Director of Preconstruction

Michael Page; Portland (ME); On-site; USD 180,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

ESOP

Bonus potential

401(k) match

Tuition reimbursement

Professional development

Job summary

MPI is seeking a Director of Preconstruction in Portland, ME to lead complex commercial projects from concept to handoff. You will develop budgets, cost models, and value engineering strategies while guiding a high-performing preconstruction team.

Qualified candidates bring a Bachelor’s in CM/Engineering/Architecture and 10+ years in preconstruction/estimating with strong leadership and client management skills. Executive collaboration and strategic growth focus are key.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• 10+ years of commercial construction experience with progressive leadership responsibilities in preconstruction and estimating.
• Proven track record delivering large, complex commercial construction projects from concept through construction.
• Strong expertise in conceptual estimating, detailed cost analysis, budgeting, and value engineering.
• Deep understanding of construction methods, materials, and project delivery approaches including Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, and CMAR.
• Knowledge of permitting processes, building codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to develop, mentor, and inspire teams.
• Strong client relationship management, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and industry tools such as Sage Estimating, Procore, and scheduling software.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction activities for complex commercial projects from concept development to construction handoff.
• Develop conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and cost models for client decisions.
• Identify and implement value engineering opportunities to maximize project value.
• Conduct constructability reviews and provide technical guidance for efficiency.
• Collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Evaluate and mitigate risks related to cost, schedule, constructability, procurement, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop preconstruction schedules, phasing plans, and procurement strategies.
• Support business development with proposals, RFPs, presentations, and client engagements.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing preconstruction team.
• Partner with executive leadership to advance preconstruction best practices.
• Contribute strategic insights for operational excellence and long-term growth.

Skills

Leadership

Preconstruction

Budgeting

Value engineering

Risk management

Client relations

Communication

Proposals

Mentoring

Scheduling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management/Engineering/Architecture

Tools

Sage Estimating

Procore

Scheduling software

Job description

• Lead landmark Maine projects from concept through construction
• Shape strategy, mentor teams, and drive business growth

About Our Client

Our client is a respected employee-owned construction firm with a longstanding reputation for delivering high-quality projects across multiple market sectors. Known for its collaborative culture and commitment to excellence, the organization provides employees with meaningful ownership, professional growth opportunities, and the ability to make a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Job Description

• Lead all preconstruction activities for complex commercial construction projects from concept development through construction handoff.
• Develop conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and cost models to support informed client decision-making.
• Identify and implement value engineering opportunities to maximize project value while maintaining quality and project goals.
• Conduct constructability reviews and provide technical guidance to improve project efficiency and execution.
• Collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal project teams throughout the preconstruction process.
• Evaluate and mitigate risks related to cost, schedule, constructability, procurement, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop preconstruction schedules, phasing plans, and procurement strategies that support successful project delivery.
• Support business development efforts through proposals, RFP responses, presentations, and client-facing engagements.
• Build, mentor, and lead a high-performing preconstruction team while fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Partner with executive leadership to advance organizational initiatives and strengthen preconstruction best practices.
• Contribute strategic insights that support operational excellence and long-term company growth.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

MPI does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or based on an individual’s status in any group or class protected by applicable federal, state or local law. MPI encourages applications from minorities, women, the disabled, protected veterans and all other qualified applicants.

The Successful Applicant

A Successful Director Of Preconstruction Should Have

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• 10+ years of commercial construction experience with progressive leadership responsibilities in preconstruction and estimating.
• Proven track record delivering large, complex commercial construction projects from concept through construction.
• Strong expertise in conceptual estimating, detailed cost analysis, budgeting, and value engineering.
• Deep understanding of construction methods, materials, and project delivery approaches including Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, and CMAR.
• Knowledge of permitting processes, building codes, and regulatory requirements.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to develop, mentor, and inspire teams.
• Strong client relationship management, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining exceptional attention to detail.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and industry tools such as Sage Estimating, Procore, and scheduling software.

Preferred Qualifications

• Professional certifications such as CPE, PMP, PE, or similar credentials.
• Project management experience within commercial construction environments.

What's On Offer

• Join a 100% employee-owned organization and share directly in the company’s success through an ESOP.
• Lead highly visible commercial projects across sectors including healthcare, higher education, hospitality, and housing.
• Influence strategic decisions and play a key leadership role within a respected construction organization.
• Work within a collaborative culture that values innovation, professional development, and long-term career growth.
• Receive a competitive compensation package including bonus potential, 401(k) match, comprehensive benefits, tuition reimbursement, and professional development support.

Quote job ref: JN-112026-7141946