Senior Preconstruction Manager

Truebeck Construction, Inc.; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Truebeck Construction, Inc. is seeking a Senior Preconstruction Manager in Portland, Oregon, to lead preconstruction processes across multiple projects. This role requires a bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related fields, along with 10-15 years of experience in estimating and leadership. Responsibilities include overseeing budgeting, strategic planning, team mentorship, and ensuring design management aligns with cost strategies. The position allows for remote work with periodic site visits, ensuring strategic alignment and growth for the company.

Qualifications

• Ten to fifteen+ years of experience in estimating and preconstruction leadership roles.
• Experience leading large, complex GMP developments and multi-project portfolios.
• Deep understanding of building systems across structural, envelope, interiors, and MEPF disciplines.

Responsibilities

• Lead and oversee multiple preconstruction efforts from budgeting to GMP development.
• Establish strategic preconstruction plans and risk mitigation strategies.
• Supervise and mentor Preconstruction Managers and Engineers.

Skills

Senior-level leadership

Strategic thinking

Advanced analytical skills

Financial modeling

Negotiation skills

Mentoring capability

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Cross-functional team influence

Education

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

Tools

Destini

PlanSwift

Assemble

Togal

Excel

Job description

The Senior Preconstruction Manager provides senior-level leadership of the preconstruction process across multiple projects and pursuits. This role is responsible for strategic oversight of budgeting, estimating, procurement planning, risk management, value engineering, and client engagement from project pursuit through GMP execution and handoff to Operations.

The Senior Preconstruction Manager ensures alignment between design intent, cost strategy, schedule, and company objectives while mentoring preconstruction staff and strengthening client relationships. This position plays a critical role in margin protection, risk mitigation, continuous improvement, and overall business growth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Preconstruction

• Lead and oversee multiple preconstruction efforts simultaneously from conceptual budgeting through GMP development.
• Establish strategic preconstruction plans including cost modeling approach, procurement strategy, schedule alignment, and risk mitigation framework.
• Direct conceptual, schematic, design development, and final GMP estimate preparation.
• Ensure quantity surveys, estimate structures, executive summaries, and narrative documentation are complete, accurate, and aligned with project objectives.
• Develop and implement contingency, escalation, and cost-of-work strategies to protect company margin.
• Lead constructability reviews and collaborate with Operations leadership to optimize execution strategies.
• Oversee procurement strategy including bidder selection, market outreach, prequalification, and post-bid leveling.
• Evaluate and mitigate risk exposure within trade partner proposals and scope gaps.
• Ensure proper incorporation of safety requirements and related costs into preconstruction planning.
• Lead internal executive estimate reviews and client-facing budget presentations.
• Provide oversight for lump-sum and public bid strategies.
• Ensure consistency in labor rates, equipment assumptions, and contracting method alignment.
• Lead final GMP assembly including qualifications, scope clarifications, and Owner contract alignment.
• Oversee preconstruction-to-operations transition and ensure scope clarity and budget integrity.
• Drive continuous improvement through post-estimate debriefs and historical benchmarking.
• Any other task or duty as assigned or required.

team leadership & Development

• Supervise and mentor Preconstruction Managers, Senior Preconstruction Engineers, and Engineers.
• Develop team capability in cost modeling, risk identification, procurement strategy, and client communication.
• Establish standardized estimating and documentation best practices.
• Participate in recruiting, interviewing, and onboarding new team members.
• Promote cross-training between Preconstruction and Operations teams.
• Build high trust environment with a focus on the team outcome.

Design Management

• Lead cost-informed design management throughout all design milestones (Conceptual, Schematic, Design Development, Construction Documents).
• Partner with Owners and Design Teams to establish target budgets and cost constraints early in the design process.
• Facilitate Target Value Design (TVD) and cost alignment sessions to ensure design decisions remain within established financial parameters.
• Provide real-time cost feedback to the Design Team to influence scope decisions before documents are fully developed.
• Identify and communicate cost drivers, scope gaps, and high-risk systems early in design.
• Lead constructability reviews and collaborate with Operations leadership to ensure design feasibility and execution strategy alignment.
• Coordinate input from key trade partners (Design Assist / Design Build) during early design phases.
• Evaluate alternate systems and materials, including lifecycle cost comparisons and long-term operational impacts.
• Manage incorporation of value engineering items into final design documents and ensure alignment prior to GMP.
• Track design changes and quantify cost impacts across design iterations.
• Ensure sustainability, code compliance, and project-specific requirements (life science, healthcare, data centers, etc.) are properly accounted for in cost strategy.
• Support integration of schedule, logistics, and phasing strategies into the evolving design.
• Serve as the financial and technical liaison between Design Team and Operations during design development.

Safety

• Ensure cost models incorporate all project safety requirements and risk exposures.
• Participate in company safety initiatives and leadership programs.

Business Development

• Support pursuit strategy and collaborate with Business Development on opportunity evaluation.
• Participate in RFP responses, interview preparation, and client presentations.
• Identify new business opportunities within professional networks and industry associations.
• Protect Truebeck’s interests while maintaining integrity and long-term relationships.
• Represent the company in industry events and community engagement activities.

Knowledge, Education, and experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Construction Science, Civil Engineering, or related field.
• Ten to fifteen+ years of progressive experience with a General Contractor in estimating and preconstruction leadership roles.
• Demonstrated experience leading large, complex GMP developments and multi-project portfolios.
• Advanced proficiency in estimating platforms (Destini, PlanSwift, Assemble, Togal or equivalent).
• Advanced Excel modeling capability.
• Deep understanding of building systems across structural, envelope, interiors, and MEPF disciplines.
• Experience with multiple project delivery methods (CMAR, Design-Build, IPD, Public Works, Lump Sum).
• Strong knowledge of procurement strategy, subcontract scope alignment, and risk mitigation.
• Financial acumen including contingency strategy, escalation forecasting, and margin protection.
• Strong understanding of schedule-cost integration.

Skills and Specifications

• Senior-level leadership and strategic thinking.
• Strong team development and mentoring capability.
• Advanced analytical and financial modeling skills, including profitability understanding.
• Exceptional communication and client-facing presentation skills.
• High-level negotiation and conflict resolution skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex pursuits and projects simultaneously.
• Strong organizational and process management skills.
• Ability to influence cross-functional teams including Operations, Business Development, and Executive Leadership.
• Commitment to quality, accountability, and continuous improvement.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

This role is primarily office-based or remote, requiring extended periods of sitting, computer use, and virtual collaboration. The employee is regularly required to sit, type, engage in video calls, and review digital documentation. Periodic travel to construction sites, client offices, and industry events is required. Site visits may include exposure to active construction environments, requiring appropriate PPE and adherence to safety protocols.

Accessibility: If you need an accommodation as part of the employment process please contact Human Resources at [e-mail].

Equal Opportunity Employer, including disabled and veterans.