Senior Preconstruction Manager – Estimating & Planning

RNInk; Lawrence (KS); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

RNInk is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to lead estimating, budgeting, and planning across design phases in Kansas. You will coordinate with the Market Lead, Director of Business Development & Procurement, estimating team, contracts coordinator, design partners, and clients to develop budgets, schedules, and value-driven solutions aligned with company standards.

The role provides day-to-day leadership of the estimating function, coordinating workload allocation, project priorities, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, Business Administration, or related field.
• 7–10 years of experience in estimating, preconstruction, or project management.
• Strong understanding of Design-Build, CMAR, and negotiated delivery methods.
• Experience preparing detailed construction cost estimates and GMP proposals.
• Demonstrated ability to lead client-facing meetings and present budget and schedule information to owners.
• Proficiency with construction software such as Procore and Bluebeam.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead the estimating team in producing accurate, complete cost estimates across all design phases.
• Manage project budgets from contract execution through GMP development, ensuring alignment with owner expectations.
• Establish milestone pricing schedules and oversee budget reviews at key design milestones.
• Direct value engineering exercises with owners, consultants, and design teams to maintain project feasibility.
• Develop and maintain project-specific preconstruction schedules from award through groundbreaking.
• Coordinate design team activities and lead constructability reviews throughout the design process.
• Manage the GMP development and owner presentation process, securing approval of the final budget and schedule.
• Confirm project readiness for construction mobilization and facilitate a complete turnover to Operations.
• Coordinate with the Contracts Coordinator to execute owner contracts using company templates and standard terms.
• Make project-level contract decisions within established company guardrails, including retainage, allowances, and contingency levels.
• Review and respond to owner and attorney redlines; elevate non-standard risk positions to the Director of BD & Procurement.
• Confirm financing commitment letters, bonding status, and insurance coverage at project award.
• Initiate subcontractor prequalification for key early trades following contract execution.
• Develop bid strategy, manage subcontractor engagement, and oversee bid list development throughout design.
• Coordinate procurement planning for long-lead materials and critical trades.
• Recommend subcontractor selection at GMP and ensure procurement strategies are transferred to the project team.
• Provide day-to-day leadership of the estimating team, including workload allocation, capacity planning, and priority setting.
• Coordinate across estimating, design, procurement, and operations teams to ensure seamless project delivery.
• Conduct turnover meetings with Operations, Project Management, and Field Leadership at the close of preconstruction.
• Monitor project risks and recommend mitigation strategies throughout the preconstruction phase.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for owners and design partners throughout the preconstruction phase.
• Lead client-facing budget presentations at design milestones and during the GMP approval process.
• Ensure project updates, budget changes, and schedule impacts are communicated clearly and promptly to all stakeholders.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Project management

Client-facing

Budgeting

Scheduling

Risk management

Procore

Bluebeam

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management or related field

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

Job description

RNInk is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to lead estimating, budgeting, and planning across design phases in Kansas. You will coordinate with the Market Lead, Director of Business Development & Procurement, estimating team, contracts coordinator, design partners, and clients to develop budgets, schedules, and value-driven solutions aligned with company standards.

The role provides day-to-day leadership of the estimating function, coordinating workload allocation, project priorities, and