Preconstruction Manager (General Contractor)

Crain Construction, Inc.; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

Crain Construction, Inc. in Nashville, TN, seeks a Preconstruction Manager to lead cost estimation and budgeting for commercial projects. This on-site role interfaces with design teams and trade partners to ensure constructability and value, guiding bid processes and proposals for clients.

The role emphasizes collaboration with project managers and leadership to align scope, schedule, and budget, while maintaining preconstruction documentation and driving improvements in estimating processes.

Qualifications

• Experience in construction estimating and cost management.
• Design management and budgeting to align project scope with financial goals.
• Proposal writing and client presentations.
• Knowledge of commercial construction methods and market context.
• Ability to read and interpret drawings, specifications and contracts.
• Experience using estimating and project planning software; Excel skills helpful.
• Strong communication, collaboration and negotiation skills.
• Analytical, organized and detail-oriented with deadlines.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field, or equivalent experience.
• Previous preconstruction or estimating experience with a general contractor is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction efforts, including preparing detailed cost estimates.
• Develop project budgets, coordinating with design teams and trade partners for value and constructability.
• Review plans and specifications, manage bid processes and analyze subcontractor proposals.
• Prepare comprehensive proposals and presentations for clients.
• Collaborate with project managers, operations leadership, and clients to align scope, schedule and budget.
• Maintain accurate preconstruction documentation and contribute to process improvements.

Skills

Cost estimation

Design management

Proposal writing

Reading drawings

Estimating software

Excel

Communication

Time management

Negotiation

Analytical thinking

Education

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

Equivalent relevant experience

Tools

Excel

Estimating software

Job description

Company Description

Crain Construction, Inc. is a trusted general contractor with over 90 years of experience delivering high-quality commercial construction projects across Middle Tennessee. Headquartered in Nashville, the company partners closely with developers, architects, and business owners to provide construction solutions rooted in deep regional expertise. Crain Construction is known for a proactive, people-first approach that emphasizes collaboration and long-term relationships. Its commitment to integrity, quality, and excellence has earned industry recognition and repeat business from clients who return project after project.

Role Description

The Preconstruction Manager (General Contractor) role at Crain Construction, Inc. is a full-time, on-site position based in Nashville, TN. This role is responsible for leading preconstruction efforts, including preparing detailed cost estimates, developing project budgets, and coordinating with design teams and trade partners to ensure constructability and value. Day-to-day duties include reviewing plans and specifications, managing bid processes, analyzing subcontractor proposals, and preparing comprehensive proposals and presentations for clients. The Preconstruction Manager collaborates closely with project managers, operations leadership, and clients to align scope, schedule, and budget, and to support smooth transitions from preconstruction to project execution. This role also involves maintaining accurate preconstruction documentation and contributing to continuous improvement of estimating and planning processes.

Qualifications

• Strong construction estimating and cost management skills, with the ability to develop detailed and accurate project cost analyses.
• Experience in design management and budgeting to coordinate with design professionals and align project scope with financial goals.
• Proficiency in proposal writing, including assembling clear, persuasive proposals and presentations for clients.
• Knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, and sequencing, preferably within Middle Tennessee or similar markets.
• Ability to read and interpret construction drawings, specifications, and contracts.
• Experience using estimating and project planning software; strong Excel skills are beneficial.
• Effective communication, collaboration, and negotiation skills for working with internal teams, clients, and subcontractors.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and time-management abilities, with attention to detail and deadlines.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field, or equivalent relevant experience.
• Previous preconstruction or estimating experience with a general contractor is highly preferred.