Pre-Construction and Design Manager

Capwest; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CapWest is seeking a seasoned pre-construction leader to coordinate with architects, engineers, and interior designers, driving value engineering and secure subcontracts. The role requires travel across multiple cities and a strong mix of design fluency and commercial acumen.

You will oversee the Interior Design department, manage schedules, procurement strategies, and supplier relationships while ensuring design standards are implemented throughout the pre-construction phase.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of progressive experience in pre-construction or related fields.
• Education in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or Interior Design.
• Excellent tendering and negotiation skills.
• Deep procurement, pricing, and lead-time management knowledge.
• Strong analytical and communication abilities.
• Proficiency with drawing/editing software; BIM/Revit, AutoCAD.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary teams and high-stakes negotiations.
• Valid driver?s license and vehicle access.
• Willingness to travel regularly between cities/sites.
• Multilingual abilities are an asset.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and designers to meet client intent and codes.
• Oversee Interior Design department and deliverables.
• Lead pre-construction scheduling, resources, and workflow.
• Drive cost-saving value engineering without compromising quality.
• Run subcontractor pre-qualification, bidding, negotiation, and awards.
• Negotiate pricing and procurement strategies; maintain supplier relations.
• Monitor supply chain and lead times for planning.
• Set and update design standards, policies, and procedures.
• Review drawings for alignment with standards and intent.
• Travel between cities/sites as required.

Skills

Pre-construction management

Estimating

Contract negotiation

Procurement & supply chain

Leadership

Communication

BIM/Revit proficiency

Education

Engineering / Architecture / Construction Management / Interior Design degree

Tools

Estimating software

BIM/Revit

AutoCAD

Project management platforms

Job description

Position Overview

This role oversees the full pre-construction lifecycle: coordinating with architects and engineers, managing interior designers, and driving value engineering and securing subcontracts. We're looking for someone who combines strong design fluency with sharp commercial and negotiation instincts. This is a multi-city role, and regular travel is expected and required.

Key Responsibilities

• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and consultants, and manage interior designers, to ensure designs meet client intent, building codes, and safety standards
• Oversee the Interior Design department and its deliverables
• Oversee internal and external Interior Design teams to ensure company design standards are implemented throughout the pre-construction period
• Direct the pre-construction schedule, resource allocation, and workflow to ensure timely handoffs to construction teams
• Ensure the performance procurement of construction materials is executed efficiently
• Lead value engineering - identifying cost-saving alternatives and constructability improvements without sacrificing quality
• Run subcontractor pre-qualification, bidding, negotiation, and contract award
• Negotiate pricing agreements and procurement strategies for construction and design products; build and maintain supplier relationships
• Track supply chain conditions and lead times, and factor them into planning
• Set and update design standards, policies, and drawing procedures to improve efficiency
• Review and edit drawings to ensure product alignment with company standards and design intent
• Collaborate with construction, development, and design teams on specifications for amenities and suites
• Hand off complete project data, risks, and schedules to Project Management and Field Operations
• Travel to multiple project sites and city offices as required

Required Qualifications

• 10-15 years of progressive experience in pre-construction management, estimating, construction management, or design coordination (interior design background a plus)
• Education in a related field such as Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or Interior Design
• Excellent tendering and negotiation skills required
• Deep understanding of procurement, pricing agreements, and supply chain/lead-time management
• Strong analytical skills and communication skills required
• Proficient with drawing and editing packages and a variety of related software
• Proficiency with estimating software, BIM/Revit, AutoCAD, and project management platforms
• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and high-stakes negotiations with clients and subcontractors
• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle
• Willingness and ability to travel regularly between cities/project sites
• Multilingual candidates are an asset; additional language proficiency is considered a strong advantage

Salary Range

$120k - $180k

About The Company

Founded on more than 35 years of collective professional experience, CapWest is specialized in meeting the modern needs of the growing construction industry in North America. We provide integrated solutions for clients across diverse industries, following an efficient and cooperative approach, and always delivering project certainty. We believe it is the culmination of our passion for providing world‑class construction and construction management services, while also fostering long‑term relationships that yield exceptional and innovative outcomes that continue to shape the industry.

At CapWest Group of Companies, we believe our strength lies in our people. Across our divisions: Forming, Pumping, Equipment Rentals & Operations, Electrical, Drywall, Steel Stud, Metal Panel, and Firestopping. Our success is built by a motivated, skilled team that takes pride in quality, safety, and craftsmanship. We’re continually seeking talented, hard‑working individuals who are passionate about their trade and eager to grow within a dynamic and fast‑paced environment. If you’re ready to be part of a company that values integrity, innovation, and teamwork, visit our Careers Page to explore current opportunities.

AI Use

This role may involve the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support research, analysis, content development, design, reporting, or operational efficiency. Employees are expected to use AI responsibly and in compliance with company policies, data privacy requirements, confidentiality obligations, and applicable laws. All AI-generated or AI-assisted outputs must be reviewed for accuracy, quality, and appropriateness before use. Employees are also expected to disclose when AI tools have been used in the creation of work and must not present AI-generated content as solely their own original work.

Eligibility and Interview Process

Please note, all CapWest hiring requires at minimum an official virtual or in‑person interview prior to offer stage.