Preconstruction Lead - Estimating & Planning

CareerNerds, LLC; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

CareerNerds, LLC is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to lead the preconstruction phase, develop budgets, schedules, and value-driven solutions in line with company standards. This role is the single point of accountability from contract execution through groundbreaking, coordinating with the Market Lead, Director of BD & Procurement, estimating team, contracts coordinator, design partners, and clients.

You will oversee day-to-day estimating, allocate workload, prioritize projects, and ensure

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7–10 years of experience in estimating, preconstruction, or project management.
• Strong understanding of Design-Build, CMAR, and negotiated delivery methods.
• Experience preparing detailed construction cost estimates and GMP proposals.
• Demonstrated ability to lead client-facing meetings and present budget and schedule information to owners.
• Proficiency with construction software such as Procore and Bluebeam.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating team in producing accurate, complete cost estimates across all design phases.
• Manage project budgets from contract execution through GMP development, ensuring alignment with owner expectations.
• Establish milestone pricing schedules and oversee budget reviews at key design milestones.
• Direct value engineering exercises with owners, consultants, and design teams to maintain project feasibility.
• Develop and maintain project-specific preconstruction schedules from award through groundbreaking.
• Coordinate design team activities and lead constructability reviews throughout the design process.
• Manage the GMP development and owner presentation process, securing approval of the final budget and schedule.
• Confirm project readiness for construction mobilization and facilitate a complete turnover to Operations.
• Coordinate with the Contracts Coordinator to execute owner contracts using company templates and standard terms.
• Make project-level contract decisions within established company guardrails, including retainage, allowances, and contingency levels.
• Review and respond to owner and attorney redlines; escalate non-standard risk positions to the Director of BD & Procurement.
• Confirm financing commitment letters, bonding status, and insurance coverage at project award.
• Initiate subcontractor prequalification for key early trades following contract execution.
• Develop bid strategy, manage subcontractor engagement, and oversee bid list development throughout design.
• Coordinate procurement planning for long-lead materials and critical trades.
• Recommend subcontractor selection at GMP and ensure procurement strategies are transferred to the project team.
• Provide day-to-day leadership of the estimating team, including workload allocation, capacity planning, and priority setting.
• Coordinate across estimating, design, procurement, and operations teams to ensure seamless project delivery.
• Conduct turnover meetings with Operations, Project Management, and Field Leadership at the close of preconstruction.
• Monitor project risks and recommend mitigation strategies throughout the preconstruction phase.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for owners and design partners throughout the preconstruction phase.
• Lead client-facing budget presentations at design milestones and during the GMP approval process.
• Ensure project updates, budget changes, and schedule impacts are communicated clearly and promptly to all stakeholders.

Skills

Team leadership

Client presentations

Project coordination

Strong communication

Problem solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, or related field

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

Job description

CareerNerds, LLC is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to lead the preconstruction phase, develop budgets, schedules, and value-driven solutions in line with company standards. This role is the single point of accountability from contract execution through groundbreaking, coordinating with the Market Lead, Director of BD & Procurement, estimating team, contracts coordinator, design partners, and clients.

You will oversee day-to-day estimating, allocate workload, prioritize projects, and ensure