a collaborative, team-based culture.
• Comfort in an environment that requires frequent switching between leading, managing and doing.
• Expert proficiency with industry-standard estimating software (e.g., Sage Estimating, Bluebeam) and scheduling software (e.g., Primavera or Microsoft Project).
• Adept at providing tactful feedback, questions, and alternate ideas tailored for the audience (Designer/Client etc.)
• Deep understanding of construction cost estimating, cost control principles, and risk management related to project risk exposures.
• Quickly builds credibility and rapport with teams: a relationship builder.
• Ability to anticipate long-term market trends, material cost fluctuations, and potential project delivery challenges.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Deep understanding of building components and systems in commercial building construction.
• Ability to look beyond the current design/estimate and provide alternates that suit the client’s needs.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex financial data clearly to non-technical stakeholders (e.g., owners, developers).
• Minimum of 15 years of experience in Commercial Construction, with at least 5 years in a dedicated Preconstruction or Project Executive role.
• Proficient in conceptual and detailed estimating.
• Experience in building large scale commercial/ground-up projects is required.
• Ability to flex between being detail oriented and seeing the big picture, based on the situation.
• Proven expertise in various project delivery methods.

Benefits

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance