Preconstruction Project Manager, Commercial Construction

Pepper Construction Group; Madison (WI); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Medical, dental, and vision

401(k) with company match

Student loan repayment assistance

Generous PTO, holidays, and floating

Professional development

Collaborative culture

Meaningful work

Job summary

Pepper Construction Group in Wisconsin is seeking a collaborative Preconstruction Project Manager to guide projects from early concept to turnover with a deep understanding of cost, constructability, and client priorities. You will lead estimates, develop scopes, and manage bid strategies with a client-focused, solutions-oriented approach.

Join a team that values a hands-on, local perspective within a national platform, offering professional development and meaningful work that positively

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CM/Engineering/Architecture preferred.
• 5–10 years of commercial construction with preconstruction leadership.
• Experience leading preconstruction on projects >$10M.
• Strong client-facing communication and relationship skills.
• Deep understanding of conceptual estimating, constructability, cost planning, and phasing.
• Proficiency with Destini, WinEst or similar estimating platforms.
• Experience with Revit and BIM coordination preferred.
• Experience in healthcare, higher ed, office, industrial, manufacturing, life sciences, hospitality, interiors, K-12, or retail preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction from concept through GMP and turnover.
• Partner with clients and design teams to set goals, budgets, schedules, and priorities.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimates from evolving information.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs manually and electronically.
• Analyze drawings and specs to identify cost drivers and constructability concerns.
• Lead value analysis and value engineering discussions while preserving design intent.
• Develop trade scopes and manage bid packaging strategies.
• Conduct constructability reviews and building systems evaluations.
• Analyze market conditions, labor trends, material escalation, and procurement risks.
• Collaborate with operations to align planning with execution; support business development.

Skills

Preconstruction leadership

Client communication

Relationship management

Cost estimation

Constructability analysis

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management/Engineering/Architecture

Tools

Destini

WinEst

Revit

BIM coordination

Job description

With offices in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio, Pepper Construction is a national general contracting and construction management firm that primarily serves the private sector. Pepper Construction provides clients the experience and resources of a national company, combined with the hands-on approach of a local company.

Position Summary

At Pepper Construction Wisconsin, preconstruction is more than estimating. It is strategic project leadership that shapes outcomes long before construction begins. We are seeking a collaborative, client-focused Preconstruction Project Manager who can guide projects from early concept through turnover with a deep understanding of cost, constructability, market conditions, building systems, and client priorities.

What You’ll Do

• Lead preconstruction efforts from conceptual design through GMP development and project turnover
• Partner with clients and design teams to establish project goals, budgets, schedules, and operational priorities
• Develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and detailed estimates from limited or evolving information
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs manually and electronically
• Analyze drawings, specifications, and project documents to identify cost drivers, constructability concerns, and opportunities for optimization
• Lead value analysis and value engineering discussions while maintaining design intent and project goals
• Develop detailed scopes of work by trade and manage bid packaging strategies
• Conduct constructability reviews and building systems evaluations
• Analyze market conditions, labor trends, material escalation, and procurement risks
• Level, analyze, and descope trade partner proposals
• Collaborate with operations and field leadership to align planning with execution strategies
• Support business development and project pursuit activities

Leadership & Collaboration

• Build strong relationships with clients, architects, engineers, trade partners, and internal teams
• Communicate clearly and confidently with technical and non-technical stakeholders
• Lead meetings and facilitate productive conversations that drive alignment and decision-making
• Mentor and support less experienced team members
• Promote a collaborative, solutions-oriented culture grounded in Pepper’s values

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred
• 5–10 years of commercial construction experience with significant preconstruction leadership responsibilities
• Experience leading preconstruction efforts on projects exceeding $10M
• Strong client-facing communication and relationship management skills
• Deep understanding of conceptual estimating, constructability, cost planning, and project phasing
• Proficiency with Destini, WinEst, or similar estimating platforms
• Experience with Revit and BIM coordination preferred
• Experience in healthcare, higher education, office, industrial, manufacturing, life sciences, hospitality, interiors, K-12, or retail preferred

Why Pepper?

• Competitive compensation and performance-based rewards
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
• 401(k) with company match
• Student loan repayment assistance
• Generous PTO, holidays, and floating holidays
• Professional development and career growth opportunities
• Collaborative, people-first culture
• Meaningful work building projects that positively impact communities

Pepper Construction is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.

Please note: Pepper does not sponsor work visas.