Preconstruction Project Manager, Commercial Construction

Pepper Construction Group LLC; Milwaukee (WI); On-site; USD 95,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Benefits package

401(k) match

Student loan repayment

Paid time off

Professional development

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Pepper Construction Wisconsin is seeking a collaborative Preconstruction Project Manager to guide projects from early concept through turnover. This role emphasizes cost, constructability, market conditions, building systems, and client priorities.

You will lead preconstruction from design through GMP, partner with clients and design teams to set goals, budgets, and schedules, and develop estimates from limited information, while mentoring team members and aligning planning with execution.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or related field.
• 5–10 years of commercial construction experience with significant preconstruction leadership responsibilities.
• Experience leading preconstruction on projects exceeding $10M.

Responsibilities

• 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 priorities.
• Develop estimates from limited or evolving information and perform quantity takeoffs.

Skills

Client-facing communication

Cost planning

Constructability

Project phasing

Leadership

Mentoring

Market awareness

Education

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

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.