Preconstruction Manager

Apex Design Build; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 95,000 - 135,000; Full time

Job summary

Apex Design Build in Chicago is seeking an accomplished Preconstruction Manager to guide projects through design development and construction documentation, ensuring alignment with client objectives and project goals.

The role emphasizes site analysis, due diligence, progressive budgeting, and scheduling, with responsibility for permit applications and approvals to maintain timely, profitable delivery. Strong client-facing and negotiation skills are essential.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction or related field.
• 5-8 years of experience in a related field.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Applications (Word, Excel, Project, Outlook).
• Client-facing experience and confidence.
• Ability to influence and persuade to achieve desired outcomes.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and prioritization skills.

Responsibilities

• Create an overarching project timeline including all phases of the project and maintain constant correspondence throughout the project ensuring completion dates are adhered to.
• Creation of a scope of work during the concept phase of design that reflects the project strategy and is sufficient for estimating and subcontractor purchasing selection.
• Interface with the client, consultants, and vendors to gather data, communicate design requirements, and coordinate design, construction, and engineering documents.
• Collaborate with the design team to develop space plans that are responsive to and conform to program and budget requirements.
• Managing budget throughout the design process by soliciting input from subcontractors and engineers and estimating the project to ensure design is managed to the budget, overall profitability, and client satisfaction.
• Thorough completion of all financial data with an eye to quickly identify potential/existing issues that could lead to subpar financial performance.
• Build budget cost reports, project schedules, and contracts in the APEX formats.
• Research and incorporate products and systems that accomplish the design intent.
• Review and redline architectural and construction documents and specifications to ensure compliance with design intent. Communicate changes and corrections to architectural vendors and partners
• Review subcontractors’ submissions to ensure compliance with the design intent.
• Conduct project handover meetings with the Project Management team to successfully transfer client relationships and project responsibility to a designated project manager for each project prior to the construction phase.
• During the construction phase attend job site meetings on an “as needed” basis to review specific design and construction elements to ensure compliance with the design intent of the approved construction documents.
• Travel as needed for projects

Skills

Client-facing

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Organizational planning

Education

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

Tools

MS Office Suite

Project management software

Job description

Apex Design Build is a design and architectural firm with an integrated construction team, specializing in the healthcare space. Following design-build methodology, we manage projects from early visioning and conceptual design stages, all the way through the architectural and construction phases.

We are currently seeking a dynamic Preconstruction Manager to support our rapidly growing organization. The Preconstruction Manager will participate in projects through the design development phase, and the architectural drawing phase, striving to achieve the Clients’ objectives. Responsibilities will include, site analysis, due diligence, conceptual design and design development oversight, progressive budgeting and project scheduling, architectural and construction documentation preparation and review, and management of permit application and building approval processes.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Create an overarching project timeline including all phases of the project and maintain constant correspondence throughout the project ensuring completion dates are adhered to.
• Creation of a scope of work during the concept phase of design that reflects the project strategy and is sufficient for estimating and subcontractor purchasing selection.
• Interface with the client, consultants, and vendors to gather data, communicate design requirements, and coordinate design, construction, and engineering documents. This will include participation in existing conditions site surveys and due diligence studies to avoid future pitfalls
• Collaborate with the design team to develop space plans that are responsive to and conform to program and budget requirements.
• Managing budget throughout the design process by soliciting input from subcontractors and engineers and estimating the project to ensure design is managed to the budget, overall profitability, and client satisfaction
• Thorough completion of all financial data with an eye to quickly identify potential/existing issues that could lead to subpar financial performance.
• Build budget cost reports, project schedules, and contracts in the APEX formats.
• Research and incorporate products and systems that accomplish the design intent.
• Review and redline architectural and construction documents and specifications to ensure compliance with design intent. Communicate changes and corrections to architectural vendors and partners
• Review subcontractors’ submissions to ensure compliance with the design intent.
• Conduct project handover meetings with the Project Management team to successfully transfer client relationships and project responsibility to a designated project manager for each project prior to the construction phase.
• During the construction phase attend job site meetings on an “as needed” basis to review specific design and construction elements to ensure compliance with the design intent of the approved construction documents.
• Travel as needed for projects
• Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction or related field, preferred.
• 5-8 years of experience in a related field.
• Working knowledge of MS Office Applications (Word, Excel, Project, and Outlook).
• Client-facing experience and confidence.
• Ability to influence and persuade to achieve desired outcomes.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, and negotiation skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and prioritization skills.
• Self-motivated, with high energy and a drive to excel.
• Strong work ethic with self-discipline to follow a proven sales process.
• Proven success in a performance‑based culture.
• Ability to work in a fast‑paced collaborative team environment with flexibility to quickly adapt to change