Senior Preconstruction Manager - Mission Critical

The Weitz Company / Contrack Watts, Inc.; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Bonus program

Comprehensive benefits package

401K with company match

Tuition reimbursement

Parental leave

Job summary

The Weitz Company is recruiting a Senior Pre-Construction Manager to lead the preconstruction efforts in Des Moines, IA, specializing in ground-up data centers and Mission Critical projects. You will drive estimating, scheduling, and value analysis, mentor a team, and ensure seamless handoff to construction.

You will collaborate with clients and design teams, manage risk, and integrate BIM/LEAN strategies to optimize delivery and client satisfaction.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 6 years of estimating and/or project management construction experience.
• Experience in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to lead and mentor others.
• Data center experience is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong client relationships to support business development and repeat work.
• Lead and manage the full preconstruction process including estimating, scheduling, constructability reviews, and value analysis.
• Provide accurate conceptual and detailed estimates with feasibility studies and subcontractor engagement.
• Oversee design phase progress ensuring alignment with scope, budget, and client goals.
• Ensure smooth transition from preconstruction to construction and participate in handoff meetings.
• Identify and mitigate project risks through analysis of contracts, markets, and scope elements.

Skills

Leadership

Mentoring

Estimating

Project management

Communication

Negotiation

Relationship building

Presentation skills

Analytical thinking

Tools

Procore

Bluebeam

On-Screen Takeoff

WinEst

SureTrak

Prolog

BIM

JDE

Job description

The Weitz Company is hiring a Sr. Pre-Construction Manager in Des Moines, IA. This individual will be on the Mission Critical team 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-sized to large complex projects for success through successful delivery of the preconstruction services. He or she provides value to our customers by leading the entire project team, predicting cost and schedule, being an advocate for our owners, and transitioning preconstruction services to operations as construction starts. He or she will provide oversight and leadership of all assigned internal employees as well as responsibility of all assigned direct reports. The Preconstruction Manager reports directly to the Preconstruction Director.

The Weitz Company has been Building a Better Way since 1855. We are a full-service construction company, general contractor, design-builder, and construction manager with office locations throughout the United States. We believe our employees to be our most valuable asset, and we are committed to growing a diverse and inclusive culture that inspires, motivates, and continuously improves.

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:

• A minimum of 6 years' of extensive estimating and/or project management construction experience is required
• Experience in a fast-paced environment
• Proven history of leading others successfully and to teach, develop and mentor others
• 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, persuasive communication
• Solid construction knowledge, estimating skills, analytical thinking

Technology:

• Candidate should have experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Apple products (iPhone & iPad) and have the 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 Company does not accept unsolicited resumes from search firms or agencies. Any resume submitted to any employee of the Company without a prior written search agreement will be considered unsolicited and the property of the Company. Please, no phone calls or emails.

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.

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