Principal Preconstruction Manager

Unispace; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Paid holiday leave

Travel opportunities

Job summary

Unispace is seeking a seasoned Senior Pre-Construction Manager to lead commercial interior projects from early client engagement through contract award. You will shape scope, guide design, prepare cost plans, and run tendering to ensure a smooth handover into delivery.

This high-impact role suits someone who enjoys autonomy, client interaction, and steering projects from ground up, with strong commercial acumen and regulatory knowledge.

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management or related field.
• Significant experience in commercial construction estimating, interiors preferred.
• Strong knowledge of regulations, safety standards and procurement.

Responsibilities

• Own the full pre-construction process from scope to final proposals.
• Analyse drawings to determine materials, labour, and timelines.
• Lead tendering and subcontractor bid processes with clear scope alignment.
• Maintain cost plans, budgets, cash flow, and risk management.
• Present proposals to clients and support handover to delivery.

Skills

Quantity Surveying

Construction Management

Estimating

Pre-construction workflows

Project management tools

Commercial acumen

Regulatory compliance

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management

Tools

MS Project

Primavera P6

Job description

At Unispace, we create spaces that empower people and businesses to thrive. We are a global design-build partner delivering workplace and life sciences projects for some of the world’s most innovative brands.

With over 500 people across four continents, we bring together strategy, design, project management, and delivery into one seamless experience. Our integrated approach enables us to move with agility, solve complex challenges, and deliver meaningful outcomes for our clients.

Our people are at the centre of everything we do. We foster a collaborative, inclusive culture that values curiosity, accountability, creativity, and continuous improvement. We believe diverse perspectives strengthen our teams and help us create better experiences for our clients and each other.

At Unispace, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to impactful projects, work alongside talented global teams, and grow your career in an environment that encourages innovation and new ideas.

Role Profile

We’re seeking a seasoned Senior Pre-Construction Manager to lead commercial interior projects from early client engagement through to contract award. You’ll shape project scope, guide design development, prepare detailed cost plans, lead tendering, and ensure a seamless handover into delivery. This is a high-impact role suited to someone who enjoys autonomy, client interaction, and steering projects from the ground up.

Responsibilities include but not limited to

• Own the full estimating and pre-construction process, from defining scope to delivering final proposals.
• Analyse drawings and specifications to determine accurate materials, labour, and timelines.
• Collaborate with project leaders to align schedules, resources, and milestones during early planning.
• Identify constructability considerations and value-engineering opportunities.
• Protect commercial targets by managing budgets, cash flow, profit expectations, and risk.
• Run competitive subcontractor bid processes with clear scope alignment.
• Maintain progressive cost plans and keep stakeholders fully informed.
• Present proposals and budgets to clients clearly and confidently.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Share lessons learned and support continuous improvement across the team.

Key Measures

• Accurate, timely cost plans and risk assessments.
• Strong negotiation outcomes with contractors and suppliers.
• Smooth, well-communicated project handovers.
• Effective management of multiple projects and deadlines.

About you

• Degree or equivalent experience in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or similar.
• Significant experience in commercial construction estimating, ideally interiors.
• Strong trade knowledge, market awareness, and ability to coordinate multiple subcontractor packages.
• Understanding of pre-construction workflows, methodology, and delivery principles.
• Proficiency with project management tools and scheduling software.
• Strong commercial acumen, communication, and technical insight.
• Knowledge of building regulations, compliance, and health & safety standards.

What We Offer

In return, you will receive a competitive salary and a generous benefits package, including a pension, paid holiday leave, and travel opportunities across our global offices. Unispace values its employees and offers extensive rewards and recognition, career development, and a focus on well-being.

The statements in this job description are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this role. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, or skills required.

We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds and experiences and are committed to providing reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process and employment lifecycle where required by applicable law.

Inclusion & Diversity

At Unispace, we believe diverse perspectives strengthen our teams, our culture, and the work we deliver for our clients. We are committed to fostering an inclusive workplace where everyone is treated with respect and has the opportunity to thrive.

Employment decisions are based on qualifications, merit, and business needs, in accordance with applicable local laws and regulations.