Preconstruction Project Manager, Commercial Construction

Pepper Construction; Milwaukee, Northern (WI, KY); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Health benefits (medical/dental/vision

401(k) with company match

Student loan repayment assistance

PTO & holidays

Professional development

Job summary

Pepper Construction Wisconsin is seeking a collaborative Preconstruction Project Manager to guide projects from early concept through turnover. You will lead preconstruction efforts, partner with clients and design teams, and develop estimates with an emphasis on cost, constructability, and market conditions.

role requires strong client communication, deep understanding of estimating, and proficiency with Destini/WinEst and BIM coordination.

Qualifications

• 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.

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 operational priorities.
• Develop estimates from limited information across design stages.
• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs and analysis of drawings and specs.
• Lead value analysis and value engineering discussions while maintaining design intent.
• Develop scopes of work by trade and manage bid packaging strategies.
• Conduct constructability reviews and building systems evaluations.
• Collaborate with operations and field leadership to align planning with execution strategies.

Skills

Preconstruction leadership

Client-facing communication

Cost planning

BIM coordination

Mentorship

Education

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

Tools

Destini/WinEst

Revit

Job description

Preconstruction Project Manager, Commercial Construction

Job Description

Posted Wednesday, August 12, 2026 at 5:00 AM

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
• 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
• Meaningful work building projects that positively impact communities

Pepper Construction is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer.
Please note: Pepper does not sponsor work visas.