Senior Preconstruction Manager – Interiors & Cost Strategy

Unispace; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 120,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension

Paid holiday leave

Global travel opportunities across our

global offices

Job summary

Unispace, a global design-build partner, seeks a seasoned Senior Pre-Construction Manager to lead commercial interior projects from early client engagement through contract award. You’ll shape scope, guide design development, prepare cost plans, lead tendering, and ensure a smooth handover into delivery.

This high-impact role rewards autonomy, client interaction, and the ability to steer projects from ground up, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and maintaining strong relationships with

Qualifications

• Degree or equivalent experience in Quantity Surveying, Construction Management, Engineering, or similar.
• Significant experience in commercial construction estimating, ideally interiors.
• Strong trade knowledge, market awareness, and ability to coordinate multiple subcontractor packages.
• Understanding of pre-construction workflows, methodology, and delivery principles.
• Proficiency with project management tools and scheduling software.
• Strong commercial acumen, communication, and technical insight.
• Knowledge of building regulations, compliance, and health & safety standards.

Responsibilities

• Own the full estimating and pre-construction process, from defining scope to delivering final proposals.
• Analyse drawings and specifications to determine accurate materials, labour, and timelines.
• Collaborate with project leaders to align schedules, resources, and milestones during early planning.
• Identify constructability considerations and value-engineering opportunities.
• Protect commercial targets by managing budgets, cash flow, profit expectations, and risk.
• Run competitive subcontractor bid processes with clear scope alignment.
• Maintain progressive cost plans and keep stakeholders fully informed.
• Present proposals and budgets to clients clearly and confidently.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and suppliers.
• Share lessons learned and support continuous improvement across the team.

Skills

Project management

Scheduling software

Communication

Commercial acumen

Education

Degree in Quantity Surveying or Construction Management

Tools

Project management tools

Scheduling software

Job description

Unispace, a global design-build partner, seeks a seasoned Senior Pre-Construction Manager to lead commercial interior projects from early client engagement through contract award. You’ll shape scope, guide design development, prepare cost plans, lead tendering, and ensure a smooth handover into delivery.

This high-impact role rewards autonomy, client interaction, and the ability to steer projects from ground up, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and maintaining strong relationships with