Preconstruction Manager

Huseman Group; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Huseman Group is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to lead front-end planning on complex projects in Columbus, OH. You will guide design development, align milestones with client goals, and ensure a smooth handoff to operations.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership during the preconstruction phase, coordinating with design partners, estimators, and clients to balance scope, budget, and schedule while fostering collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of construction experience with at least 3 years in a preconstruction leadership or project management capacity
• Experience on complex commercial or institutional projects
• Strong communicator and relationship builder with the ability to influence stakeholders
• Deep understanding of project phasing, delivery methods (CMAR, GMP, Design-Build), and value management processes
• Familiar with budgeting principles, construction means and methods, and permitting processes
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to lead teams through ambiguity
• Experience facilitating design coordination and early-stage decision-making

Responsibilities

• Lead project visioning, scope alignment, phasing strategies, and high-level scheduling
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and design partners during the preconstruction phase
• Facilitate internal and external team collaboration to keep preconstruction efforts on track
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and consultants to guide design toward budget and schedule objectives
• Host design review meetings and track design progress relative to program needs
• Collaborate with Estimators to understand and present milestone budgets and cost plans
• Identify budget risks or scope gaps and drive reconciliation strategies
• Lead value management discussions with design and ownership teams without performing takeoffs
• Guide early trade partner involvement, procurement schedules, and packaging strategies
• Coordinate early bid releases or preconstruction input from key subcontractors
• Manage relationships with critical vendors and prequalify partners as needed
• Lead development of high-level project schedules including preconstruction milestones, design deliverables, permitting, and early enabling work
• Coordinate input from design, estimating, and operations teams
• Represent the company in preconstruction meetings, presentations, and interviews
• Communicate progress, constraints, and opportunities to clients and stakeholders in a proactive manner
• Ensure client expectations are met through alignment of design, budget, and schedule

Skills

Communication

Relationship building

Leadership

Design coordination

Preconstruction planning

Stakeholder management

Decision-making

Collaboration

Education

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

Job description

The Preconstruction Manager is responsible for leading the front-end planning and coordination efforts on construction projects prior to breaking ground. This role focuses on guiding design development, managing project milestones during the design phase, aligning with client goals, and facilitating smooth handoff to operations. The Preconstruction Manager serves as the strategic lead during the preconstruction phase.

A LEGACY OF BUILDING CAREERS

At HGC Construction, we are building for the long haul. We believe exceptional work begins with people who share our values and commitment to excellence. We recognize that our employees are more than professionals; they’re individuals with families, passions, and full lives beyond work. That’s why we emphasize balance, supporting both professional growth and personal fulfillment. Our culture thrives on celebrating shared victories, encouraging growth, and making a lasting impact on our clients and community. At HGC Construction, we’re not just building structures; we’re building a legacy of quality, integrity, and purpose.

Job Duties & Responsibilities

Project Leadership & Strategy

• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and design partners during the preconstruction phase.
• Lead project visioning, scope alignment, phasing strategies, and high-level scheduling.
• Facilitate internal and external team collaboration to keep preconstruction efforts on track.

Design Management

• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and consultants to guide design toward budget and schedule objectives.
• Ensure design solutions reflect constructability, procurement strategies, and cost goals.
• Host design review meetings and track design progress relative to program needs.

Budget Oversight (Non-Estimating)

• Collaborate with Estimators to understand and present milestone budgets and cost plans.
• Identify budget risks or scope gaps and drive the team toward reconciliation strategies.
• Lead value management discussions with design and ownership teams without performing takeoffs.

Procurement Strategy

• Guide early trade partner involvement, procurement schedules, and packaging strategies.
• Coordinate early bid releases or preconstruction input from key subcontractors.
• Manage relationships with critical vendors and prequalify partners as needed.

Schedule Development

• Lead development of high-level project schedules including preconstruction milestones, design deliverables, permitting, and early enabling work.
• Coordinate input from design, estimating, and operations teams.

Client Engagement

• Represent the company in preconstruction meetings, presentations, and interviews.
• Communicate progress, constraints, and opportunities to clients and stakeholders in a proactive manner.
• Ensure client expectations are met through alignment of design, budget, and schedule.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field
• 7+ years of construction experience with at least 3 years in a preconstruction leadership or project management capacity
• Prior experience working on complex commercial or institutional projects
• Strong communicator and relationship builder with the ability to influence stakeholders
• Deep understanding of project phasing, delivery methods (CMAR, GMP, Design-Build), and value management processes
• Familiar with budgeting principles, construction means and methods, and permitting processes
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to lead teams through ambiguity
• Experience facilitating design coordination and early-stage decision-making

Huseman Group is an EOE/M/F/D/V - Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace.

Huseman Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer and maintains an Alcohol- and Drug-Free Workplace. We comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, age, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, veteran or military status, or any other status protected by law.