Preconstruction Manager

Frederick Fox; Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Frederick Fox is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Manager to lead estimating and preconstruction services from initial project programming through construction document pricing and bidding. The role involves developing accurate estimates and delivering financial insight to support informed design decisions.

The candidate will manage multiple projects, perform feasibility studies, develop budgets, and present recommendations to stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field.
• 5–7 years of related construction experience, including at least 2 years of estimating experience.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to estimate accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Provide a comprehensive suite of preconstruction and estimating services from initial programmatic intent through construction document pricing.
• Develop project budgets at all stages of design, from conceptual design through bidding.
• Perform feasibility studies, conceptual estimates, comparative cost studies, and value engineering analyses.
• Prepare accurate and detailed estimates while identifying scope gaps, cost risks, and potential opportunities.
• Review construction drawings and specifications and identify missing, incomplete, or unclear elements.
• Analyze technical information, market conditions, labor costs, material pricing, and trade trends to develop reliable estimates.
• Review and incorporate relevant geotechnical reports and other technical documentation into project planning and estimates.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of estimates with minimal oversight.
• Present estimates, budgets, value engineering recommendations, and other financial information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Clearly communicate changes from previously presented estimates, including the underlying assumptions and drivers.
• Represent the organization throughout the design-assist and preconstruction process.

Skills

Estimating

Preconstruction

Budgeting

Reading drawings

Communication

Decision making

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture

Job description

Preconstruction Manager

Position Overview

Our client is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Manager to lead estimating and preconstruction services from initial project programming and conceptual design through construction document pricing and bidding. This role is responsible for developing accurate, comprehensive estimates and providing clients and project stakeholders with the financial insight needed to make informed decisions throughout the design and preconstruction process.

The Preconstruction Manager will manage multiple projects simultaneously, lead feasibility studies, develop budgets, perform comparative cost analyses and value engineering, and present technical and financial recommendations to both internal and external stakeholders. The ideal candidate combines strong estimating expertise with sound business judgment, attention to detail, and the ability to make effective decisions in a fast-paced environment.

Key Responsibilities

Preconstruction & Estimating

• Provide a comprehensive suite of preconstruction and estimating services from initial programmatic intent through construction document pricing.
• Develop project budgets at all stages of design, from conceptual design through bidding.
• Perform feasibility studies, conceptual estimates, comparative cost studies, and value engineering analyses.
• Prepare accurate and detailed estimates while identifying scope gaps, cost risks, and potential opportunities.
• Review construction drawings and specifications and identify missing, incomplete, or unclear elements.
• Analyze technical information, market conditions, labor costs, material pricing, and trade trends to develop reliable estimates.
• Review and incorporate relevant geotechnical reports and other technical documentation into project planning and estimates.
• Ensure the accuracy and completeness of estimates with minimal oversight.
• Present estimates, budgets, value engineering recommendations, and other financial information to internal and external stakeholders.
• Clearly communicate changes from previously presented estimates, including the underlying assumptions and drivers.
• Represent the organization throughout the design-assist and preconstruction process.

Project & Stakeholder Management

• Manage multiple preconstruction projects simultaneously while effectively prioritizing deadlines, deliverables, and client needs.
• Coordinate with developers, architects, subcontractors, consultants, and operations teams throughout the design-assist process.
• Attend design and project meetings as the preconstruction representative and provide estimating and cost-related guidance.
• Develop and maintain productive relationships with subcontractors and trade partners.
• Analyze project risks and incorporate appropriate considerations into estimates and recommendations.
• Make sound business and estimating decisions under tight deadlines and, at times, with incomplete information.
• Communicate proactively with stakeholders regarding project scope, cost changes, assumptions, risks, and opportunities.
• Provide oversight, guidance, and support to Assistant Preconstruction Managers and Assistant Estimators.
• Distribute and manage project documentation independently without administrative support.

Business & Operational Excellence

• Apply sound business judgment when evaluating project costs, risks, subcontractor input, and market conditions.
• Identify opportunities to improve project value through cost management and value engineering.
• Help establish and maintain consistent estimating and preconstruction practices.
• Contribute to a culture of accountability, accuracy, collaboration, and client service.
• Demonstrate a commitment to high-quality work and professional standards throughout the preconstruction process.

Environment & Work Style

The majority of the work is performed in a professional office environment, with jobsite visits required as necessary based on project needs.

When visiting active construction sites, employees are expected to follow all applicable safety requirements and wear required personal protective equipment in accordance with company policy.

The role requires the ability to balance detailed estimating work with frequent communication and collaboration among developers, architects, subcontractors, and internal operations teams.

Essential Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field required.
• 5–7 years of related construction experience , including at least 2 years of estimating experience.
• Demonstrated experience providing preconstruction and estimating services across a variety of building types.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction drawings and specifications.
• Ability to identify missing, incomplete, or inconsistent project information.
• Strong understanding of construction costs, market conditions, and trade trends.
• Ability to analyze technical information and translate findings into practical recommendations.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to estimate accuracy.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Strong decision-making and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work effectively with developers, architects, subcontractors, and internal project teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with a wide variety of commercial, institutional, healthcare, hospitality, residential, or other complex building projects.
• Experience with design-assist and collaborative preconstruction processes.
• Strong subcontractor and trade partner relationships.
• Experience with value engineering and cost optimization.
• Experience analyzing geotechnical reports and incorporating findings into project estimates.
• Previous experience supervising or providing oversight to junior estimators or preconstruction professionals.
• Experience with BuildingConnected or similar bid management platforms.