Senior Preconstruction Manager

Riley Construction; Kenosha (WI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Riley Construction Co., Inc. is seeking a Senior Preconstruction Manager to lead and coach our Kenosha or Waukesha team. You will guide clients through budgeting, scheduling, risk evaluation, and early value decisions, shaping project outcomes before construction begins.

Join a collaborative team focused on trusted partnerships, operational excellence, and growth opportunities, including leadership development and potential ownership pathways.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, Architecture, Engineering, Design, or related field preferred, or equivalent experience.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in preconstruction management within commercial construction.
• Advanced understanding of preconstruction processes, estimating techniques, and project planning.
• Familiarity with construction contract language and risk assessment.
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction documents.
• Experience collaborating with operations teams and external stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Serve as trusted advisor to clients with guidance and strategic recommendations.
• Develop conceptual budgets within accelerated timelines using limited design info.
• Analyze complex plans to prepare detailed estimates.
• Explain tradeoffs, cost drivers, risk factors, and value opportunities.
• Identify scope gaps and budget risks early to reduce uncertainty.
• Review subcontractor proposals for complete scope coverage.
• Collaborate with operations to transition from preconstruction to execution.
• Manage multiple pursuits with prioritization and clear communication.
• Use critical path scheduling to develop durations and client proposals.
• Lead client meetings and presentations with professionalism.
• Build lasting relationships with clients, architects, engineers, and subs.
• Support awarded projects with change order estimating and client communication.
• Contribute to evolution of Riley's preconstruction processes.

Skills

Relationship building

Communication

Strategic thinking

Collaborative leadership

Organization

Problem solving

Client-focused professionalism

Ownership & urgency

Education

Bachelor's degree in construction management or related field

10+ years preconstruction experience in commercial construction

Understanding of preconstruction processes & risk

Ability to read/interpret construction documents

Tools

MS Word

MS Excel

MS Outlook

Estimating and scheduling software

Job description

Senior Preconstruction Manager

Kenosha or Waukesha, WI

Do you want to be part of the Riley Construction Co., Inc. team with endless potential and opportunity? We are looking for someone with an entrepreneurial spirit who can come in and lead and coach others.

We are one of the fastest-growing commercial construction companies in southeastern Wisconsin and Northern Illinois, and we are continuing to invest in smart growth, strong partnerships, and exceptional client experiences.

We are currently seeking a qualified Senior Preconstruction Manager for our Kenosha or Waukesha office. This is more than a traditional estimating or project management role, it is an opportunity to become a trusted advisor to clients, a strategic partner to operations teams, and a key contributor to the future growth of Riley Construction. This position also offers significant leadership growth potential and possible ownership opportunities.

Position Overview

At Riley Construction, pre-construction is about far more than producing accurate numbers. It is about creating certainty, building trust, and helping clients make confident decisions early in the process.

As a Senior Preconstruction Manager, you will play a critical role in shaping project outcomes before construction begins. You will guide clients through budgeting, scheduling, risk evaluation, and project planning while helping them understand tradeoffs, opportunities, and long-term value. Your work will directly influence profitability, operational success, and client confidence.

This role requires an ownership mindset, a relationship-first approach, and the ability to collaborate across teams to deliver exceptional outcomes. You will work closely with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and Riley operations teams to ensure projects are strategically positioned for success from concept through execution.

You'll join a talented and collaborative team committed to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and building the future of Riley's preconstruction approach.

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients throughout the pre-construction process by providing insight, guidance, and strategic recommendations
• Develop conceptual budgets within accelerated timelines using limited design and project information
• Analyze complex plans and specifications to prepare detailed and accurate estimates
• Help clients understand project tradeoffs, cost drivers, risk factors, and value opportunities
• Reduce uncertainty by proactively identifying scope gaps, constructability concerns, and budget risks early in the process
• Review and evaluate subcontractor proposals to ensure complete and accurate project scope coverage
• Partner closely with operations teams to create a smooth transition from pre-construction to project execution
• Manage multiple project pursuits simultaneously through strong prioritization, organization, and communication
• Utilize critical path scheduling processes and software to develop accurate project durations and client proposals
• Participate in and lead client meetings, interviews, and presentations with professionalism and confidence
• Build and strengthen lasting relationships with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and industry partners
• Support awarded projects through change order estimating, ongoing client communication, and operational collaboration as needed
• Contribute to the continued evolution and improvement of Riley's preconstruction systems, processes, and best practices
• Operate with urgency, integrity, accountability, and pride in outcomes that reflect Riley's core values
• Support and mentor other members of the pre-construction team
• Perform additional duties and assignments as needed

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in construction management, Architecture, Engineering, Design, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in preconstruction management within commercial construction
• Advanced understanding of preconstruction processes, estimating techniques, and strategic project planning
• Familiarity with construction contract language and risk assessment
• Strong ability to read and interpret construction documents
• Experience collaborating with operations teams and external project stakeholders throughout project development

Technical Skills

• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook
• Experience with general Estimating and Scheduling software.
• Preferred: Minimum 5 years of experience with estimating complete preparation.

Professional Skills

• Strong relationship-building and communication skills
• Strategic thinking and sound decision-making abilities
• Collaborative leadership style with a team-first mindset
• Strong organizational and problem-solving capabilities
• Client-focused approach with a high level of professionalism and responsiveness
• Ability to take ownership, operate with urgency, and follow through on commitments

Why Join Riley Construction?

• Opportunity for leadership growth and long-term career advancement
• Potential ownership opportunity
• High visibility with clients, leadership, and project teams
• Collaborative environment built on trust, partnership, and accountability
• Opportunity to help shape the future of Riley's preconstruction approach
• Meaningful work that directly impacts project success, client relationships, and operational excellence
• A culture that values smart growth, operational partnership, and pride in delivering exceptional outcomes

Join a team where your expertise, leadership, and relationships help create certainty for clients and success for projects before the first shovel hits the ground.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package, pleasant working environment and team atmosphere. Come join an established firm whose core values include Humility, Integrity, Flexibility and Initiative...understanding that it all begins with our employees!

Riley Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer