Sr. Preconstruction Manager

LVI Associates; Fort Snelling Unorganized Territory (MN, WI); On-site; USD 130,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

LVI Associates in the United States seeks a Senior Preconstruction Manager to lead preconstruction and estimating for complex federal projects. You will develop budgets, manage risk, and drive design‑build and negotiated pursuits while mentoring junior staff and supporting business development.

You will review drawings, oversee estimates, and coordinate with operations to ensure constructability and cost effectiveness, balancing schedules and client needs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in CM/CE/Engineering or equivalent experience.
• 5+ years estimating/preconstruction in federal construction.
• Strong knowledge of federal procurement methods and design‑build.
• Experience developing conceptual through GMP estimates.
• Proficiency with CSI divisions, unit pricing, and takeoffs.
• Excellent presentation, communication and client facing skills.
• Analytical, organized, with strong time management and leadership abilities.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.

Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction and estimating for high‑priority federal pursuits.
• Manage all phases from budgeting through final proposals.
• Develop, review and present estimates, budgets and procurement strategies.
• Mentor estimating, preconstruction and operations staff.
• Lead design‑build and negotiated pursuits with client presentations.
• Ensure estimates are complete, accurate, and on schedule.
• Review risks, contingencies, and profit strategies during preconstruction.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and detailed cost analysis as needed.
• Prepare deliverables at major project milestones.
• Lead bid day activities and subcontractor solicitations.
• Utilize cost data and market trends for accurate estimates.
• Facilitate constructability reviews and budget reviews with stakeholders.
• Oversee estimating systems and preconstruction processes.
• Develop and review subcontractor bid packages and scopes of work.
• Lead subcontractor evaluations and cost‑saving opportunities.
• Build relationships with clients, designers, and suppliers.
• Participate in business development and pursuit presentations.
• Evaluate systems for cost and constructability impacts.

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management/Construction Engineering/Engineering

Tools

Estimating platforms

Digital takeoff software

MS Office

Cost estimating

Job description

The Senior Preconstruction Manager leads all aspects of the preconstruction and estimating process for complex federal construction projects. This individual is responsible for developing estimates and proposals, managing project risk during preconstruction, leading design-build and negotiated pursuits, and collaborating with operations teams to deliver accurate budgeting and planning. The role also serves as a mentor to junior team members and plays a key role in supporting business development efforts through client engagement and pursuit strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead preconstruction and estimating efforts for high-priority federal construction pursuits.
• Manage all phases of the preconstruction process from conceptual budgeting through final proposal submission.
• Develop, review, and present estimates, budgets, value engineering recommendations, and procurement strategies.
• Mentor and train estimating, preconstruction, and operations personnel.
• Lead design-build and negotiated project pursuits, including client presentations and procurement interviews.
• Ensure estimates are complete, accurate, and delivered on schedule.
• Review and manage project risks, fees, contingencies, general conditions, and profit strategies during preconstruction.
• Perform quantity takeoffs and detailed cost analysis as needed.
• Prepare professional preconstruction deliverables at major project milestones.
• Conduct real-time estimating and budgeting exercises with project teams and design partners.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, narratives, and other project documents to determine scope and constructability requirements.
• Lead bid day activities, including subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, scope reviews, and final tabulations.
• Utilize historical cost data, market trends, and industry benchmarks to develop accurate estimates.
• Facilitate constructability reviews, strategy sessions, and budget reviews with internal stakeholders.
• Oversee estimating systems, databases, software tools, and preconstruction processes.
• Develop and review subcontractor bid packages and scopes of work.
• Lead subcontractor and supplier proposal evaluations and recommendations.
• Review value engineering opportunities, construction methods, and cost‑saving alternatives.
• Build and maintain relationships with clients, designers, subcontractors, suppliers, and project stakeholders.
• Participate in business development activities and project pursuit presentations.
• Evaluate structural, architectural, building envelope, and mechanical systems for cost and constructability impacts.
• Perform life‑cycle cost analyses and feasibility studies.
• Review costs associated with special project conditions, including temporary facilities, cranes, weather impacts, and site logistics.
• Collaborate with operations and field teams to identify efficient and cost‑effective construction strategies.
• Support procurement and subcontractor buyout activities as needed.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide ongoing coaching to team members.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 5+ years of estimating and preconstruction experience within federal construction.
• Strong knowledge of federal procurement methods, design‑build delivery, and negotiated work.
• Experience developing conceptual, schematic, design development, and GMP estimates.
• Strong understanding of CSI divisions, unit pricing, quantity takeoffs, and construction cost estimating methodologies.
• Excellent presentation, communication, and client‑facing skills.
• Exceptional analytical, organizational, problem‑solving, and time management abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines simultaneously.
• Self‑motivated with the ability to work independently and lead teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, estimating platforms, and digital takeoff software.
• Demonstrated ability to build productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.

Preferred Qualifications

• Design‑Build Institute of America (DBIA) certification.
• OSHA 30 certification.
• LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP) credential.
• First Aid/CPR certification.
• Experience with large‑scale federal, military, healthcare, aviation, or institutional construction projects.

Work Environment & Physical Requirements

• Primarily office‑based with regular travel to active and prospective construction sites.
• Ability to work extended hours when required to meet project deadlines and proposal schedules.
• Frequent use of computer systems and estimating software.
• Ability to navigate active construction sites, including walking uneven terrain, climbing stairs, and accessing elevated areas when necessary.
• Exposure to varying weather conditions and typical construction site environments.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.