Director of Preconstruction

CK Construction; Westerville (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CK Construction in Westerville, Ohio, seeks a Preconstruction Leader to oversee project planning and execution in the preconstruction department. This role requires significant leadership experience, with responsibilities including mentoring team members and guiding complex preconstruction efforts.

The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of relevant experience and a bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, or a related field. CK Construction offers opportunities to shape project outcomes and contribute to a well-respected firm.

Qualifications

• 15+ years of construction, estimating, or preconstruction experience.
• Experience leading teams and managing large, complex projects.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction department, ensuring successful project planning and execution.
• Guide team through preconstruction lifecycle including budgeting and scheduling.
• Develop and present Target Value Design (TVD) and Value Engineering (VE) solutions.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating

Project Management

Team Development

Communication

Analytical Skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or related field

Job description

CK Construction Group has been providing construction services to private and public agencies since 1956. We have established a strong reputation within our markets by executing projects on time and within budget while adhering to strict quality control and safety measures. We have the people, equipment, construction materials, experience, and bonding capacity to complete most any size project.

We offer comprehensive design phase and construction phase services under all delivery and contractual methods, including construction management, general contracting, design-build, and design-assist. In addition, we offer self-perform construction services including concrete, steel erection, carpentry, drywall and acoustical ceilings and an in‑house AWI Certified mill shop.

We are always looking for talent in the areas of engineering and construction management positions. Check out our website to learn more and apply today!

Job Description

Position Summary

Provide leadership, direction, and oversight for the company’s preconstruction department to ensure successful project planning, estimating, scheduling, procurement strategy, constructability review, and client engagement from pursuit through turnover to operations. This role serves as both a strategic leader and hands‑on preconstruction professional, responsible for mentoring and developing team members, establishing procedures and quality standards, leading major pursuits and projects, and supporting business development and operational objectives.

Strategic Leadership Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor, develop, and train a growing preconstruction team, including Preconstruction Managers and Preconstruction Engineers, as well as providing support to Estimators.
• Provide day‑to‑day leadership and oversight of the preconstruction process across all assigned pursuits and projects.
• Lead the team in preparation of RFQ and RFP submissions, including project strategy, staffing plans, business deals, logistics planning, preliminary scheduling, technical narratives, and owner‑focused deliverables.
• Guide estimators and preconstruction staff through the full preconstruction lifecycle, including scope development, procurement strategy, constructability review, logistics planning, scheduling, budgeting, and turnover to operations.
• Assist in the development of project pursuit strategies and interview preparation, while frequently participating in owner interviews and presentations as the preconstruction leader.
• Build confidence and trust with owners, design partners, and internal teams through clear communication, thoughtful planning, and accurate financial and technical guidance.
• Lead conceptual estimating efforts throughout all phases of design, including budgeting, cost modeling, quantity analysis, and value management.
• Develop and present Target Value Design (TVD) and Value Engineering (VE) solutions that align project scope, budget, schedule, and owner expectations.
• Lead the team in preparing GMP documents, clarifications, assumptions, alternates, and supporting exhibits for owner presentations and contract execution.
• Lead the preconstruction effort on large, complex, or strategic projects while providing oversight and support to team members on other projects.
• Work collaboratively with Operations, Estimating, Business Development, and Executive Leadership to ensure alignment between project pursuit strategy and project execution.
• Establish and maintain departmental procedures, QA/QC standards, and best practices to improve consistency, efficiency, and quality of work products.
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, collaboration, continuous improvement, and owner‑focused service within the preconstruction team.

Essential Functions And Responsibilities

• Manage and administer departmental operations, including staffing assignments, workload planning, performance evaluations, professional development, and hiring recommendations.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve departmental procedures, standards, templates, and QA/QC processes.
• Review departmental work products and deliverables to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency, and professionalism prior to formal submission or presentation.
• Coordinate and collaborate with Estimating, Operations, Business Development, Marketing, and Executive Leadership teams to support company objectives and project success.
• Monitor departmental performance metrics and support continuous improvement initiatives related to quality, efficiency, responsiveness, and client service.
• Assist in implementation and evaluation of technologies, software platforms, and tools that improve preconstruction capabilities and workflows.
• Support transition of projects from preconstruction to operations to ensure continuity of project understanding, scope alignment, and client expectations.
• Participate in client meetings, industry events, project walkthroughs, interviews, and internal planning sessions as required.
• Maintain awareness of market conditions, subcontractor trends, procurement risks, and industry best practices that may impact project planning and pricing.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Skills And Abilities

• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team development skills.
• Extensive knowledge of conceptual estimating, budgeting, scheduling, constructability review, procurement planning, and preconstruction processes.
• Strong understanding of multiple delivery methods, including CMAR, Design‑Build, GMP, negotiated work, and hard bid projects.
• Ability to lead major pursuits and strategic preconstruction efforts in collaboration with operations and business development teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing and presentation development.
• Strong organizational, analytical, decision‑making, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to interface effectively with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, sequencing, logistics, and scheduling.
• Proficiency with estimating, scheduling, and preconstruction technology platforms.

Relationships

• Reports to the Vice President.
• Works closely with Estimating, Operations, Business Development, Marketing, and Executive Leadership teams.
• Direct reports may include Preconstruction Managers, Preconstruction Project Engineers, and other departmental staff.

Education And Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered.
• Minimum 15 years of construction, estimating, or preconstruction experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading teams, developing procedures, managing major pursuits, and overseeing complex preconstruction programs.
• Proven leadership experience in client‑facing roles and strategic project pursuits.

Certificates, Licenses, And Registrations

• Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record required.
• OSHA 30‑Hour Certification preferred.

Safety Policies And Practices

• This team member must understand and comply with the company’s safety policies and procedures as outlined in the company safety manual. Promotes a culture of safety within all preconstruction planning and project activities.

Working Environment And Physical Activities

• Primarily office‑based with periodic jobsite visits, client meetings, walkthroughs, and industry events. Position requires extensive computer work, virtual meetings, presentations, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Limited lifting may occasionally be required.

CK Construction is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action federal and state contractor. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.