Strategic Preconstruction Manager

Huseman Group; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Huseman Group is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to lead front-end planning on complex projects in Columbus, OH. You will guide design development, align milestones with client goals, and ensure a smooth handoff to operations.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership during the preconstruction phase, coordinating with design partners, estimators, and clients to balance scope, budget, and schedule while fostering collaboration across teams.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or related field
• 7+ years of construction experience with at least 3 years in a preconstruction leadership or project management capacity
• Experience on complex commercial or institutional projects
• Strong communicator and relationship builder with the ability to influence stakeholders
• Deep understanding of project phasing, delivery methods (CMAR, GMP, Design-Build), and value management processes
• Familiar with budgeting principles, construction means and methods, and permitting processes
• Excellent organizational skills and the ability to lead teams through ambiguity
• Experience facilitating design coordination and early-stage decision-making

Responsibilities

• Lead project visioning, scope alignment, phasing strategies, and high-level scheduling
• Serve as the primary point of contact for clients and design partners during the preconstruction phase
• Facilitate internal and external team collaboration to keep preconstruction efforts on track
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, and consultants to guide design toward budget and schedule objectives
• Host design review meetings and track design progress relative to program needs
• Collaborate with Estimators to understand and present milestone budgets and cost plans
• Identify budget risks or scope gaps and drive reconciliation strategies
• Lead value management discussions with design and ownership teams without performing takeoffs
• Guide early trade partner involvement, procurement schedules, and packaging strategies
• Coordinate early bid releases or preconstruction input from key subcontractors
• Manage relationships with critical vendors and prequalify partners as needed
• Lead development of high-level project schedules including preconstruction milestones, design deliverables, permitting, and early enabling work
• Coordinate input from design, estimating, and operations teams
• Represent the company in preconstruction meetings, presentations, and interviews
• Communicate progress, constraints, and opportunities to clients and stakeholders in a proactive manner
• Ensure client expectations are met through alignment of design, budget, and schedule

Skills

Communication

Relationship building

Leadership

Design coordination

Preconstruction planning

Stakeholder management

Decision-making

Collaboration

Education

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

Job description

Huseman Group is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to lead front-end planning on complex projects in Columbus, OH. You will guide design development, align milestones with client goals, and ensure a smooth handoff to operations.

The role emphasizes strategic leadership during the preconstruction phase, coordinating with design partners, estimators, and clients to balance scope, budget, and schedule while fostering collaboration across teams.