Preconstruction Project Manager

David E. Looper & Company; Hickory (NC); On-site; USD 95,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

David E. Looper and Company in Hickory, NC seeks a Preconstruction Project Manager to lead budgeting, value engineering, and risk analysis from concept through turnover.

You will align estimating, design coordination, and field execution with stakeholders to position projects for successful delivery. The role requires strong financial analysis, ability to manage multiple projects, and travel for site visits as needed.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience Associate degree in Construction Management or related field, or 5+ years of progressive experience in estimating and/or preconstruction within a commercial construction environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead budgeting for conceptual, schematic, design development, and final construction phases
• Manage prequalification and pre-bid processes
• Develop and present value engineering options
• Review and interpret civil, architectural, and structural drawings and specs
• Coordinate subcontractor outreach, bid leveling, and scope alignment
• Identify project risks and develop contingency strategies
• Provide leadership in design-build and negotiated project delivery
• Maintain proactive communication with clients, design partners, and internal teams
• Facilitate smooth project turnover to Operations and Production teams
• Support continuous improvement in preconstruction processes and technology

Skills

Financial analysis

Procore experience

Multi-project management

Attention to detail

Site visits travel

Education

Associate degree in Construction Management

Tools

Procore

Estimating software

Job description

At David E. Looper and Company, we build more than buildings — we build lasting partnerships. Since 1993, DELCO has delivered complex commercial projects with integrity, precision, and a commitment to balancing budget, schedule, and design excellence.

About the Role

The Preconstruction Project Manager leads projects from project concept through turnover to production, ensuring seamless alignment between estimating, design coordination, and field execution. This role is responsible for budgeting, value engineering, risk analysis, client communication, and coordination with internal and external stakeholders to position projects for successful delivery.

Qualifications

• Education and Experience Associate degree in Construction Management or related field, or 5+ years of progressive experience in estimating and/or preconstruction within a commercial construction environment.

Required Skills

• Core Competencies Strong financial and cost analysis capabilities
• Experience with Procore and estimating software preferred
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
• High attention to detail with strategic thinking
• Ability to travel and conduct site visits as needed

Responsibilities

• Primary Responsibilities Lead conceptual, schematic, design development, and final construction budgeting
• Manage prequalification and pre-bid processes
• Develop and present value engineering options
• Review and interpret civil, architectural, and structural drawings and specifications
• Coordinate subcontractor outreach, bid leveling, and scope alignment
• Identify project risks and develop contingency strategies
• Provide leadership in design-build and negotiated project delivery
• Maintain proactive communication with clients, design partners, and internal teams
• Facilitate smooth project turnover to Operations and Production teams
• Support continuous improvement in preconstruction processes and technology

Pay range and compensation package

Note This description reflects the general scope of the position and may evolve based on business needs. Employment is at-will and does not constitute a contract.

Equal Opportunity Statement

We are an equal opportunity employer committed to creating an environment where all individuals are treated with respect and considered based on their qualifications and contributions.