Preconstruction (Project) Manager

Korn Ferry; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 144,000 - 176,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading recruitment consultancy in Chicago seeks a highly motivated Preconstruction Manager. This role involves overseeing large-scale projects, effective stakeholder communication, and leading design teams. Candidates should have at least 6 years of experience in design-build construction and a Bachelor’s degree in a related field. The position offers full-time employment with a focus on innovation and cost efficiency in a collaborative environment.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years in design-build construction or Development with understanding of estimating and permitting.
• Experience directing design teams and navigating town approval processes.
• Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Responsibilities

• Communicate project status, address issues, and exceed customer expectations.
• Provide conceptual and detailed estimating for projects.
• Lead external design teams and permit approvals.
• Monitor local construction market trends.
• Coordinate design, permitting, and financial management of projects.
• Create and report on project schedules.
• Conduct meetings with customers and other stakeholders.

Skills

Technical Proficiency in Bluebeam

Leadership

Communication

Self-Motivation

Data Center experience

Education

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

Tools

MS Office (Excel)

MS Project

CAD

PeopleSoft

Smartsheet

Job description

This range is provided by Korn Ferry. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

Base pay range

$160,000.00/yr - $160,000.00/yr

Korn Ferry has partnered with our client on their search for Preconstruction Manager

Fortune 2000 REIT, Industrial and Data Center Developer

We are seeking a highly motivated Preconstruction Manager to join our talented team. This role is critical in ensuring the successful execution of large-scale projects ranging from $30M to over $300M. As the Preconstruction Manager, you will work closely with internal and external stakeholders to drive pricing efforts, manage jurisdictional entitlements, and oversee projects to ensure timely delivery, budget adherence, and quality control.

DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Stakeholder Communication: Effectively communicate project status, address issues, and exceed customer expectations.
• Estimating: Provide conceptual and detailed estimating for industrial and horizontal improvement projects.
• Design: Lead external design teams and permit approvals to meet project schedules and goals.
• Market & Industry Research: Monitor local construction market trends and research design and construction alternatives for innovation and cost efficiency.
• Project Coordination: Monitor, coordinate, and drive the design, permitting, quality control, and financial management of development projects.
• Schedule: Create, maintain, and report on project schedules representing the due diligence, entitlement and construction phases of the work.
• On-site Meetings: Conduct meetings with customers, cities, contractors and designers to coordinate preconstruction activities.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

Required:

• Experience: Minimum of 6 years in design-build construction or Development, with a strong understanding of estimating and permitting.
• Design Management: Experience directing design teams and navigating town approval processes.
• Travel: Willingness to travel up to 30%.

Preferred:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, or Engineering, or equivalent experience preferred.

Skills:

• Technical Proficiency: Proficient in Bluebeam, MS Office (Excel), and MS Project. Experience with CAD, PeopleSoft, and Smartsheet is a plus.
• Leadership: Ability to lead, motivate, and manage cross-functional teams, customers, and stakeholders.
• Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-Motivation: Ability to multi-task, prioritize, and resolve complex issues with minimal supervision.
• Data Center: While not required, data center experience is a benefit.

Seniority level:

• Mid-Senior level

Employment type:

• Full-time

Job function:

• Project Management, Strategy/Planning, and Engineering

Industries:

• Construction, Real Estate, and Civil Engineering