Director of Preconstruction

Frey Consulting Group; Metairie (LA); On-site; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

The Personnel Consulting Group is seeking a Director of Preconstruction for a premier regional contractor in Louisiana. You will lead all preconstruction operations, cost estimating, value engineering, and design‑build alignment to drive budget certainty and early project strategy.

You will bridge owners, architects, engineers, and internal teams, manage risk, and present proposals to key stakeholders with a proven 10+ year track record in commercial general contracting.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent executive field experience in construction management, civil engineering, architecture, or related field.
• 10+ years of progressive commercial general contracting experience with strong preconstruction leadership.
• Proficiency with modern estimating, takeoff, and management software (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, MS Project).

Responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction department, refining standards for conceptual estimating, risk management, and bid packaging.
• Develop highly accurate conceptual estimates, budgets, and lump-sum cost models for commercial/institutional projects.
• Collaborate on design-build & CMAR opportunities, evaluating constructability and delivering value engineering options.
• Oversee subcontractor networks and procurement across Louisiana and Texas; manage bid solicitations and scope alignment.

Skills

Estimating

Preconstruction leadership

Negotiation

Executive presentation

Risk management

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Civil Engineering

Architecture

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

On-Screen Takeoff

MS Project

Job description

The Personnel Consulting Group is looking for a Director of Preconstruction for one of the top commercial contractors in the region. For over 25 years, our client has served as a trusted general contractor across Louisiana and Texas, delivering complex commercial, institutional, industrial, and healthcare projects. Built on transparency, proactive collaboration, and technical excellence.

The Director of Preconstruction leads all preconstruction operations, cost estimating, value engineering, design-build alignment, and subcontractor procurement. Serving as the primary bridge between project owners, architects, engineers, and internal operations teams, you will drive budget certainty, establish early project strategy, and position every project for flawless execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Department Leadership: Direct the preconstruction department, refining standards for conceptual estimating, risk management, and bid packaging.
• Conceptual & Detailed Estimating: Develop highly accurate conceptual estimates, schematic budgets, and detailed lump-sum cost models for commercial and institutional projects.
• Design-Build & CMAR Collaboration: Partner with clients and design teams during early stages to evaluate constructability, assess design alternatives, and deliver real-time value engineering options.
• Subcontractor & Vendor Relations: Build and expand regional subcontractor networks across Louisiana and Texas; oversee bid solicitations, scope alignments, and procurement.
• Risk Mitigation: Identify potential constructability or budget risks early and formulate practical solutions that maintain design integrity while protecting project margins.
• Executive Presentations: Present comprehensive preconstruction proposals, budget updates, and value options directly to owners, developers, and key stakeholders.

Qualifications & Requirements

• Experience: 10+ years of progressive commercial general contracting experience, with at least 3-5 years in a senior preconstruction or estimating leadership role.
• Education: Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent executive field experience).
• Technical Skills: Proficiency with modern estimating, takeoff, and management software (e.g., Procore, Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, MS Project).
• Project Portfolio: Demonstrated success managing preconstruction for Design-Build, CMAR, and Hard-Bid commercial/institutional projects valued from $5M to $40M+.
• Communication: Exceptional negotiation, analytical, and executive presentation capabilities.