Senior Preconstruction Manager - Estimating & Planning

6 Degrees Search; Lawrence (KS); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Job summary

6 Degrees Search is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to lead estimating and budgeting for projects from award through GMP development. You will coordinate design teams, manage preconstruction schedules, and ensure alignment with owner expectations, delivering value-driven solutions.

The role requires overseeing the GMP process, client-facing budget presentations, and collaboration with contracts, design partners, and Operations to ensure a successful project kickoff and turnover to operations.

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 turnover to Operations.
• Coordinate with the Contracts Coordinator to execute owner contracts using company templates and standard terms.
• Make project-level contract decisions within guardrails, including retainage and contingency levels.
• Review and respond to owner redlines; address non-standard risk positions to the Director of BD & Procurement.
• Confirm financing letters, bonding status, and insurance coverage at award.
• Initiate subcontractor prequalification for key early trades; develop bid strategy and bid lists.
• Coordinate procurement planning for long-lead materials and critical trades.
• Recommend subcontractor selection at GMP and transfer strategies to project team.
• Provide day-to-day leadership of the estimating team and coordinate across teams to ensure seamless delivery.
• Conduct turnover meetings with Operations, Project Management, and Field Leadership at preconstruction close.
• Monitor project risks and propose mitigation strategies throughout preconstruction.
• Serve as primary point of contact for owners and design partners; lead budget presentations at milestones.

Skills

Leadership

Client-facing meetings

Communication

Problem-solving

Education

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management/Engineering/Architecture/Related field

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

Job description

6 Degrees Search is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to lead estimating and budgeting for projects from award through GMP development. You will coordinate design teams, manage preconstruction schedules, and ensure alignment with owner expectations, delivering value-driven solutions.

The role requires overseeing the GMP process, client-facing budget presentations, and collaboration with contracts, design partners, and Operations to ensure a successful project kickoff and turnover to operations.