Senior Preconstruction Services Manager *****

Wharton-Smith, Inc.; Sanford (FL); On-site; USD 100,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

A reputable construction firm based in Sanford, FL is seeking a Senior Preconstruction Services Manager. The ideal candidate has 15-20 years of construction experience, with at least 10 years in preconstruction. Responsibilities include preparing detailed estimates, leading subcontractor coordination, and supervising junior staff. Strong knowledge of the Palm Beach Gardens market and experience with K–12 or government projects are required. Proficiency in PlanSwift and Microsoft Excel is essential for success in this role.

Qualifications

• 10-15 years of total construction experience.
• 5+ years in preconstruction.
• Strong knowledge of the Palm Beach Gardens construction market.
• Experience with K–12 or government construction projects.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates across all trades.
• Lead solicitation and evaluation of subcontractor proposals.
• Supervise junior estimators and support bid-day activities.
• Conduct site visits to assess construction methods.

Skills

Estimating & Preconstruction Management

Communication

Organization

Leadership

Microsoft Excel

PlanSwift

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field

Tools

PlanSwift

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Overview

Senior Preconstruction Services Manager
Location: Sanford, FL

Wharton-Smith, Inc., a highly regarded and established construction company, is seeking qualified candidates for a Preconstruction Services Manager position. This opening is also available at the Senior Preconstruction Services Manager level for highly experienced candidates. This role is based in our Sanford, FL office and requires strong knowledge of the Palm Beach Gardens construction market.

Responsibilities

• Estimating & Preconstruction Management
  • Prepare detailed estimates across all trades for Lump Sum, Construction Management, and Design-Build projects.
  • Develop bid strategies that maximize competitiveness while maintaining budget accuracy.
  • Perform comprehensive quantity take-offs using PlanSwift and similar estimating software.
  • Use unit cost methods and Excel-based formats to develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates.
  • Prepare budgets and proposals from all drawing levels (SD/30%, DD/60%, CD/90%).
  • Provide constructability reviews and value management recommendations to support project goals.
  • Present estimates and cost breakdowns to owners, architects, and project stakeholders.
• Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination
  • Lead solicitation, scope review, and evaluation of subcontractor and vendor proposals.
  • Organize and conduct pre-bid subcontractor meetings and site walkthroughs.
  • Select subcontractor/vendor proposals for incorporation into final bids.
  • Conduct site visits to assess construction methods and conditions to inform competitive bid strategies.
• Team Leadership & Collaboration
  • Supervise and mentor junior estimators assigned to projects.
  • Work collaboratively within strict deadlines to support bid-day activities and make timely subcontractor recommendations.
  • Coordinate with architects, engineers, design consultants, subcontractors, owner representatives, and internal staff throughout the preconstruction phase.
  • Lead the Project Hand-off Meeting to ensure comprehensive knowledge transfer from Preconstruction to Operations.

Required Qualifications

Preconstruction Manager Level

• 10-15 years of total construction experience.
• Minimum of the most recent 5+ years in preconstruction (required).
• 5-10 earlier years may be in operations, but candidates must currently be working in preconstruction.

Senior Preconstruction Manager Level

• 15–20 years of total construction experience (20 preferred).
• Minimum of the most recent 10+ years in preconstruction (required).
• The prior 5–10 years may be in operations, depending on total experience.

Additional Qualifications

• Current residency in or near Palm Beach Gardens/Southeast Florida with strong knowledge of the local construction market.
• Experience with K–12 or government construction projects (required).
• Proficiency in PlanSwift and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong communication, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Experience with Hard Bid, Construction Management, and Design-Build delivery methods.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.

Preferred Qualifications

• 7–15+ years of estimating experience within the Southeast Florida region.
• Proven ability to lead multiple estimates and pursuits concurrently.
• Computer proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and additional industry-relevant software.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Wharton-Smith provides equal opportunity to qualified disabled veterans, Pre-JVA special disabled veterans and individuals with disabilities to online application systems by making reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access for submitting to job openings. (i.e., wheelchair accessibility, website accessibility, etc).

Our recruiting process is centralized and is handled by our HR Department. If we are sent unsolicited resumes from recruiters, we will not pay any recruiting fees. Unsolicited resumes are any resumes sent to us by a recruiter who has not been pre-approved by HR, has not signed our contract, and has not been requested by our HR Department to search for a specific position.