Pre-Construction Manager

FCL Builders, LLC.; Itasca (IL); On-site; USD 130,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

ESOP

Career development and mentorship

Benefits (health, dental, vision)

Paid time off and holidays

Job summary

FCL Builders, LLC. in Itasca, IL seeks a Pre-Construction Manager to lead the preconstruction phase from concept through design development and contract execution.

You will coordinate with owners, design teams, and construction professionals to align budgets, schedules, and scopes for successful project outcomes. The role demands a strong background in estimating, project management, and collaboration, with a focus on design-build and GMP projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in preconstruction, estimating, or project management within commercial construction.
• At least 3–5 years as an estimator or senior estimator.
• Strong understanding of estimating metrics, data analysis, and research methodology.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Bluebeam, and on-screen takeoff software; familiarity with MS Project, Primavera, or similar scheduling tools.
• Knowledge of design-build, GMP, and competitive-bid projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction across multiple projects, independently or with a team.
• Define scopes and quantities to ensure budgets at design stages.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and owners to define project scope.
• Assess design-build or partially designed projects and guide them to delivery.
• Lead constructability reviews and risk assessments to identify issues early.
• Develop budgets and preliminary schedules; manage procurement plans and bids.
• Oversee handoff of scope, schedule, and budget to construction operations.

Skills

Preconstruction

Estimating

Project management

Leadership

MS Excel

Bluebeam

MS Project

Primavera

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Construction Management or related field

Tools

MS Project

Primavera

Bluebeam

On-screen takeoff

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Pre-Construction Manager

Full Time Itasca, IL, US

30+ days ago Requisition ID: 1286

Salary Range: $130,000.00 To $175,000.00 Annually

Build More Than Just Buildings—Build Your Career.
At FCL, we don’t just build buildings—we build communities, careers, relationships, and trust. As a Pre-Construction Manager, you’ll be at the forefront of shaping projects before a shovel ever hits the ground. From concept through design development and contract execution, you’ll lead and coordinate all preconstruction efforts—ensuring every detail aligns with our clients’ goals, budgets, and schedules. Acting as a strategic partner and key liaison between owners, design teams, and construction professionals, you’ll help create the foundation for successful projects.

If you thrive in a collaborative environment, excel at leading teams, and are passionate about bringing project visions to life, this is your opportunity to make an impact and grow with FCL.

Why Join FCL Builders?

• Make an Impact: Guide projects from concept to construction with budgets, schedules, and scope aligned from day one.
• Employee Ownership: Partner and collaborate with experienced professionals who are invested in your success.
• Grow With Us: Clear pathways for advancement into senior leadership roles.
• Supportive Culture: We believe in mentorship, open communication, and having each other’s backs.
• Great People, Great Workplace: Thanks to our people, FCL is proud to have earned Great Place to Work Certification for the second year in a row. Our company culture is our top priority!

What You’ll Do:

Preconstruction Process Management

• Manage the full scope of preconstruction services—independently or with a team—across multiple projects.
• Define scopes and quantities to ensure accurate budgets at every stage of design.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and owners to define project scope and requirements.
• Assess design-build or partially designed projects at varying levels of completion, guiding them through successful delivery.
• Lead constructability reviews and risk assessments to proactively identify potential issues.
• Develop gap-free budgets and preliminary project schedules; solicit subcontractor and vendor input to ensure market accuracy.
• Create and manage procurement plans—including RFPs, competitive bids, direct negotiations, or other methods required by the client.
• Take a leadership role with design partners and clients on design-build projects, ensuring budgets are met and tracked as design evolves.
• Partner with Business Development to provide early budgeting and insights that position FCL to win work.
• Oversee smooth handoff of project scope, schedule, and budget to the construction operations team.

Project Bidding & GMP Development

• Develop bid strategies to enhance FCL’s ability to win work while providing exceptional value to clients.
• Research project locations and understand local factors such as taxes, licensing, codes, and access issues that may affect budgets.
• Lead project proposal processes to ensure timely, accurate, and professional presentation of budgets, clarifications, and alternates.
• Act as the main point of contact for clients throughout the procurement process, maintaining professional communications and clear bid/win strategies.

Relationship Management

• Build and maintain strong, ethical relationships with vendors and trade partners, ensuring FCL remains a preferred GC.
• Foster collaboration and trust among all stakeholders to achieve the best outcomes for clients and partners.

What We’re Looking For:

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in preconstruction, estimating, or project management within commercial construction.
• At least 3–5 years as an estimator or senior estimator.
• Strong understanding of estimating metrics, data analysis, and research methodology.
• Ability to conceptualize developer ideas and create estimates with minimal documentation.
• Proficiency in MS Excel, Bluebeam, and on-screen takeoff software; familiarity with MS Project, Primavera, or similar scheduling tools.
• Knowledge of all technical and project management aspects of design-build, design-assist, GMP, and competitive-bid projects.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple bids simultaneously under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge of OSHA and construction safety regulations.

Preferred

• Industrial construction estimating experience (distribution, cold storage, manufacturing, data centers).
• Experience managing design-build or conceptual estimating projects.

What We Offer:

• Competitive salary, bonus structure
• Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Career development and mentorship programs
• Comprehensive and competitive benefits (health, dental, vision and so much more!)
• Paid time off and holidays
• An inclusive, collaborative culture where your voice matters

Ready to build your future with FCL?

FCL Builders is an equal opportunity employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected status. FCL Builders does not sponsor applicants for work visas.

FCL Builders participates in E-Verify, clickhere to view the Right to Work Poster.