Strategic Preconstruction Director: Lead & Develop Teams

Gilbane Building Company; Houston (TX); On-site; USD 180,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

Gilbane Building Company is seeking a Preconstruction Director to lead preconstruction and design phase services for all projects within a Division. You will guide strategy, coordinate with executives and cross-functional teams, and drive performance and profitability while building a strong, diverse team in a complex project environment.

The role requires a seasoned leader with deep experience in construction management, multiple delivery methods, and strong communication skills.

Qualifications

• 15+ years leading operations, procurement, estimating, scheduling, or supply chain teams.
• 5–10 years in construction management or A/E industry.
• Experience with multiple project delivery types (CMR, DB, IPD, etc.).
• Design phase/design-build management experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Leads, coaches, and develops the support operations teams for a Division (est. etc.).
• Engages in enterprise level leadership via Preconstruction Peer Group.
• Reviews contracts with leaders and legal for risk mitigation and fee enhancement.
• Develops the technical and leadership skills of Estimating, Purchasing, VDC and other support ops.
• Manages workload and drives collaboration between support ops within the Division.
• Collaborates with other Divisions and Directors of Preconstruction for coordination of resources.
• Responsible for hiring preconstruction staff to support the division.
• Responsible for managing preconstruction budgets and recoverability of staff for their division.
• Provides strategic insights to executive leadership for informed decision-making.
• Career development and coaching of employees through a team of managers.
• Fosters a positive and inclusive work environment to motivate the team.
• Drives long-term strategic vision and bridges between Executives and operations.
• Partners with business development to align with sales strategies and client plans.

Skills

Leadership

Operations leadership

Strategic thinking

Cross-functional collaboration

Change management

Budgeting & financial stewardship

Mentoring & coaching

Client relationship

Education

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, or similar technical field

Job description

Gilbane Building Company is seeking a Preconstruction Director to lead preconstruction and design phase services for all projects within a Division. You will guide strategy, coordinate with executives and cross-functional teams, and drive performance and profitability while building a strong, diverse team in a complex project environment.

The role requires a seasoned leader with deep experience in construction management, multiple delivery methods, and strong communication skills.