Preconstruction Manager

Contegra Construction Co; Edwardsville (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Performance-based bonuses

Health and dental insurance

401(k) plan

ESOP participation

Monthly vehicle allowance

Paid time off

Job summary

Contegra Construction Co is seeking an experienced Construction Preconstruction Manager in Edwardsville, IL to lead planning, estimating, budgeting, and client collaboration for complex commercial, industrial, manufacturing, distribution, and design-build projects.

You will advise clients and project teams, transforming concepts into successful projects through thoughtful planning, accurate estimating, value engineering, and strategic collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• 7+ years of estimating, preconstruction, or PM experience in commercial construction.
• Experience with commercial, industrial, manufacturing, distribution, or design-build projects.
• Strong understanding of estimating, budgeting, conceptual pricing, and cost management.
• Experience leading value engineering and constructability reviews.
• Ability to interpret architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings and specifications.
• Design-build experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction efforts from conceptual budgeting through final GMP and project turnover.
• Develop detailed cost estimates, budgets, quantity takeoffs, and pricing strategies.
• Collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, and design teams throughout project development.
• Lead value engineering and constructability reviews to maximize project value while maintaining quality and schedule.
• Coordinate subcontractor and supplier pricing, qualifications, and scope development.
• Prepare proposals, bid packages, presentations, and preconstruction deliverables.
• Evaluate drawings, specifications, and project documents to identify risks and opportunities early.
• Develop preliminary schedules, logistics plans, and phasing strategies with project teams.
• Partner closely with Project Managers and Superintendents to ensure a smooth transition from preconstruction to construction.
• Build strong relationships with clients, design partners, and trade contractors throughout the preconstruction process.
• Support business development efforts by participating in client meetings, interviews, and project pursuits.
• Mentor estimating and preconstruction team members while continuously improving department processes.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Client relationship building

Communication

Negotiation

Leadership

Education

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

Tools

Bluebeam

Microsoft Office

Estimating software

CM software

Job description

Build With Integrity. Lead With Purpose.

July 2026 | Contegra Construction is looking for an experienced Construction Preconstruction Manager to lead planning, estimating, budgeting, and client collaboration for complex commercial, industrial, manufacturing, distribution, and design-build construction projects.

This is a high-impact leadership role for someone who enjoys solving problems before construction begins. As the Preconstruction Manager, you will serve as a trusted advisor to clients and project teams, helping transform concepts into successful projects through thoughtful planning, accurate estimating, value engineering, and strategic collaboration.

If you enjoy working directly with owners, architects, engineers, and internal project teams to create innovative solutions and establish projects for long‑term success, this is an opportunity to make a meaningful impact with a company that values integrity, accountability, and teamwork.

What you’ll do:

• Lead preconstruction efforts from conceptual budgeting through final GMP and project turnover.
• Develop detailed cost estimates, budgets, quantity takeoffs, and pricing strategies.
• Collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, and design teams throughout project development.
• Lead value engineering and constructability reviews to maximize project value while maintaining quality and schedule.
• Coordinate subcontractor and supplier pricing, qualifications, and scope development.
• Prepare proposals, bid packages, presentations, and preconstruction deliverables.
• Evaluate drawings, specifications, and project documents to identify risks and opportunities early.
• Develop preliminary schedules, logistics plans, and phasing strategies with project teams.
• Partner closely with Project Managers and Superintendents to ensure a smooth transition from preconstruction to construction.
• Build strong relationships with clients, design partners, and trade contractors throughout the preconstruction process.
• Support business development efforts by participating in client meetings, interviews, and project pursuits.
• Mentor estimating and preconstruction team members while continuously improving department processes.

What we’re looking for:

The ideal candidate will bring strong construction knowledge, strategic thinking, and the ability to build trust with clients while managing multiple opportunities in a fast‑paced environment.

Qualifications include:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred.
• 7+ years of estimating, preconstruction, or project management experience in commercial construction.
• Experience with commercial, industrial, manufacturing, distribution, or design-build projects.
• Strong understanding of construction estimating, budgeting, conceptual pricing, and cost management.
• Experience leading value engineering and constructability reviews.
• Ability to interpret architectural, structural, civil, and MEP drawings and specifications.
• Strong communication, presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience coordinating subcontractor bid packages and procurement strategies.
• Proficiency with estimating software, Bluebeam, Microsoft Office, and construction management platforms.
• Design-build experience preferred.

What to expect:

This position is primarily office‑based, with regular visits to project sites, client offices, and design meetings throughout the project lifecycle. Occasional travel may be required to support project pursuits, client presentations, and active construction projects.

Why Contegra?

At Contegra, we believe great projects begin long before construction starts. Our Preconstruction team plays a critical role in building trust with clients, creating innovative solutions, and positioning every project for success.

You’ll work alongside experienced construction professionals in a collaborative environment where your ideas are valued, your expertise makes a difference, and your contributions directly impact the projects we build and the relationships we create.

We offer:

• Competitive salary based on experience.
• Performance-based bonuses.
• Health and dental insurance.
• 401(k) plan.
• ESOP participation.
• Monthly vehicle allowance.
• Paid time off.

Contegra Construction is an equal opportunity employer.