Preconstruction Director

PARIC; Maryland Heights (MO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 210,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

Flexible PTO

10 paid holidays per year

Life and AD&D insurance

Short- and long-term disability

401(k) with company match

Voluntary benefits

Job summary

PARIC is seeking a Preconstruction Director to lead all preconstruction activities for one or more large, complex projects in the St. Louis area.

This role partners with clients, designers, and internal teams to drive budgeting, scheduling, procurement, and design coordination from pursuit through construction start. The successful candidate will mentor a growing preconstruction team, oversee multiple initiatives, and ensure high-quality outcomes aligned with PARIC’s commitment to excellence and

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• 15+ years of experience in construction, estimating, preconstruction, or related functions.
• Proven experience leading preconstruction efforts for large, complex projects.
• Strong background in estimating, budgeting, value engineering, and cost management.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and mentoring professionals.
• Thorough understanding of construction means and methods, project delivery, and procurement.
• Excellent communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a strategic mindset.
• Proficiency with estimating software, Microsoft Office, and construction technology platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of preconstruction services for large, complex projects.
• Develop and manage conceptual, schematic, design development, and GMP estimates.
• Provide leadership in budgeting, cost planning, and financial forecasting.
• Collaborate with Owners, architects, engineers, and contractors to align scope, schedule, and budget.
• Oversee design management and coordinate multidisciplinary teams.
• Conduct constructability reviews to improve efficiency, cost, and schedule.
• Lead value engineering and alternative solution development.
• Oversee procurement planning, subcontractor engagement, and market analysis.
• Partner with VDC and operations teams for smooth preconstruction transition.
• Identify and mitigate project risks through proactive planning.
• Manage preconstruction schedules, milestones, and reporting.
• Build and maintain client relationships; participate in business development.
• Mentor Preconstruction Managers, Estimators, and other team members.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating

Budgeting

VDC/BIM

Communication

Team mentoring

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management

Certs: DBIA/CCM (preferred)

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Construction tech platforms

Job description

• Location 77 WESTPORT PLZ STE 250,St Louis, MO, 63146,United States
• Job Category Preconstruction
• Employee Type FT Exempt

About PARIC

Since 1979, PARIC has been a leader in general contracting, construction management, and design-build services. As one of the largest, privately-held companies in the Midwest, we are committed to investing in our communities and building lasting client relationships.

At PARIC, our employees operate in alignment with our core values, ensuring a safe, client-focused approach that delivers excellence on every project. We hire top talent, provide cutting-edge tools and training, and turn our clients’ visions into reality.

PARIC’s Core Values

POWER OF ONE TEAM – Because people are the force behind every success. We have unity in purpose and diversity in talent.

EXCEEDING EXPECTATIONS – Because surpassing all expectations is so profoundly satisfying. This commitment to excellence extends to every employee and to every project.

ENHANCING OUR COMMUNITY – Because we build more than buildings. We give our time, talents, and resources to a range of community efforts.

DOING WHAT WE SAY – Because as the adage says: “You’re only as good as your word.” If we say something is going to happen, it will happen.

RELENTLESS EVOLUTION – Because if you’re not learning from your mistakes, you’re not growing. We embrace positive change, face challenges head-on, and get even better with every project.

Position Description

We are seeking a Preconstruction Director to lead and oversee all preconstruction services for large, complex, and demanding projects across PARIC’s portfolio. This leadership role is responsible for developing, managing, and executing preconstruction activities from project pursuit through construction start, ensuring alignment with client expectations, project goals, and PARIC’s commitment to excellence.

The Preconstruction Director serves as a strategic partner to clients, designers, and internal stakeholders while providing leadership and direction for budgeting, estimating, scheduling, procurement, design coordination, VDC integration, value analysis, and risk management. This individual will oversee multiple preconstruction efforts simultaneously and mentor preconstruction team members to drive consistent, high-quality project outcomes.

Responsibilities

• Lead all phases of preconstruction services for one or more large, complex, and demanding projects.
• Develop and manage conceptual, schematic, design development, and GMP estimates.
• Provide strategic leadership in budgeting, cost planning, and overall financial forecasting during project development.
• Collaborate with Owners, architects, engineers, and consultants to align project scope, schedule, and budget objectives.
• Oversee design management and coordinate multidisciplinary teams throughout the preconstruction process.
• Direct constructability reviews and identify opportunities to improve project efficiency, cost, and schedule performance.
• Lead value engineering and alternative solution development to maximize client value while maintaining project quality.
• Oversee procurement planning, subcontractor engagement, and market analysis activities.
• Partner with VDC and operational teams to ensure seamless transition from preconstruction to project execution.
• Identify and mitigate project risks through proactive planning and problem-solving.
• Manage and maintain preconstruction schedules, milestone tracking, and reporting requirements.
• Build and maintain strong client relationships throughout the project lifecycle.
• Participate in business development efforts, client presentations, and project pursuits.
• Mentor, develop, and provide leadership to Preconstruction Managers, Estimators, and other preconstruction team members.
• Foster collaboration across operations, estimating, safety, and executive leadership teams.
• Apply PARIC Core Values throughout all aspects of project delivery and team leadership.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• 15+ years of experience in construction, estimating, preconstruction, or related project delivery functions.
• Proven experience leading preconstruction efforts for large, complex construction projects.
• Strong background in estimating, budgeting, value engineering, and cost management.
• Demonstrated leadership experience managing teams and mentoring construction professionals.
• Thorough understanding of construction means and methods, project delivery approaches, and procurement strategies.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving abilities with a strategic mindset.
• Proficiency with estimating software, Microsoft Office Suite, and construction technology platforms.

Preferred

• Experience within healthcare, industrial, manufacturing, mission-critical, commercial, or other complex construction sectors.
• Design-build and construction management project delivery experience.
• Experience utilizing VDC/BIM tools throughout project planning and execution.
• Advanced understanding of risk management, contract administration, and project controls.
• Proven success developing long-term client relationships and supporting business development initiatives.
• Professional certifications such as DBIA, CCM, LEED, or similar industry credentials.

Why Join Us?

• We offer comprehensive benefits including but not limited to medical, dental, and vision coverage, flexible PTO, 10 paid holidays per year, life and AD&D insurance, short- and long-term disability coverage, participation in a 401(k) program with company match, and many additional voluntary benefits.
• Opportunity to lead some of the region’s most complex and impactful construction projects.
• Career development and executive leadership growth opportunities.
• A collaborative and inclusive workplace culture rooted in our core values.
• The ability to influence strategy, mentor future leaders, and drive exceptional client outcomes.

AAP/EEO Statement

PARIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Affirmative Action Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.