Preconstruction Manager - Building

Kiewit; Lenexa (KS); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Kiewit is seeking a Senior Preconstruction Manager based in Lenexa, KS, to oversee building estimates and provide preconstruction services for civil, structural, and architectural systems on large projects.

You will lead a team of estimators, coordinate with design teams, develop procurement strategies, review drawings for constructability, and present estimates to senior leadership and clients.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
• 15+ years of senior experience in estimating, preconstruction, project management, or trade partner management.
• Strong background in design-phase coordination, budgeting, and value engineering.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experienced with estimating software and open to learning InEight.
• Skilled with Primavera P6, Bluebeam, and OST.
• Solid understanding of building codes, design standards, and sustainable construction.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction phase, ensuring alignment with client goals, design intent, budget, and schedule.
• Collaborate with clients and design teams to define scope and deliverables.
• Review plans and specifications to establish project understanding and build strategy.
• Develop and manage preconstruction schedules and key milestones.
• Prepare budgets and estimates at all design stages.
• Present estimates and proposals to senior management and clients.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating

Preconstruction management

Communication

Mentoring

Project management

Education

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

PMP preferred

Tools

Primavera P6

Bluebeam

OST

InEight

Job description

Requisition ID: 182059

Job Level: Senior Level

Home District/Group: Kiewit Industrial & Water Engineering

Department: Estimating

Market: Industrial

Employment Type: Full Time

Position Overview

A Preconstruction Manager oversees various classes of building estimates and provides preconstruction services for the civil, structural, and architectural systems of a large project. Markets include power, industrial, and heavy commercial projects. Duties will include, but are not limited to, coordination with project leadership, leading a team of estimators, interfacing with engineering and design teams, preparing and implementing procurement strategies, formulating a division of work plan, trade partner outreach and relationship building, analyzing drawing and specifications for constructability and risk, reviewing quotes and proposals, presentation of estimates and strategies to senior leadership and clients, and other duties as required to provide preconstruction services for through various stages of design.

District Overview

Kiewit Engineering Group, Inc. is a full-service engineering consulting and design firm serving a broad range of industrial markets. With more than 1,300 engineers and design professionals across all major engineering disciplines, we support the industrial, transportation, power, water/wastewater, mining, building, and oil, gas & chemical markets. Our operations-focused engineering approach integrates over 130 years of construction expertise to deliver safe, efficient facilities — finishing projects on schedule and ensuring that Nobody Gets Hurt.

• Datacenters
• Mineral Processing
• Renewable Fuels
• Pulp & Paper
• Industrial Energy, Water & Utilities

Location

This position is based in Lenexa, Kansas. Opportunities for flexible work are available.

Responsabilities

• Lead the preconstruction phase, ensuring alignment with client goals, design intent, budget, and schedule.
• Collaborate with clients and design teams to define scope and deliverables.
• Review plans and specifications to establish project understanding and build strategy.
• Develop and manage preconstruction schedules and key milestones.
• Prepare budgets and estimates at all design stages.
• Analyze drawings to identify gaps and risks.
• Review and level trade partner bids.
• Provide value engineering options and benchmark costs.
• Participate in design reviews to assess constructability and recommend alternatives.
• Resolve discrepancies and integrate construction insights early in design.
• Develop procurement strategy and bid packages.
• Manage trade partner outreach, prequalification, and selection.
• Support scope development and contract negotiations.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to budget, schedule, logistics, and design.
• Maintain cost tracking and reporting.
• Present budget updates, cost studies, and risk assessments.
• Serve as primary preconstruction contact.
• Lead coordination meetings and maintain clear communication.
• Communicate critical issues and estimate assumptions.
• Present estimates and proposals to senior management and clients.
• Mentor estimating and project engineering staff.
• Ensure complete documentation for transition to construction.
• Support kickoff meetings, early buyout, and mobilization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field; continued training in estimating and project planning preferred.
• 15+ years of senior experience in estimating, preconstruction, project management, or trade partner management, with proven results on industrial and heavy commercial projects.
• Strong background in design‑phase coordination, budgeting, and value engineering.
• Broad experience with multiple delivery models and strong knowledge of construction methods, building systems, materials, and market pricing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experienced with estimating software and open to learning InEight.
• Skilled with Primavera P6, Bluebeam, and OST.
• Solid understanding of building codes, design standards, and sustainable construction.
• Able to perform detailed quantity takeoffs and cost analyses.
• Demonstrated ability to lead cross‑functional teams and manage multiple pursuits under tight deadlines.
• Strong communication, organization, leadership, and decision‑making skills.
• Ethical, detail‑oriented, results‑driven, and committed to mentoring and collaboration.
• Strong client‑facing abilities, including proposals, budget presentations, negotiations, and relationship‑building with owners, architects, and trade partners.
• CPE or PMP preferred; OSHA 30‑Hour a plus.

Other Requirements:

• Regular, reliable attendance
• Work productively and meet deadlines timely
• Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment.
• Perform work safely and effectively. Understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
• Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work overtime and weekends as required.
• May work at various different locations and conditions may vary.

We offer our fulltime staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that’s among the best in our industry, including top-tier medical, dental and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, and generous paid time off.

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and protected veteran status.