Senior Preconstruction Manager - Mission Critical

Weitz; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive Pay

Bonus Program

Comprehensive Benefits Package

401K with Company Match

Tuition Reimbursement

Fully Paid Parental Leave

Job summary

The Weitz Company is seeking a Sr. Pre‑Construction Manager in Des Moines, IA to lead the preconstruction team on ground‑up data center and Mission Critical projects. You will drive estimates, schedules, constructability reviews, and risk management across design phases.

You’ll partner with clients and design teams, mentor staff, and ensure smooth handoffs to construction while maintaining strong stakeholder relations and timely input from internal departments.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of extensive estimating and/or project management construction experience.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven history of leading others successfully and teaching, developing, and mentoring team members.
• Data center experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build, nurture, and maintain strong relationships with clients, design teams, and partners to support business development and repeat work.
• Support RFP responses, proposal development, and interview preparation with tailored schedules, scopes, and sales materials.
• Lead and manage the full preconstruction process including estimating, scheduling, constructability reviews, and value analysis.
• Provide accurate conceptual and detailed estimates, including feasibility studies, cost comparisons, and subcontractor engagement.
• Oversee and communicate progress at each design phase; ensure deliverables align with scope, budget, and client goals.
• Identify and mitigate project risks through analysis of contract language, market conditions, and scope elements.
• Integrate sustainability and technology strategies (BIM, LEED, Lean) to enhance project delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate cross-functionally with internal departments to ensure timely input and alignment across all preconstruction activities.
• Prepare, update, and maintain preconstruction and construction schedules; proactively address potential delays or cost impacts.
• Ensure smooth transition from preconstruction to construction, participating in handoff, reporting, and operations meetings.
• Lead client presentations and communicate with confidence on building systems, estimates, logistics, and value engineering.
• Stay current with construction trends, materials, regulations, and best practices to continuously improve service delivery.
• Support subcontractor/vendor prequalification and coordinate specialty cost inputs (insurance, bonds, taxes, permits, etc.).

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Negotiation

Mentoring

Relationship building

Presentation

Analytical thinking

Detail-oriented

Organizational skills

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

On-Screen Takeoff

WinEst

SureTrak

Prolog

BIM

JDE

MS Office

Job description

The Weitz Company is hiring a Sr. Pre‑Construction Manager in Des Moines, IA. This role is part of the Mission Critical team, working on ground‑up data centers, Day 2 projects, and Mission Critical Plus projects.

The Senior Preconstruction Manager is responsible for providing outstanding customer service and setting up medium‑to‑large complex projects for success through preconstruction services. He or she leads the entire project team, predicts cost and schedule, advocates for owners, and transitions preconstruction services to operations as construction starts. The role oversees internal employees and direct reports and reports directly to the Preconstruction Director.

What You’ll Do:

• Build, nurture, and maintain strong relationships with clients, design teams, and partners to support business development and repeat work.
• Support RFP responses, proposal development, and interview preparation with tailored schedules, scopes, and sales materials.
• Lead and manage the full preconstruction process including estimating, scheduling, constructability reviews, and value analysis.
• Provide accurate conceptual and detailed estimates, including feasibility studies, cost comparisons, and subcontractor engagement.
• Oversee and communicate progress at each design phase; ensure deliverables align with scope, budget, and client goals.
• Identify and mitigate project risks through analysis of contract language, market conditions, and scope elements.
• Integrate sustainability and technology strategies (BIM, LEED, Lean) to enhance project delivery and customer satisfaction.
• Collaborate cross‑functionally with internal departments to ensure timely input and alignment across all preconstruction activities.
• Prepare, update, and maintain preconstruction and construction schedules; proactively address potential delays or cost impacts.
• Ensure smooth transition from preconstruction to construction, participating in handoff, reporting, and operations meetings.
• Lead client presentations and communicate with confidence on building systems, estimates, logistics, and value engineering.
• Stay current with construction trends, materials, regulations, and best practices to continuously improve service delivery.
• Support subcontractor/vendor prequalification and coordinate specialty cost inputs (insurance, bonds, taxes, permits, etc.).

What We’re Looking For:

• Experience:
  • Minimum of 6 years of extensive estimating and/or project management construction experience.
  • Experience in a fast‑paced environment.
  • Proven history of leading others successfully and teaching, developing, and mentoring team members.
  • Data center experience is strongly preferred.
• Skills:
  • Excellent leadership skills with a desire to mentor, coach, and develop a team.
  • Ability to compare and analyze various systems and related cost impacts.
  • Excellent verbal and written communication.
  • Ability to balance and prioritize projects with impending deadlines.
  • Detail‑oriented and highly organized.
  • Strong negotiation skills.
  • Business acumen and relationship‑building skills.
  • Strong presentation skills and persuasive communication.
  • Solid construction knowledge, estimating skills, and analytical thinking.
• Technology:
  • Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Apple products (iPhone & iPad), and ability to learn specific software.
  • Solid systems experience with Procore, Bluebeam, On‑Screen Takeoff, WinEst, SureTrak, Prolog, BIM, and JDE is preferred.
  • Training will be provided on company standards.

What We Offer:

• Competitive Pay
• Rewarding Bonus Program
• Comprehensive Benefits Package with Tax‑Advantaged HSA and FSA offerings
• Employer‑Paid Short‑ and Long‑Term Disability Programs
• Employer‑Paid Life Insurance
• Generous Paid Time Off Provisions
• 401K Retirement Savings Plan with Company Match
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Fully Paid Parental Leave
• Voluntary Products Including: Critical Illness Insurance and Accident Insurance
• Corporate Wellness Program with Wellness Time Off and Rewards

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position at this time.

The Weitz Company, LLC (and its U.S.-based subsidiaries and affiliates) recognizes the value of and is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and follow applicable affirmative action guidelines and policies. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment (including minorities, females, veterans, and individuals with disabilities, regardless of sexual orientation, gender identity, or other protected categories in accordance with applicable state and federal laws). The Company is a drug and alcohol‑free workplace and background checks are required if applicable. To review our Privacy Notice.