Senior Preconstruction Manager

CK Construction Group, Inc; Westerville (OH); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

CK Construction Group, Inc is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to oversee the preconstruction department and ensure successful project planning and execution.

The ideal candidate will mentor a growing team, support project pursuits, and engage with clients. A bachelor's degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 10 years of related experience are required. Strong leadership and estimating skills are essential for this role.

Qualifications

• Minimum 10 years of experience in construction, estimating, or preconstruction.
• Experience leading preconstruction efforts on commercial construction projects.
• Valid driver's license with acceptable driving record required.

Responsibilities

• Oversee the company's preconstruction department for successful project planning.
• Mentor and develop the preconstruction team, including managers and engineers.
• Assist in the preparation of RFQ and RFP submissions.

Skills

Leadership

Estimating

Scheduling

Analytical skills

Team development

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture

Tools

Estimating software

Scheduling technology platforms

Job description

Position Summary

Provide oversight for the company’s preconstruction department to ensure successful project planning, estimating, scheduling, procurement strategy, constructability review, and client engagement from pursuit through turnover to operations. This role serves as a hands‑on preconstruction professional, responsible for mentoring and developing team members, establishing procedures and quality standards, supporting major pursuits and projects, and supporting business development and operational objectives.

Strategic Leadership Responsibilities

• Mentor, develop, and train a growing preconstruction team, including Preconstruction Managers and Preconstruction Engineers, as well as providing support to Estimators.
• Provide day‑to‑day oversight of the preconstruction process across all assigned pursuits and projects.
• Assist the team in preparation of RFQ and RFP submissions, including project strategy, staffing plans, business deals, logistics planning, preliminary scheduling, technical narratives, and owner‑focused deliverables.
• Guide estimators and preconstruction staff through the full preconstruction lifecycle, including scope development, procurement strategy, constructability review, logistics planning, scheduling, budgeting, and turnover to operations.
• Assist in the development of project pursuit strategies and interview preparation, while frequently participating in owner interviews and presentations as the preconstruction leader.
• Build confidence and trust with owners, design partners, and internal teams through clear communication, thoughtful planning, and accurate financial and technical guidance.
• Support conceptual estimating efforts throughout all phases of design, including budgeting, cost modeling, quantity analysis, and value management.
• Develop and present Target Value Design (TVD) and Value Engineering (VE) solutions that align project scope, budget, schedule, and owner expectations.
• Lead the team in preparing GMP documents, clarifications, assumptions, alternates, and supporting exhibits for owner presentations and contract execution.
• Assist in leading the preconstruction effort on large, complex, or strategic projects while providing oversight and support to team members on other projects.
• Work collaboratively with Operations, Estimating, Business Development, and Executive Leadership to ensure alignment between project pursuit strategy and project execution.
• Maintain departmental procedures, QA/QC standards, and best practices to improve consistency, efficiency, and quality of work products.
• Foster a culture of accountability, professionalism, collaboration, continuous improvement, and owner‑focused service within the preconstruction team.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities

• Manage departmental operations, including staffing assignments, workload planning, performance evaluations, professional development, and hiring recommendations.
• Establish, maintain, and continuously improve departmental procedures, standards, templates, and QA/QC processes.
• Review departmental work products and deliverables to ensure accuracy, completeness, consistency, and professionalism prior to formal submission or presentation.
• Coordinate and collaborate with Estimating, Operations, Business Development, Marketing, and Executive Leadership teams to support company objectives and project success.
• Monitor departmental performance metrics and support continuous improvement initiatives related to quality, efficiency, responsiveness, and client service.
• Assist in the implementation and evaluation of technologies, software platforms, and tools that improve preconstruction capabilities and workflows.
• Support transition of projects from preconstruction to operations to ensure continuity of project understanding, scope alignment, and client expectations.
• Participate in client meetings, industry events, project walkthroughs, interviews, and internal planning sessions as required.
• Maintain awareness of market conditions, subcontractor trends, procurement risks, and industry best practices that may impact project planning and pricing.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by supervisor.

Skills and Abilities

• Strong leadership, mentoring, and team development skills.
• Extensive knowledge of conceptual estimating, budgeting, scheduling, constructability review, procurement planning, and preconstruction processes.
• Strong understanding of multiple delivery methods, including CMAR, Design‑Build, GMP, negotiated work, and hard bid projects.
• Ability to lead major pursuits and strategic preconstruction efforts in collaboration with operations and business development teams.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical writing and presentation development.
• Strong organizational, analytical, decision‑making, and problem‑solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to interface effectively with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal teams.
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, sequencing, logistics, and scheduling.
• Proficiency with estimating, scheduling, and preconstruction technology platforms.

Relationships

Reports to the Vice President. Works closely with Estimating, Operations, Business Development, Marketing, and Executive Leadership teams. Direct reports may include Preconstruction Managers, Preconstruction Project Engineers, and other departmental staff.

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred. Equivalent combinations of education and experience may be considered. Minimum 10 years of construction, estimating, or preconstruction experience. Experience leading preconstruction efforts on commercial construction projects.

Certificates, Licenses, and Registrations

Valid driver’s license with acceptable driving record required. OSHA 30‑Hour Certification preferred.

Safety Policies and Practices

This team member must understand and comply with the company’s safety policies and procedures as outlined in the company safety manual. Promotes a culture of safety within all preconstruction planning and project activities.

Working Environment and Physical Activities

Primarily office‑based with periodic jobsite visits, client meetings, walkthroughs, and industry events. Position requires extensive computer work, virtual meetings, presentations, and collaboration with internal and external stakeholders. Limited lifting may occasionally be required.

Equal Employment Opportunity

CK Construction is an equal employment opportunity/affirmative action federal and state contractor. The company does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected class.