Preconstruction Manager - Commercial Construction

Top Dog Recruiting; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Retirement plan

HSA/FSA options

Wellness program

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Paid time off

Parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Referral bonuses

Job summary

Top Dog Recruiting seeks a seasoned Preconstruction Manager to lead the Houston preconstruction and estimating function for a top commercial general contractor. You will drive complex GMP and lump-sum bids from concept to GMP approval, staffing projects, and mentoring estimators.

You’ll collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, and trade partners to resolve design options, cost drivers, and schedule impacts while maintaining market competitiveness. Strong compensation and bonus await.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial building construction experience with a general contractor or equivalent leadership in pre-construction or estimating.
• Experience managing and developing estimators/preconstruction professionals across multiple projects and deadlines.
• Experience taking projects from conceptual budgeting through GMP or lump-sum pricing with ability to review drawings and explain cost/risk to clients.
• Familiarity with the Houston construction market and local trade partners is a plus.
• Degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field (or equivalent).

Responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction and estimating team across multiple pursuits and active projects.
• Set clear expectations for estimate quality and delivery; coach staff 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 and explain cost drivers.
• Collaborate with Operations and Procurement on constructability, pricing, procurement schedules, and handoff to construction teams.
• Support pursuits and client presentations; keep estimating practices current with market pricing and trends.

Skills

Preconstruction

Estimating

Team leadership

Cost analysis

Client coordination

Staff development

Budgeting

Education

Construction management degree

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.