Strategic Preconstruction Manager – Retail Projects

Macerich Company; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 110,000 - 170,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

12 paid holidays

401(k) match

Stock purchase program

Volunteer hours

Job summary

Macerich is seeking a Manager, Preconstruction to plan and manage design, estimating, and planning phases for multiple retail construction projects at assigned properties. You will collaborate with Development, Design & Planning, Construction, Tenant Coordination, Leasing, and Property Management to hit department goals.

The role requires strong budgeting, cost analysis, and estimating skills, plus experience with estimating software and advanced Excel.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related field preferred.
• 5–7 years of construction project management experience, preferably in retail development or commercial construction.
• At least 3 years of experience in construction estimating, including cost analysis, budgeting, and bid preparation.
• Professional development or industry-specific education through organizations such as ICSC or similar associations is highly desirable.
• Experience working with a nationally recognized general contractor, commercial builder, or retail developer is preferred.
• Strong knowledge of construction cost estimating methodologies, project budgeting, and financial forecasting.
• Proficiency with estimating software and Microsoft Office Suite, with advanced Excel skills preferred.
• Ability to read, interpret, and analyze construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and related technical documents.
• Demonstrated analytical, quantitative, and problem-solving abilities with a high level of attention to detail.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Interface with Development, Leasing and Operations to respond to conceptual estimates for development, leasing-driven, and CAPEX projects.
• Create initial project schedules and clearly define project scope to accompany conceptual estimates.
• Prepare estimates or portions of estimates for review by Senior Manager or AVP of Preconstruction.
• Perform site reviews and develop property condition reports as necessary.
• Assist the Senior Manager or AVP of Preconstruction to develop the project site logistics/phasing plan.
• Stay current on construction cost information by touching base with the contracting community.
• Track project budget portions through development, design and preconstruction.
• Create RFPs and manage civil/soils engineers and surveyors during design phase.
• Track and present RFP bid analyses to Senior Manager/AVP.
• Process contractor/consultant changes, ensuring accuracy of change orders.
• Prepare reports on aspects of the preconstruction program as designated.
• Assist Design & Planning during schematic design to provide constructability reviews and updated estimates.
• Ensure internal approvals and schedule adherence; communicate milestones to the project team.
• Oversee transition to construction to ensure clean hand-off.
• With Construction, create RFPs, bid, interview, select and write contracts for GC(s).
• Organize project documentation and input historical cost data into cost databases.
• Assist with group goals relating to estimating, cost database, and preconstruction.

Skills

Construction project management

Estimating

Budgeting

Cost analysis

Estimating software

Excel (advanced)

Reading construction drawings

Interpersonal communication

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering/Architecture/Construction Management

Tools

Estimating software

Microsoft Office Suite

Excel

Job description

Macerich is seeking a Manager, Preconstruction to plan and manage design, estimating, and planning phases for multiple retail construction projects at assigned properties. You will collaborate with Development, Design & Planning, Construction, Tenant Coordination, Leasing, and Property Management to hit department goals.

The role requires strong budgeting, cost analysis, and estimating skills, plus experience with estimating software and advanced Excel.