Collaborative Delivery Preconstruction Manager

Wharton-Smith, Inc.; Charlotte (NC); Remote; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Wharton-Smith, Inc. is seeking a Collaborative Delivery Preconstruction Manager to lead planning, budgeting, risk analysis, and stakeholder engagement during pursuit and preconstruction phases.

The role emphasizes early project strategy, design collaboration, constructability reviews, cost development, and owner engagement with estimating and operations teams. The ideal candidate has 12–20 years in municipal Water/Wastewater construction or design, a PM background on municipal projects, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field required; equivalent combinations may be considered.
• 12–20 years of municipal Water/Wastewater construction or design experience.
• Experience as Project Manager on municipal Water/Wastewater projects.
• Experience developing or supporting GMP estimates/pricing.
• Strong knowledge of municipal Water/Wastewater practices and project delivery.
• Experience with CMAR or Progressive Design-Build delivery methods.
• Ability to identify scope gaps and mitigate risks.
• Strong communication with clients, engineers, and leadership.

Responsibilities

• Lead pursuit and preconstruction planning, budgeting, and risk analysis.
• Support RFQ/RFP responses and client interviews.
• Coordinate design with estimating and operations teams.
• Develop GMP budgets and bid packages.
• Maintain preconstruction schedules using Primavera P6.
• Coordinate stakeholder meetings and milestone planning.
• Track preconstruction costs and financial performance.
• Develop value engineering solutions to meet budgets.

Skills

Project management

Estimating & cost control

Scheduling

Stakeholder engagement

Risk analysis

Communication

Education

B.S. Construction Mgmt

Tools

Primavera P6

Cost management software

MS Office

Job description

Wharton-Smith, Inc., a highly regarded General Contractor throughout the Southeast, is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Collaborative Delivery Preconstruction Manager. This is a remote position.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Collaborative Delivery Preconstruction Manager leads planning, coordination, budgeting, risk analysis, and stakeholder engagement during the pursuit and preconstruction phases. This role focuses on early project strategy, design collaboration, constructability reviews, cost development, and owner engagement, working closely with estimating and operations teams to support successful project delivery.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Support proposal development, Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
• Participate in client interviews and presentations.
• Establish and maintain strong relationships with municipal owners and engineers.
• Lead coordination between engineering and estimating teams during the design phase.
• Review drawings, geotechnical reports, specifications, and other project documents for constructability.
• Identify and mitigate project risks early in the design process.
• Provide structured and meaningful constructability reviews and recommendations.
• Solicit and coordinate subcontractor and supplier participation.
• Develop and coordinate Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) budgets and bid packages.
• Maintain preconstruction schedules utilizing Primavera P6 and coordinate schedule requirements with operations teams to support construction planning.
• Lead milestone planning and stakeholder coordination meetings.
• Track preconstruction financial performance, including internal and external project costs.
• Develop innovative and value engineering solutions to maintain project budgets and project objectives.
• Ensure understanding of and compliance with municipal funding requirements.
• Partner with operations teams to facilitate a seamless transition from preconstruction to construction.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field required; equivalent combinations of education and relevant professional experience may be considered.
• Twelve (12) to twenty (20) years of experience in municipal Water/Wastewater construction or design.
• Previous experience serving as a Project Manager on municipal Water/Wastewater construction projects.
• Experience developing, evaluating, or supporting Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) estimates and pricing.
• Strong understanding of municipal Water/Wastewater construction practices, project delivery methods, and industry standards.
• Experience with Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), Progressive Design-Build, or other collaborative project delivery methods.
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively with project owners, engineers, operations teams, and other key stakeholders.
• Ability to identify scope gaps, evaluate potential cost exposures, and develop strategies to mitigate project risks.
• Strong knowledge of construction estimating, cost management, project controls, and budget development.
• Proficiency in construction scheduling software, with Primavera P6 experience preferred.
• Experience utilizing cost management systems to monitor project budgets, evaluate costs, and support financial decision-making.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to evaluate complex project requirements and recommend effective solutions.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to communicate effectively with clients, engineers, project teams, and executive leadership.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and meet critical project deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Commitment to continued professional development in estimating, collaborative delivery methods, and project controls.
• Proficiency in using standard office technology, including laptops, smartphones, photocopiers, and scanners.
• Ability to perform office-related tasks requiring close vision, focus, and regular verbal communication.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move office materials and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
• Availability to work a full-time, exempt schedule during standard business hours, with flexibility to work additional hours based on project deadlines, client needs, and business requirements.
• Willingness to travel up to 25%, including travel outside the geographic region for client meetings, engineering coordination, job site visits, and corporate or regional office meetings.
• Valid driver’s license required.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability

Wharton-Smith provides equal opportunity to qualified disabled veterans, Pre-JVA special disabled veterans and individuals with disabilities to online application systems by making reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access for submitting to job openings. (i.e., wheelchair accessibility, website accessibility, etc).