Preconstruction Manager – Commercial Construction (Houston)

True North Consultants, Inc.; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 140,000 - 205,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision coverage

401(k) and retirement benefits

Health Savings Account and Flexible Sp

Wellness benefits

Life insurance

Disability coverage

Paid vacation, sick time, and holidays

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement

Employee referral bonuses

Job summary

True North Consultants, Inc. seeks a seasoned Preconstruction Manager to lead the Houston preconstruction and estimating team for a major commercial general contractor.

You will guide complex estimates from concept through GMP or lump-sum bids, partnering with owners, architects, and trades to optimize scope, cost, and schedule. The role demands 10+ years in commercial construction, with proven ability to develop estimators, manage multiple projects, and drive quality and deadlines in a

Qualifications

• 10+ years of commercial building construction experience, ideally with a general contractor and substantial responsibility in pre-construction or estimating.
• 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 degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Estimating leadership

Preconstruction management

Client liaison

Staff development

Budgeting

Education

Construction management degree

Engineering/Architecture background

Tools

Estimating software

Job description

True North Consultants, Inc. seeks a seasoned Preconstruction Manager to lead the Houston preconstruction and estimating team for a major commercial general contractor.

You will guide complex estimates from concept through GMP or lump-sum bids, partnering with owners, architects, and trades to optimize scope, cost, and schedule. The role demands 10+ years in commercial construction, with proven ability to develop estimators, manage multiple projects, and drive quality and deadlines in a