Preconstruction Manager - Commercial Construction

Joseph Michaels International; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) retirement benefits

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Bonus programs

Job summary

Joseph Michaels International is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to lead the Houston preconstruction and estimating department for a major commercial general contractor. You will drive staff, oversee budgets and bids, and partner with owners, design teams, and trade partners to inform scope and pricing.

This on-site role offers a strong base and bonus potential. The successful candidate will have 10+ years in commercial building, experience managing estimators, and a track record with GMP or

Qualifications

• Extensive experience in commercial building preconstruction or estimating.
• Proven ability to lead and develop estimating teams.
• Experience guiding GMP or lump-sum bids from concept through final pricing.
• Strong knowledge of design options, scope gaps, and cost drivers.
• Familiarity with the Houston construction market is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction and estimating team across multiple pursuits and active projects.
• Set expectations for estimate quality and delivery; coach staff and hire talent.
• Lead or review conceptual budgets, GMP proposals, and lump-sum bids.
• Collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, and trade partners on cost drivers.
• Coordinate with operations and procurement on constructability and schedules.
• Support pursuits and client presentations with up-to-date market pricing.

Skills

Preconstruction leadership

Estimating management

GMP/Lump-sum pricing

Staff development

Client strategy

Education

Degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field

Job description

Preconstruction Manager – Commercial Construction

Houston, TX | On-Site | Preconstruction / Estimating / Client Strategy
Estimated Compensation: $140,000 – $205,000 base salary, depending on experience - PLUS Bonus.

Houston, TX | Full-time | Commercial General Contractor

Our team is conducting a new search for a skilled Preconstruction Manager to lead the Houston preconstruction and estimating department for one of the nation's largest commercial general contractors.

$140 - $205K BASE Range dependent on experience, plus High bonus, top market-leading benefits & insurance, and strong additional perks.

This individual will set priorities across a portfolio of projects, decide how to staff the work, and develop the people responsible for delivering it. You’ll also stay close to the work itself, guiding complex estimates from early concept through guaranteed maximum price (GMP) or lump-sum bid and helping clients and design teams make informed decisions about scope, cost, and schedule.

What you’ll do

• Lead the preconstruction and estimating team across multiple pursuits and active projects. Assign staff based on workload, deadlines, and project complexity.
• Set clear expectations for estimate quality and delivery. Coach team members, give direct performance feedback, and help hire and develop estimating talent.
• Lead or review conceptual budgets, milestone estimates, GMP proposals, and lump-sum bids for complex commercial building projects.
• Partner with owners, architects, engineers, and trade partners to evaluate design options, identify scope gaps, and explain what’s driving changes in cost.
• Work with Operations and Procurement on constructability, trade pricing, procurement schedules, and a smooth handoff to the construction team.
• Support project pursuits and client presentations, and keep estimating practices current with market pricing and cost trends.

What you’ll bring

• 10+ years of commercial building construction experience, ideally with a general contractor and substantial responsibility in pre-construction or estimating.
• Demonstrated experience managing and developing estimators or preconstruction professionals, including assigning work across multiple projects and holding the team accountable for deadlines and quality.
• Experience taking projects from conceptual budgeting through GMP or lump-sum pricing, with the technical judgment to review drawings, challenge assumptions, and explain cost and risk to clients.
• A track record on large, complex commercial building projects is especially valuable. Familiarity with the Houston construction market and local trade partners is a plus.
• A degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Compensation & Benefits

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $140,000 – $205,000, with final compensation determined by experience, education, technical background, specialty expertise, market factors, and overall fit.

A comprehensive benefits package is available and may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) and retirement-related benefits
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Spending Account options
• Wellness benefits
• Life insurance
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid vacation, sick/wellness time, and holidays
• Paid parental leave
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee referral bonuses
• Additional discretionary or appreciation-based compensation programs

Physical & Work Environment Requirements

This role is primarily office-based but will require occasional travel to project sites, client meetings, project offices, and off-site venues. The selected candidate should be comfortable sitting for extended periods, working at a computer, reviewing construction documents, participating in meetings, traveling locally or regionally, and occasionally accessing active construction work areas.

The role may require lifting or moving up to 20 pounds regularly and up to 50 pounds occasionally. Project site visits may involve exposure to typical construction conditions, including moving equipment, elevated work areas, airborne particles, outdoor weather, electrical hazards, and moderate to loud noise levels.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The employer is an Equal Opportunity Employer and considers qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.