Preconstruction Manager

NOVO Construction, Inc.; Menlo Park (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Car allowance

Medical, Dental and Vision insurance

Job summary

NOVO Construction, Inc. is seeking a highly skilled Preconstruction Manager to lead preconstruction efforts for commercial interior tenant improvement projects.

You will manage estimating and planning from concept through handoff, ensuring alignment with client goals, budget and schedule. The ideal candidate has deep experience in commercial interiors, strong subcontractor relationships, and a solutions-driven approach to early project development.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field is required.
• 3–7 years of experience in commercial construction focusing on interior TI projects.
• Proven TI project delivery across diverse office environments.
• Experience with estimating software is essential.
• Strong communication and client-facing skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction processes for TI projects from concept to handoff.
• Develop budgets, schedules, and bid strategies aligned with client goals.
• Coordinate design development, MEP analysis, and value engineering.
• Manage internal estimating team and mentor junior staff.
• Maintain strong subcontractor relationships and mitigate risk.

Skills

Client-facing

Team leadership

Cost optimization

Schedule management

Vendor relations

Education

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

Tools

Bluebeam

On-Screen Takeoff

Procore

Sage Estimating

Job description

NOVO Construction is seeking a highly skilled and proactive Preconstruction Manager to lead preconstruction efforts for commercial interior tenant improvement (TI) projects. This role is responsible for managing the estimating and planning process from concept through project handoff, ensuring alignment with client goals, budget, and schedule. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in commercial interiors, strong subcontractor relationships, and a solutions-driven approach to early project development.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction process for fast-track and complex tenant improvement projects, typically ranging from $500K to $20M+.
• Collaborate closely with clients, architects, designers, brokers, and internal teams to shape project scope and strategy.
• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and detailed estimates based on design progress and market conditions.
• Review and interpret design documents, ensuring constructability and cost effectiveness.
• Drive value engineering discussions and offer creative, cost-saving alternatives without compromising design intent.
• Develop project budgets, milestone schedules, and bid strategies aligned with tenant and landlord expectations.
• Lead pre-bid and subcontractor scope meetings, ensuring accurate bid coverage and risk management.
• Manage internal estimating team members and mentor junior staff.
• Coordinate design-build MEP analysis and procurement in collaboration with engineers and trade partners.
• Ensure seamless handoff from preconstruction to project management and field operations.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field required.
• Minimum of 3–7 years of experience in commercial construction with a strong focus on interior tenant improvement projects.
• Proven track record delivering successful TI projects in high-density office, law firms, creative tech space, healthcare interiors, or lab/cleanroom environments.
• Expertise in construction estimating software such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Procore, or Sage Estimating.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and client-facing skills.
• Strong understanding of regional subcontractor market and cost trends.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple preconstruction efforts concurrently.

Preferred Qualifications

• LEED, WELL AP, or DBIA certification a plus.
• Experience with design-assist or design-build delivery methods.
• Familiarity with MEP-intensive tenant improvements (labs, healthcare, data centers).

Compensation And Benefits

• Salary: $120,000.00 to $180,000.00 annually, based on qualifications and experience
• Car allowance
• Full-time: 40 hours per week, Monday-Friday, based in our Menlo Park office
• Insurance Package: Medical, Dental and Vision
• 401 (k)
• Paid Holidays
• Sick Time
• OSHA 10/30 Training
• Commuter Benefits (CA only)
• Gym Subsidy