Preconstruction Strategy Director

Appleton Finn; Charlotte (NC); On-site; USD 160,000 - 230,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Comprehensive benefits

Career development opportunities

Job summary

Appleton Finn in Charlotte, NC seeks an experienced Director of Preconstruction to lead the preconstruction function for a well-established commercial general contractor. This senior position drives strategy, quality, and execution from early concept through contract award and transition to construction.

The role blends strong technical construction knowledge with commercial acumen, client-relations prowess, and the ability to lead a high-performing team across the Carolinas and Southeast,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in CM/CE/Architecture or related field preferred.
• 10+ years of experience in commercial construction, estimating, or preconstruction.
• Proven leadership of estimators or preconstruction managers.
• Strong understanding of costs, scheduling, procurement, and subcontractor markets.
• Experience with negotiated, design-build, CM-at-Risk, or similar delivery methods.
• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and negotiation skills.
• Knowledge of Charlotte/Southeast market conditions.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction operations across a diverse portfolio of commercial projects.
• Establish best practices for estimating, budgeting, scheduling, and value engineering.
• Oversee from pursuit to contract award and handoff to construction.
• Ensure deliverables are accurate, timely, and aligned with client objectives.
• Develop and improve preconstruction systems, tools, and templates.
• Staff, prioritize, and mentor the preconstruction team.
• Provide executive oversight of estimates and cost planning.
• Review bids for accuracy and completeness.
• Identify risks and opportunities and drive craft strategy.
• Maintain awareness of labor/material/market conditions in the Carolinas and Southeast.

Skills

Leadership

Preconstruction

Estimating

Budgeting

Communication

Negotiation

Strategic thinking

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or Architecture

Job description

Appleton Finn in Charlotte, NC seeks an experienced Director of Preconstruction to lead the preconstruction function for a well-established commercial general contractor. This senior position drives strategy, quality, and execution from early concept through contract award and transition to construction.

The role blends strong technical construction knowledge with commercial acumen, client-relations prowess, and the ability to lead a high-performing team across the Carolinas and Southeast,