Preconstruction Manager

Coonan Search Group; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Coonan Search Group in Nashville, TN, specializes in guiding complex construction projects from concept through GMP. This role leads preconstruction efforts, budgeting, estimating, and scheduling to deliver competitive bids and controlled costs.

You will manage the RFP process, coordinate with design teams and clients, and develop estimates at all design stages. A hands-on, detail-driven professional with Nashville market knowledge is essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of commercial construction preconstruction/estimating experience required or Construction Management degree.
• Procore and estimating software experience preferred.
• Strong understanding of local Nashville subcontractor and vendor market.
• Detailed and hands-on approach with strong analytical skills.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction efforts including budgeting, estimating, and scheduling from conceptual design through GMP/final buyout.
• Strong comprehension of plans, specifications, submittals, and constructability requirements at all design phases.
• Manage the RFP process, including scope development, bid leveling, and subcontractor qualification.
• Coordinate value engineering efforts with design team, clients, and internal operations staff.
• Develop and maintain conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document-level estimates.
• Effectively coordinate with architects, engineers, and consultants to resolve design and constructability issues.
• Maintain liaison with operations, safety, and purchasing to ensure smooth transition from preconstruction to field execution.
• Solicit, qualify, and negotiate subcontractor and vendor pricing.
• Collaborate with Clients, Owners, Architects, and Project Executives throughout the design process.
• Prepare and present GMP and buyout summaries to internal leadership and ownership.
• Track and update project budgets throughout design development, flagging scope gaps or cost risks.
• Assist with development of project schedules in coordination with operations team

Skills

Preconstruction estimating

Budgeting

Scheduling

Value engineering

RFP process

Procore

Estimating software

Microsoft Office

Communication

Education

Construction Management degree

Tools

Procore

On-Screen Takeoff

PlanSwift

Job description

At this company, relationships are at the foundation of everything we build. For over a century, we’ve earned trust by delivering projects that strengthen communities and create lasting value for our clients, partners, and employees.

Our approach is simple yet powerful: deliver exceptional construction experiences grounded in trust, craftsmanship, and accountability. We believe that how we build is just as important as what we build because every project represents people, purpose, and progress.

As the most trusted builder of lasting places and lasting careers, we remain dedicated to serving our employees, clients, and community with the same commitment, integrity, and care that have defined us for generations in Nashville, TN.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Lead preconstruction efforts including budgeting, estimating, and scheduling from conceptual design through GMP/final buyout
• Strong comprehension of plans, specifications, submittals, and constructability requirements at all design phases
• Manage the RFP process, including scope development, bid leveling, and subcontractor qualification
• Coordinate value engineering efforts with design team, clients, and internal operations staff
• Develop and maintain conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document-level estimates
• Effectively coordinate with architects, engineers, and consultants to resolve design and constructability issues
• Maintain liaison with operations, safety, and purchasing to ensure smooth transition from preconstruction to field execution
• Solicit, qualify, and negotiate subcontractor and vendor pricing
• Collaborate with Clients, Owners, Architects, and Project Executives throughout the design process
• Prepare and present GMP and buyout summaries to internal leadership and ownership
• Track and update project budgets throughout design development, flagging scope gaps or cost risks
• Assist with development of project schedules in coordination with operations team

Qualifications:

• 5+ years of commercial construction preconstruction/estimating experience required, or Construction Management degree
• Procore and estimating software (On-Screen Takeoff, PlanSwift, or similar) experience preferred
• Strong understanding of local Nashville subcontractor and vendor market
• Detailed and hands-on approach with strong analytical skills
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software