Preconstruction Manager

EMJ Construction; Tennessee; On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

EMJ Construction in Chattanooga, TN seeks a seasoned Preconstruction Manager to lead planning and decision-making through preconstruction and handoff to construction teams. You will work closely with clients, architects, engineers, and trade partners to deliver value and ensure a smooth transition to project execution.

The role requires strong leadership, 5+ years in construction, and expertise in LEED, entitlements, and cost control.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of construction experience.
• Strong leadership, communication, and deadline management.
• LEED knowledge and entitlement experience.
• Proficiency with Procore and design tools.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction planning and decision making.
• Coordinate with clients, architects, engineers, and trade partners.
• Develop and manage budgets and cost estimates.
• Oversee bid strategies and subcontractor outreach.
• Ensure constructability reviews and risk mitigation.
• Guide project handoff to construction teams.

Skills

Project leadership

Relationship management

Risk management

Preconstruction

Client coordination

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management

Tools

Procore

On-Screen Takeoff

Viewpoint

EarthWorks

Microsoft Office

Job description

About EMJ

At EMJ, we are more than just General Contractors — we are People Serving People. With over 50 years in business and a reputation as a recognized leader in the construction industry, we strive to provide unique value and an unmatched client experience by living our core values: Selflessness, Trustworthiness, and Grit.

Position Summary

The Preconstruction Manager (PCM) at EMJ Construction leads the project team through decision‑making, planning, and execution phases, creating value for clients as a key member of our Client Experience (CX) teams. This role is responsible for building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, architects, engineers, trade partners, and suppliers, while closely collaborating with Project Managers and Superintendents to ensure a seamless transition from preconstruction to project execution. The PCM must embody EMJ’s core values and promote a collaborative, solutions‑focused team environment. This role is based in Chattanooga, TN.

What You Will Be Doing in This Role

Relationship Building

• Build lasting relationships by demonstrating the highest level of ethics and integrity.
• Foster trust and confidence through open, frequent communication.
• Understand client values and align project activities to enhance the overall client experience.

Risk Management & Constructability

• Identify and mitigate project risks through creative, collaborative problem‑solving.
• Ensure accurate and timely documentation to support profitability and client satisfaction.
• Partner with Project Managers and Superintendents to evaluate constructability and develop risk mitigation plans.

Project Leadership & Coordination

• Lead the project team through preconstruction efforts with a focus on execution readiness.
• Facilitate Owner-Architect-Contractor (OAC) meetings and distribute timely documentation.
• Mentor team members while aligning project schedule, safety, and quality goals.
• Document opportunities for added project value.

Budgeting & Estimating

• Prepare accurate, detailed budgets from conceptual through final design stages.
• Collaborate with design consultants to maintain project vision while offering value‑engineering insights.
• Support project execution with complete bid packages and cost breakdowns.

Due Diligence & Coordination

• Manage site investigations, due diligence efforts, and design document reviews.
• Align lease and end‑user requirements with design, budget, and schedule.
• Oversee entitlement and permitting processes.

Validation, Constructability Analysis & Value Management

• Maintain design alignment with budget, scope, and schedule through regular updates.
• Evaluate systems for efficiency and cost‑saving opportunities.
• Conduct thorough constructability reviews and manage preconstruction RFIs.

Bid Preparation

• Develop bid strategies and clear bid instructions.
• Lead subcontractor and supplier outreach to ensure comprehensive bid coverage.
• Prepare detailed estimates and bid tab analyses.
• Present bid results and strategic recommendations to clients.

Buyout Support

• Prequalify trade partners and suppliers using Compass.
• Lead scope reviews and trade partner negotiations.
• Prepare and track Subcontracts, Purchase Orders, and Owner Contracts.
• Lead estimate review and formal project handoff to Project Manager and Superintendent.

During Construction

• Support project teams in monitoring cost and profitability throughout execution.
• Participate in monthly Project Status Reports (PSRs).
• Assist with conflict resolution and maintaining client and partner relationships.

Project Close-Out

• Participate in post-project reviews and trade partner surveys.
• Document lessons learned and update historical cost data.
• Collaborate on capturing key takeaways for future projects.

What You Will Need For This Role

• Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, Engineering, Construction Management, or a related field (preferred).
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant construction experience.
• Strong ability to define expectations, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Expertise in LEED and sustainability, building codes and entitlements, due diligence, and tenant coordination.
• Proficiency in reading and analyzing soils reports and other technical project data.
• Working knowledge of building systems, site work, and construction cost components.
• Technical proficiency in Microsoft Office, Procore, On-Screen Takeoff, Viewpoint, and EarthWorks.
• Willingness to travel up to 20%.

EMJ offers competitive pay and benefits, a strong work/life balance, a best-in-class office environment, and a culture that recognizes and rewards entrepreneurial spirit.

EMJ is an EOE and E-Verify employer.