Building Preconstruction Manager

Kiewit•Lenexa, KS

51d•Onsite

About The Position

Kiewit is looking for a Preconstruction Manager that can lead various classes of building estimates and provide preconstruction services for building projects up to $1+ billion. Markets include power, industrial, and heavy commercial projects including data centers. Duties will include, but are not limited to, coordination with project leadership, leading a team of estimators, interfacing with engineering and design teams, preparing and implementing procurement strategies, formulating a division of work plan, trade partner outreach and relationship building, analyzing drawing and specifications for constructability and risk, reviewing quotes and proposals, presentation of estimates and strategies to senior leadership and clients, and other duties as required to provide preconstruction services for through various stages of design. Kiewit Industrial Group Inc. is a full-service consulting, engineering, design, preconstruction, and construction services firm serving a broad range of industrial markets. Our combined staff of more than 1,700 engineers, designers, and construction professionals have expertise that spans all major disciplines to serve the industrial, transportation, power, water/wastewater, mining, oil, gas, chemical, and building markets. Our operations-focused engineering provides our clients with safe and efficient facilities, and it integrates our 130 years of construction experience to finish projects on time and to make sure that Nobody Gets Hurt. Its capabilities include Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, Design-Assist, EPC, CM at Risk, IPD, and turn-key project development.â¯ Kiewit provides fast, accurate preconstruction services to solve all our clients' challenges. This position will be based out of Lenexa, KS.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Construction Engineering, Civil/Structural/Architectural Engineering, Architecture, or related field required.
Continuing education in cost estimating, project planning, and building technologies are highly desirable.
7-10 years (15+ years senior level) of progressive experience in construction estimating, preconstruction, project management, or trade partner management within the building industry.
Proven track record managing preconstruction phases for industrial and heavy commercial projects.
Demonstrated success leading design-phase coordination, budget development, and value engineering efforts.
Experience with a variety of project delivery methods (Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, Design-Assist, EPC, CM at Risk, IPD).
Strong knowledge of construction means and methods, materials, building systems, and market pricing.
Proficient in all Microsoft Office applications.
Experienced in the use of estimating software and willingness to learn Kiewit's proprietary software InEight.
Skilled in project scheduling tools (Primavera P6) and takeoff software (Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff).
Understanding of building codes, design standards, and sustainable construction principles.
Ability to perform or review detailed quantity takeoffs and cost analysis at all design stages.
Proven ability to lead cross-functional teams including estimators, engineers, designers, and trade partners with a passion for preconstruction.
Strong organizational and time management skills; able to manage multiple concurrent pursuits.
Skilled in strategic planning, risk assessment, and decision-making under tight deadlines.
Exceptionally strong attention to detail, oral and written communication, interpersonal and leadership skills.
Highly motivated team with a demonstrated passion for excellence and taking initiative.
Results oriented with a strong work ethic and willing to do what it takes to meet deadlines.
Demonstrated commitment to ethics and integrity.
Demonstrated ability to mentor junior staff and foster collaboration across project teams.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills with the ability to prepare and deliver professional presentations.
Strong client-facing skills, including experience in proposal development, budget presentations, and negotiations.
Ability to build lasting relationships with owners, architects, and trade partners.
Regular, reliable attendance
Work productively and meet deadlines timely
Communicate and interact effectively and professionally with supervisors, employees, and others individually or in a team environment.
Perform work safely and effectively. Understand and follow oral and written instructions, including warning signs, equipment use, and other policies.
Work during normal operating hours to organize and complete work within given deadlines. Work overtime and weekends as required.
May work at various different locations and conditions may vary.

Nice To Haves

Professional certifications such as Certified Professional Estimator (CPE), or PMP preferred.
OSHA 30-Hour Construction Safety certification or equivalent a plus.

Responsibilities

Project Planning & Coordination
Lead the preconstruction phase for assigned building projects, ensuring alignment with client goals, design intent, budget, and schedule.
Collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, and consultants to define project scope, objectives, and deliverables.
Review plans and specifications to develop a comprehensive understanding of the project and build strategy for the construction to serve as basis for the estimate.
Develop and manage preconstruction schedules, track key milestones, design progress, and decision deadlines.
Estimating & Budget Development
Prepare cost budgets and varying classes of estimates at intended design stages.
Analyze drawings, specifications, and related documents to identify scope gaps and potential cost risks.
Solicit, review, and level trade partner bids to ensure accuracy and completeness.
Provide value engineering options to optimize cost, constructability, and project efficiency without compromising quality.
Understand project past cost data for benchmarking to compare to current estimates.
Monitor key estimating metrics and ensure they are within an acceptable range or provide explanation.
Design Management & Constructability Review
Participate in design review meetings to evaluate constructability, materials, systems, and means/methods.
Recommend alternative construction techniques and sequencing to reduce schedule or cost impacts.
Coordinate with design teams to resolve discrepancies and integrate practical construction insights early in design.
Procurement Strategy & Trade Partner Engagement
Develop procurement strategy, division of responsibilities, and bid packages, sometimes with limited information, that align with project schedule and budget.
Manage outreach, prequalification, and selection of trade partners, ensuring compliance with company standards and project requirements.
Support the preparation of statements of work or scopes of work and assist in contract negotiations prior to construction award.
Stay abreast of trends and developments, such as new products, methods and procedures that are developing in the industry.
Risk Management & Cost Control
Identify potential risks related to budget, schedule, logistics, and design; develop mitigation strategies.
Maintain accurate cost tracking and reporting throughout preconstruction.
Prepare and present budget updates, cost studies, and risk assessments to stakeholders.
Communication & Leadership
Serve as the primary point of contact during preconstruction to support the procurement strategy for building work.
Lead coordination meetings and maintain transparent communication across project teams.
Communicate critical issues and estimate assumptions to the project manager or estimate manager as they arise to ensure alignment during estimate reviews.
Communicate and present building related estimates and proposals to senior management and clients.
Mentor and support estimating and project engineering staff in preconstruction procedures and best practices.
Handoff to Construction Phase
Ensure a seamless transition to the construction team by delivering complete and accurate project documentation.
Participate in project kickoff meetings to communicate design intent, scope, budget, and risk factors.
Support early buyout and mobilization activities as required.

Benefits

We offer our fulltime staff employees a comprehensive benefits package that's among the best in our industry, including top-tier medical, dental and vision plans covering eligible employees and dependents, voluntary wellness and employee assistance programs, life insurance, disability, retirement plans with matching, and generous paid time off.

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