Senior Director of Preconstruction

MKL Careers; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive bonus

Executive benefits package

Relocation assistance

Vehicle allowance

Job summary

MKL Careers is assisting a Bay Area Tier 1 General Contractor in hiring a Senior Director of Preconstruction to lead all preconstruction operations across large-scale commercial, institutional, and mixed-use projects. You will own pursuit strategy, budgeting, GMP submissions, and overarching processes.

The role requires 12+ years in preconstruction, a strong Bay Area network, and a track record of staffing complex pursuits.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive experience in construction estimating and preconstruction.
• Experience with Tier 1 General Contractors.
• Deep understanding of multiple delivery methods (design-build, CM-at-risk, public bidding).

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction department including estimating, budgeting, value engineering, and constructability reviews.
• Own preconstruction strategy for major pursuits from conceptual budgeting to GMP submissions.
• Build and maintain relationships with owners, developers, architects, and subcontractors.
• Partner with business development and leadership on go/no-go decisions and proposals.
• Direct preparation of conceptual and detailed estimates and GMP proposals across multiple delivery methods.
• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of estimators and preconstruction leaders.
• Establish and improve preconstruction processes and tools across the region.
• Represent the company in client interviews and industry events.

Skills

Leadership

Client communication

Budgeting

Team mentorship

Education

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

Tools

On-Screen Takeoff

Bluebeam

CostX

Job description

Senior Director of Preconstruction – Bay Area (Tier 1 General Contractor)

Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA Reports to: Regional President / EVP of Operations Employment Type: Full-Time

About the Role

Our client, a Tier 1 General Contractor with a well-established presence in the Bay Area, is seeking a Senior Director of Preconstruction to lead all preconstruction operations across a growing portfolio of large-scale commercial, institutional, and mixed-use projects. This is a senior leadership role with direct influence on pursuit strategy, client relationships, and the long-term growth of the region's preconstruction function.

The ideal candidate is a seasoned preconstruction leader with a strong Bay Area network, deep estimating and budgeting expertise, and a track record of winning and staffing complex, high-value pursuits.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the preconstruction department, overseeing estimating, budgeting, value engineering, and constructability reviews across all active pursuits.
• Own preconstruction strategy for major pursuits, from conceptual budgeting through GMP/lump sum submission.
• Build and maintain relationships with owners, developers, architects, and key subcontractor/trade partners across the Bay Area market.
• Partner with business development and executive leadership on go/no-go decisions, teaming strategy, and proposal development.
• Direct the preparation of conceptual estimates, detailed hard-bid estimates, and GMP proposals across multiple delivery methods (design-build, CM-at-risk, lease-leaseback, hard bid).
• Lead, mentor, and grow a team of estimators, preconstruction managers, and project executives.
• Establish and continuously improve preconstruction processes, tools, and best practices across the region.
• Represent the company in client interviews, industry events, and community/market engagements.
• Collaborate closely with operations leadership to ensure smooth turnover from preconstruction to project execution.
• Track market trends, subcontractor capacity, and material/labor cost fluctuations to inform pursuit strategy.

Qualifications

• 12+ years of progressive experience in construction estimating and preconstruction, including significant time with a Tier 1 General Contractor.
• Proven track record leading preconstruction on large, complex commercial, institutional, or mixed-use projects in the Bay Area.
• Established relationships with regional owners, architects, developers, and subcontractor community.
• Deep understanding of multiple delivery methods, including design-build, CM-at-risk, and public bidding/procurement processes.
• Demonstrated success building, leading, and mentoring high-performing preconstruction teams.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, with experience owning budget development and risk assessment for major pursuits.
• Excellent communication and executive presence — comfortable leading client interviews and board-level presentations.
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Proficiency with estimating and preconstruction software (e.g., On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, CostX, or similar).

What's On Offer

• Senior leadership seat with direct influence on regional strategy and growth
• Highly competitive base salary + executive bonus structure
• Full executive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, equity/LTI where applicable)
• Platform to shape, scale, and staff the preconstruction function for a growing region
• Vehicle allowance and relocation assistance available for qualified candidates