Preconstruction Manager

Dean Builds, Inc.; Lexington (KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid time off

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) and 401(k) matching

Job summary

Dean Builds, Inc. is seeking a Senior Preconstruction Manager to oversee all preconstruction activities from concept through handoff. You will ensure accurate estimating, constructability reviews, value engineering, and scheduling to support on-time, within-budget project delivery.

Lead preconstruction teams, collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, and internal project teams, and mentor junior staff while aligning with market conditions and risk management strategies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• 7+ years of experience in commercial construction with significant preconstruction, estimating, or project planning experience.
• Experience leading preconstruction efforts for projects of varying size and complexity.
• Background working with general contractors, construction managers, or design-build teams.
• Experience with alternative delivery methods (CM at Risk, Design-Build, IPD).
• Experience in specific markets (healthcare, education, industrial, multifamily, etc.) a plus.
• Familiarity with BIM coordination and preconstruction modeling a plus.

Responsibilities

• Oversee preconstruction activities from initial concept through project handoff.
• Ensure accurate estimating, constructability review, value engineering, scheduling, and risk assessment.

Skills

Estimating

Value engineering

Budget development

Constructability analysis

Reading drawings/specifications

Estimating software

Building codes knowledge

Leadership

Communication

Time management

Relationship management

Market knowledge

Education

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

Tools

Sage

ProEst

OST

Bluebeam

Excel

BIM coordination

Job description

Welcome to Dean Builds, your trusted partner in commercial construction. We specialize in Construction Management, General Contracting, and Design-Build services. With our extensive experience, we have built strong relationships with locally and nationally recognized customers. You will have the opportunity to build their schools, churches, commercial and industrial projects. We are licensed to work in multiple states, including Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and West Virginia, enabling us to support construction projects across the region.

The Preconstruction Manager is responsible for overseeing all preconstruction activities from initial concept through project handoff. This role ensures accurate estimating, constructability review, value engineering, scheduling, and risk assessment to support successful project execution within budget and schedule.

Technical & Professional Skills

• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, materials, and sequencing.
• Proven expertise in:
  • Conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimating
  • Value engineering and cost modeling
  • Budget development and cost control
  • Constructability and logistics analysis
• Ability to interpret and analyze drawings, specifications, and design documents at all phases.
• Knowledgeable with estimating and preconstruction software (e.g., Sage, ProEst, OST, Bluebeam, Excel, or similar).
• Solid knowledge of local building codes, procurement methods, and subcontractor markets.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Experience leading preconstruction teams, including estimators and coordinators.
• Strong collaboration skills with owners, architects, engineers, and internal project teams.
• Ability to facilitate design-assist and early trade partner involvement.
• Proven ability to mentor and develop junior staff.

Communication & Management

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to present budgets, schedules, and value options clearly to owners and stakeholders.
• Strong organizational and time-management skills with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• High level of professionalism, judgment, and attention to detail.

Business & Strategic Acumen

• Understanding of market conditions, pricing trends, and risk management.
• Ability to support pursuit strategy, including conceptual budgets, schedules, and proposal input.
• Experience supporting contract negotiations and preconstruction agreements.
• Client-focused mindset with the ability to support relationship development.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• 7+ years of experience in commercial construction, with significant preconstruction, estimating, or project planning experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading preconstruction efforts for projects of varying size and complexity.
• Background working with general contractors, construction managers, or design-build teams.
• Experience with alternative delivery methods (CM at Risk, Design-Build, IPD).
• Experience in specific markets (healthcare, education, industrial, multifamily, etc.) a plus.
• Familiarity with BIM coordination and preconstruction modeling a plus.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Competitive pay
• Paid time off
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k), 401(k) matching

The Company does not provide immigration or work visa sponsorship.

Note: Job descriptions may change from time to time due to specific work requirements.