Director of Preconstruction

Appleton Finn; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 300,000; Full time

Job summary

Appleton Finn is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Director to lead preconstruction strategy and execution in the Bay Area. You will oversee conceptual budgeting through GMP, mentor staff, and coordinate with clients, architects, engineers and trade partners to drive successful outcomes.

The role emphasizes leadership on complex projects, expert estimating, and advancing delivery methods such as design-build or design-assist. Strong client-facing skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Significant preconstruction and estimating experience with a commercial general contractor.
• Proven leadership on large, complex or technically challenging projects.
• Strong knowledge of conceptual estimating, GMP development and subcontractor markets.
• Experience with design-build, design-assist or alternative delivery methods.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction efforts from conceptual budgeting through final GMP.
• Manage and mentor preconstruction managers, estimators and support staff.
• Develop estimates, budgets, schedules, logistics plans and procurement strategies.
• Collaborate with clients, architects, engineers and trade partners.
• Lead value engineering, constructability and design-assist initiatives.
• Support project pursuits, interviews and proposal development.
• Identify cost, schedule and design risks while developing practical solutions.
• Ensure a seamless transition from preconstruction into operations.

Skills

Preconstruction leadership

Estimating

Client engagement

Team leadership

GMP development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management/Engineering/Architecture

Job description

Compensation: Base salary up to $300,000, plus a competitive benefits and incentive package

The Opportunity

A leading employee-owned commercial general contractor is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Director to lead preconstruction strategy and execution across complex projects in the Bay Area.

This individual will provide leadership from early pursuits and conceptual design through GMP development and project handoff. The role requires a strong combination of estimating expertise, client engagement, team leadership and commercial construction knowledge.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction efforts from conceptual budgeting through final GMP.
• Manage and mentor preconstruction managers, estimators and support staff.
• Develop estimates, budgets, schedules, logistics plans and procurement strategies.
• Collaborate with clients, architects, engineers and trade partners.
• Lead value engineering, constructability and design-assist initiatives.
• Support project pursuits, interviews and proposal development.
• Identify cost, schedule and design risks while developing practical solutions.
• Ensure a seamless transition from preconstruction into operations.

Candidate Profile

• Significant preconstruction and estimating experience with a commercial general contractor.
• Proven leadership on large, complex or technically challenging projects.
• Strong knowledge of conceptual estimating, GMP development and subcontractor markets.
• Experience with design-build, design-assist or alternative delivery methods.
• Excellent client-facing, negotiation and team-management skills.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or a related discipline preferred.