Preconstruction Manager

Truebeck Construction, Inc.; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Truebeck Construction, Inc. is looking for a Preconstruction Manager to lead and manage the entire preconstruction process from project pursuit to GMP development. The role requires strong leadership, advanced proficiency in estimating software, and experience with General Contractors. The successful candidate will develop strategic budgets and manage risks while ensuring alignment with company objectives. This role offers a hybrid work environment with periodic travel to construction sites.

Qualifications

• 6-10+ years of experience with a General Contractor, including significant estimating and preconstruction leadership experience.
• Proven experience leading GMP development and complex preconstruction efforts.
• Comprehensive understanding of construction means and methods across all major building systems.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full preconstruction lifecycle including conceptual budgeting and GMP preparation.
• Establish the preconstruction execution plan including schedule and deliverables.
• Oversee estimate assembly and quantity surveys to ensure accuracy.

Skills

Leadership and team development

Strategic thinking

Analytical capability

Executive communication

Negotiation skills

Education

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

Tools

Estimating software (Destini, Timberline, PlanSwift)

Excel and cost modeling tools

Job description

The Preconstruction Manager leads and manages the entire preconstruction process from project pursuit through GMP development and transition to Operations. This role is responsible for strategic budget development, risk management, procurement planning, value engineering, design collaboration, and team leadership.

The Preconstruction Manager serves as the primary financial and technical leader during preconstruction, partnering with Clients, Design Teams, Operations, and Trade Partners to deliver accurate, competitive, and risk-aware project outcomes. This position ensures alignment between scope, schedule, cost, and company objectives while protecting margin and strengthening client relationships.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the full preconstruction lifecycle including conceptual budgeting, schematic design, design development, and GMP preparation.
• Establish the preconstruction execution plan, including schedule, deliverables, procurement milestones, and accountability matrix.
• Oversee estimate assembly, quantity surveys, cost modeling, and executive summaries to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Develop strategic cost approaches aligned with project delivery method and client objectives.
• Lead constructability reviews and collaborate with Operations to optimize means and methods.
• Direct value engineering efforts and facilitate cost comparison studies.
• Establish and manage procurement strategy including bidder selection, prequalification, and bid leveling.
• Analyze trade partner proposals to ensure scope compliance and risk mitigation.
• Ensure nomenclature, documentation, and narrative descriptions clearly communicate scope, assumptions, and exclusions.
• Lead internal estimate reviews with leadership and project teams.
• Ensure safety requirements and associated costs are incorporated into estimates and procurement strategies.
• Oversee integration of General Conditions, site logistics, self-perform strategies, and cost of work planning.
• Lead GMP development including qualifications, contingency strategy, escalation assumptions, and alignment with Owner contract requirements.
• Facilitate Preconstruction-to-Operations handoff ensuring scope clarity and continuity.
• Lead post-estimate debriefs and closed-loop learning processes.
• Any other task or duty as assigned or required.

Safety

• Ensure safety requirements are understood and properly budgeted in estimates.
• Support and participate in company safety training initiatives

Business Development

• Participate in pursuit strategy and RFP development.
• Contribute to interview preparation and client presentations.
• Identify and cultivate new business opportunities within professional network and industry associations
• Maintain proactive communication with clients, architects, consultants, and stakeholders.
• Expedite resolution of critical issues while protecting company interests and maintaining relationships
• Serve as a brand ambassador for Truebeck’s culture and values

Knowledge, Education, and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Construction Science, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• 6-10+ years of experience with a General Contractor, including significant estimating and preconstruction leadership experience.
• Proven experience leading GMP development and complex preconstruction efforts.
• Advanced proficiency in estimating software (Destini, Timberline, PlanSwift, Assemble, or similar).
• Advanced proficiency in Excel and cost modeling tools.
• Comprehensive understanding of construction means and methods across all major building systems.
• Experience with multiple delivery methods (CMAR, Design-Build, IPD, Plan & Spec, Public Works).
• Strong understanding of subcontractor scope management and procurement strategy.
• Demonstrated financial acumen including contingency strategy, escalation forecasting, and margin protection.
• Strong working knowledge of scheduling integration and its impact on cost strategy.

Skills and Specifications

• Proven leadership and team development skills.
• Strategic thinker with high-level analytical capability.
• Strong executive communication and presentation skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and pursuits simultaneously.
• High level of organization and process management.
• Strong negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams including Operations and Business Development.
• Commitment to accuracy, accountability, and quality.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This role is primarily office-based or remote, requiring extended periods of sitting, computer use, and virtual collaboration. The employee is regularly required to sit, type, engage in video calls, and review digital documentation. Periodic travel to construction sites, client offices, and industry events is required. Site visits may include exposure to active construction environments, requiring appropriate PPE and adherence to safety protocols.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources at.

Email: [e-mail]

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.

If you want to view the Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, click HERE