Pre-Construction Manager, Estimator

Pop-Up Talent; San Jose (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-Day Work Week

2 weeks PTO

Health, Dental, and Vision

401(k) with company contribution

Open-door management

Job summary

A sustainable construction company in San Jose is seeking a Pre-Construction Manager to oversee the planning and preconstruction processes of extraordinary homes. This role demands exceptional communication skills, technical expertise in project management tools, and a passion for sustainable building practices. The ideal candidate will lead client interactions and contribute to innovative, environmentally responsible home designs. This position offers a full-time schedule with a 4-day work week, ample benefits, and a commitment to social equity and sustainability.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in preconstruction, estimating, or project engineering.
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, Smartsheet, and Bluebeam is required.
• Experience with sustainable building practices (Passive House, Net-Zero, LEED, etc.) is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary client liaison during preconstruction.
• Lead project kickoff meetings, site visits, and OAC meetings.
• Collaborate with estimators and project managers to create accurate cost models.

Skills

Technically savvy and data-driven

Process-oriented and detail-focused

Strong communication and client relationship skills

Curious and logical

Education

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

5+ years of experience in preconstruction, estimating, or project engineering

Tools

Excel

Smartsheet

Bluebeam

Job Tread

BuilderTrend

Job description

• $120–$125+ / year (DOE) | Full-Time (4-day work week)

POSITION OVERVIEW:

• We are seeking a Pre-Construction Manager who is equal parts Project Engineer, Estimator, and Client-Facing Project Manager. This role sits at the intersection of design, construction, and client engagement — helping bring extraordinary, sustainable homes from concept to groundbreaking
• You will lead the front-end planning and preconstruction process, collaborating closely with clients, architects, consultants, and internal teams to align vision, scope, and budget. This is a highly analytical and relationship-driven position that requires both technical expertise and exceptional communication skills

WE’RE LOOKING FOR SOMEONE WHO IS:

• Technically savvy and data-driven (Excel, Smartsheet, Bluebeam)
• Process-oriented and detail-focused, highly organized, and self-motivated
• Curious, logical, and passionate about design and sustainability
• A natural collaborator who enjoys client interaction and creative problem-solving

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as the primary client liaison during preconstruction — managing expectations, building trust, and guiding them through decisions
• Lead project kickoff meetings, site visits, and OAC meetings; prepare agendas and follow-ups
• Communicate clearly with clients through weekly updates, budget tracking, and milestone planning
• Collaborate with estimators and project managers to create accurate cost models, budgets, and value-engineering options
• Prepare and issue RFPs/RFQs to subcontractors; review and compare bids
• Work with the design and engineering teams to align drawings, specifications, and constructabilityManage project documentation using Smartsheet and Bluebeam for scope tracking, budget, and schedule updates

Process + Coordination

• Set up and manage Smartsheet dashboards for project tracking and data management
• Prepare and issue PCS and Prime Construction Contracts
• Coordinate with bookkeeping for accurate billing and budget reporting
• Support continuous improvement of systems, tools, and preconstruction workflows

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field, or 5+ years of experience in the same
• At least 5+ years of experience in preconstruction, estimating, or project engineering (custom home or high-end residential preferred)
• Advanced proficiency in Excel, Smartsheet, and Bluebeam
• Strong communication and client relationship skills

Preferred:

• Experience with sustainable building practices (Passive House, Net-Zero, LEED, or similar)
• Knowledge of Bay Area residential construction markets and subcontractor networks
• Familiarity with Job Tread, BuilderTrend, or similar project management platforms

WHY US:

Build a Better Life by Building a Better Way

We don’t just build homes — we build a better world. As the Bay Area’s leader in sustainable, net-zero, and Passive House construction, we’re redefining what exceptional homebuilding looks like through design innovation, building science, and environmental responsibility.

As a Certified B Corp, we are deeply committed to social equity, sustainability, and long-term positive impact — for our clients, our team, and our planet. With over $50M in backlog and projects booked through 2027, we offer stability, growth, and the chance to make a real difference.

• 4-Day Work Week (4/10 schedule): Fridays off (as workload allows)
• Time Off: 2 weeks PTO (increases with tenure), 5 days sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
• Benefits: Health, Dental, Vision (50% family premium coverage), Life Insurance, 401(k) with company safe harbor contribution up to 3% of annual salary, revenue sharing bonus plan, FSA
• Culture: Open-door management, long-term growth, and a collaborative environment where your voice matters
• Impact: Work with purpose — building high-performance, environmentally responsible homes that inspire and endure

Join Us: If you’re passionate about building science, sustainable design, and bringing visionary homes to life — and if you thrive in a culture that values innovation, collaboration, and excellence — we’d love to meet you.

We are an equal opportunity employer, and we are an organization that values diversity. We welcome applications from all qualified candidates, including minorities and persons with disabilities.