Preconstruction Manager

EMJ; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Benefits and strong work/life balance

Job summary

EMJ Construction is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to lead the project team through decision-making, planning, and execution, building strong client relationships and collaborating with architects, engineers, and trade partners. You will oversee preconstruction work to ensure a smooth transition to project execution, mentoring the team and guiding value-driven decisions.

The role requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field and at least five years of construction experience with a focus on

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field is preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of construction experience.
• Strong ability to define expectations, prioritize, and meet deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead the project team through preconstruction, planning, and execution to ensure client value.
• Manage relationships with clients, architects, engineers, trade partners, and suppliers.
• Develop budgets, bid packages, and cost breakdowns while ensuring profitability.

Skills

Relationship Building

Communication

Leadership

LEED knowledge

Tenant coordination

Microsoft Office

Education

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

Tools

Procore

On-Screen Takeoff

Viewpoint

EarthWorks

Job description

At EMJ, we are more than just General Contractors — we are People Serving People. With over 50 years in business and a reputation as a recognized leader in the construction industry, we strive to provide unique value and an unmatched client experience by living our core values: Selflessness, Trustworthiness, and Grit.

Position Summary:

The Preconstruction Manager (PCM) at EMJ Construction leads the project team through decision-making, planning, and execution phases, creating value for clients as a key member of our Client Experience (CX) teams. This role is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, architects, engineers, trade partners, and suppliers, while closely collaborating with Project Managers and Superintendents to ensure a seamless transition from preconstruction to project execution. The PCM must embody EMJ’s core values and promote a collaborative, solutions-focused team environment.

What You Will Be Doing In This Role:

Relationship Building:

• Build lasting relationships by demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity.
• Foster trust and confidence through open, frequent communication.
• Understand client values and align project activities to enhance the overall client experience.

Risk Management & Constructability:

• Identify and mitigate project risks through creative, collaborative problem-solving.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation to support profitability and client satisfaction.
• Partner with Project Managers and Superintendents to evaluate constructability and develop risk mitigation plans.
• Lead the project team through preconstruction efforts with a focus on execution readiness.
• Facilitate Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings and distribute timely documentation.
• Mentor team members while aligning project schedule, safety, and quality goals.
• Document opportunities for added project value.
• Prepare accurate, detailed budgets from conceptual through final design stages.
• Collaborate with design consultants to maintain project vision while offering value-engineering insights.
• Support project execution with complete bid packages and cost breakdowns.
• Manage site investigations, due diligence efforts, and design document reviews.
• Align lease and end-user requirements with design, budget, and schedule.
• Oversee entitlement and permitting processes.

Validation, Constructability Analysis & Value Management:

• Maintain design alignment with budget, scope, and schedule through regular updates.
• Evaluate systems for efficiency and cost-saving opportunities.
• Conduct thorough constructability reviews and manage preconstruction RFIs.

Bid Preparation:

• Develop bid strategies and clear bid instructions.
• Lead subcontractor and supplier outreach to ensure comprehensive bid coverage.
• Prepare detailed estimates and bid tab analyses.
• Present bid results and strategic recommendations to clients.

Buyout Support:

• Prequalify trade partners and suppliers using Compass.
• Lead scope reviews and trade partner negotiations.
• Prepare and track Subcontracts, Purchase Orders, and Owner Contracts.
• Lead estimate review and formal project handoff to Project Manager and Superintendent.

During Construction:

• Support project teams in monitoring cost and profitability throughout execution.
• Participate in monthly Project Status Reports (PSRs).
• Assist with conflict resolution and maintaining client and partner relationships.

Project Close-Out:

• Participate in post-project reviews and trade partner surveys.
• Document lessons learned and update historical cost data.
• Collaborate on capturing key takeaways for future projects.

What You Will Need For This Role:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant construction experience.
• Strong ability to define expectations, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Expertise in: LEED and sustainability, Building codes and entitlements, Due diligence and tenant coordination, Construction plans and specifications.
• Proficiency in reading and analyzing soils reports and other technical project data.
• Working knowledge of building systems, site work, and construction cost components.
• Technical skills in: Microsoft Office, Procore, On-Screen Takeoff, Viewpoint, EarthWorks.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

Why Join EMJ?

• EMJ offers competitive pay and benefits, a strong work/life balance, a best-in-class office environment, and a culture that recognizes and rewards entrepreneurial spirit.

EMJ is an AA/EOE and E-Verify employer.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from third-party recruiters at this time.