Senior Preconstruction Manager

Wharton-Smith, Inc; Tampa (FL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Wharton-Smith, Inc. is seeking a Senior Preconstruction Manager to lead the preconstruction effort in Tampa, FL. You will develop accurate cost estimates, manage subcontractor relations, and prepare proposals to ensure a smooth transition to operations.

Senior candidates will mentor staff, drive strategic preconstruction planning, and manage complex pursuits. The ideal candidate has extensive estimating experience in Southeast Florida and a strong background in K–12 or government projects.

Qualifications

• 15–20 years of total construction experience (20 preferred).
• 10+ years in preconstruction (required).
• Residency in or near Palm Beach Gardens/Southeast Florida with knowledge of local market.
• Experience with K–12 or government construction projects (required).
• Proficiency in PlanSwift and Microsoft Excel.
• Experience with Hard Bid, Construction Management, and Design-Build delivery methods.
• 7–15+ years of estimating experience within the Southeast Florida region.

Responsibilities

• Estimate detailed Lump Sum, CM, and Design-Build projects.
• Develop bid strategies to maximize competitiveness while maintaining budget accuracy.
• Perform quantity take-offs using PlanSwift and estimating software.
• Use unit cost methods and Excel-based formats to develop estimates across project stages.
• Prepare budgets and proposals from SD/30%, DD/60%, CD/90% drawings.
• Provide constructability reviews and value management recommendations.
• Present estimates and cost breakdowns to owners, architects, and stakeholders.
• Lead solicitation, scope review, and evaluation of subcontractor proposals.
• Organize pre-bid subcontractor meetings and site walkthroughs.
• Lead the Project Hand-off Meeting to transfer knowledge to Operations.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Organization

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management

Tools

PlanSwift

Excel

Job description

Wharton-Smith, Inc., a highly regarded General Contractor throughout the Southeast, is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Senior Preconstruction Manager. We are currently seeking someone who is willing to work in Tampa, FL.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Preconstruction Services Manager is responsible for leading the preconstruction effort on assigned projects, developing accurate cost estimates, managing subcontractor relations, preparing proposals, and ensuring a seamless transition to operations. Senior-level candidates will lead more complex pursuits, mentor team members, and contribute strategically to preconstruction planning and execution.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Estimating & Preconstruction Management

• Prepare detailed estimates across all trades for Lump Sum, Construction Management, and Design-Build projects.
• Develop bid strategies that maximize competitiveness while maintaining budget accuracy.
• Perform comprehensive quantity take-offs using PlanSwift and similar estimating software.
• Use unit cost methods and Excel-based formats to develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates.
• Prepare budgets and proposals from all drawing levels (SD/30%, DD/60%, CD/90%).
• Provide constructability reviews and value management recommendations to support project goals.
• Present estimates and cost breakdowns to owners, architects, and project stakeholders.

Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination

• Lead solicitation, scope review, and evaluation of subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Organize and conduct pre-bid subcontractor meetings and site walkthroughs.
• Select subcontractor/vendor proposals for incorporation into final bids.
• Conduct site visits to assess construction methods and conditions to inform competitive bid strategies.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor junior estimators assigned to projects.
• Work collaboratively within strict deadlines to support bid-day activities and make timely subcontractor recommendations.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, design consultants, subcontractors, owner representatives, and internal staff throughout the preconstruction phase.
• Lead the Project Hand-off Meeting to ensure comprehensive knowledge transfer from Preconstruction to Operations.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 15–20 years of total construction experience (20 preferred).
• Minimum of the most recent 10+ years in preconstruction (required).
• The prior 5–10 years may be in operations, depending on total experience.
• Current residency in or near Palm Beach Gardens/Southeast Florida with strong knowledge of the local construction market.
• Experience with K–12 or government construction projects (required).
• Proficiency in PlanSwift and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong communication, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Experience with Hard Bid, Construction Management, and Design-Build delivery methods.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• 7–15+ years of estimating experience within the Southeast Florida region.
• Proven ability to lead multiple estimates and pursuits concurrently.
• Computer proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and additional industry-relevant software.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability

Wharton-Smith provides equal opportunity to qualified disabled veterans, Pre-JVA special disabled veterans and individuals with disabilities to online application systems by making reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access for submitting to job openings. (i.e., wheelchair accessibility, website accessibility, etc).