Director of Preconstruction

Centurion Selection; Dallas (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Centurion Selection seeks a Director of Preconstruction for a leading multifamily builder/developer in the DFW area. The role oversees the preconstruction function, guiding front-end planning, budgeting, and procurement to ensure on-budget delivery.

The candidate will drive automation, AI-driven estimating, and data-enabled decision-making across projects, collaborating with Development, Design and Executive leadership.

Qualifications

• Significant preconstruction or estimating experience within multifamily construction.
• Experience as Director, Preconstruction Manager, Chief Estimator or senior estimating leadership.
• Strong knowledge of garden-style, wrap, podium and large-scale apartment construction.
• Experience with general contractors, multifamily builders or vertically integrated developers.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee the Preconstruction Department and team.
• Manage multiple multifamily projects through conceptual estimating to GMP.
• Develop conceptual and schematic estimates using cost data and market intelligence.
• Oversee GMP development, bid leveling, procurement and scope analysis.
• Partner with Development during land acquisition and feasibility.
• Provide early-stage cost analysis to support investment decisions.
• Review drawings for cost, constructability and risk.
• Lead value engineering while preserving design intent.
• Maintain relationships with subs, suppliers, architects, and consultants.
• Develop cost databases and benchmarking across the portfolio.
• Monitor pricing, labor conditions, material escalation, and supply risks.
• Establish preconstruction procedures, reporting standards, and KPIs.
• Recruit, mentor and develop team members.
• Collaborate with Operations for a seamless transition to construction.
• Present budgets, risks, and procurement strategies to leadership.

Skills

Leadership

Preconstruction

Estimating

AI in construction

Cost benchmarking

Tools

AI tools

Job description

Director of Preconstruction – Multifamily Builder/Developer

Sector: Multifamily / Apartments

We are partnered with a leading multifamily builder/developer in the DFW area seeking an experienced Director of Preconstruction to lead and develop its preconstruction function.

This is a senior leadership position with oversight of the preconstruction team, responsibility for the front‑end planning and financial viability of multifamily developments, and a mandate to continue modernizing the department through the effective use of AI, data and emerging construction technology.

The Role

The Director of Preconstruction will take ownership of the preconstruction process from early feasibility and conceptual budgeting through final GMP and construction handover. Working closely with Development, Construction, Design and executive leadership, this individual will ensure projects are accurately budgeted, appropriately procured and positioned for successful delivery.

The successful candidate will also be expected to challenge traditional preconstruction processes, identify opportunities for automation and embrace AI-driven tools to improve estimating accuracy, speed, procurement intelligence and decision‑making.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and provide strategic oversight of the Preconstruction Department and its team members.


• Manage multiple multifamily projects through conceptual estimating, design development and final construction budgeting.


• Develop detailed conceptual and schematic estimates using historical cost data, market intelligence and current subcontractor pricing.


• Oversee GMP development, bid leveling, subcontractor procurement and scope analysis.


• Partner closely with the Development team during land acquisition and project feasibility.


• Provide early‑stage cost analysis to support investment and development decisions.


• Review architectural and engineering drawings to identify cost, constructability and design risks.


• Lead value engineering exercises while maintaining the overall design intent and quality of the development.


• Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, architects and consultants throughout DFW and Texas.


• Develop and maintain reliable cost databases and benchmarking information across the company's portfolio.


• Monitor construction‑market pricing, labor conditions, material escalation and supply‑chain risks.


• Establish consistent preconstruction procedures, reporting standards and departmental KPIs.


• Recruit, mentor and develop members of the preconstruction team.


• Work collaboratively with Operations to ensure a seamless transition from preconstruction into construction.


• Present budgets, risks, procurement strategies and recommendations to executive leadership.

Technology & AI Leadership

A key component of this position will be helping evolve how the organization approaches preconstruction.

The Director will be expected to:

• Actively embrace AI and emerging construction technology rather than rely solely on traditional estimating methods.


• Identify opportunities to use AI for drawing analysis, quantity takeoffs, cost benchmarking, bid comparisons and subcontractor analysis.


• Utilize historical project data to improve future estimating accuracy.


• Explore automation opportunities that reduce administrative work and allow the preconstruction team to focus on higher‑value analysis.


• Evaluate new estimating, procurement and preconstruction platforms.


• Encourage the wider team to adopt technology and create a culture of continuous improvement.


• Balance new technology with experienced construction judgment and strong subcontractor relationships.

Experience Required

The ideal candidate will have:

• Significant preconstruction or estimating experience within multifamily construction.


• Previous experience at Director, Preconstruction Manager, Chief Estimator or senior estimating leadership level.


• Strong knowledge of garden‑style, wrap, podium and/or other large‑scale apartment construction.


• Experience working for a general contractor, multifamily builder or vertically integrated builder/developer.


• Proven experience producing conceptual budgets through GMP.


• Excellent knowledge of subcontractor procurement and the DFW construction market.


• Demonstrated experience leading and developing a preconstruction team.


• Strong commercial understanding and the ability to communicate effectively with development and executive leadership.


• An innovative mindset with a genuine interest in AI, automation and construction technology.