Collaborative Delivery Preconstruction Manager

Wharton Smith•Charlotte, NC

5d•Remote

About The Position

Wharton-Smith, Inc. is seeking a Collaborative Delivery Preconstruction Manager to lead planning, coordination, budgeting, risk analysis, and stakeholder engagement during project pursuit and preconstruction. The role focuses on early project strategy, collaboration with design teams, constructability reviews, cost development, and owner engagement, partnering closely with estimating and operations teams to support successful project delivery. This is a remote position. The position supports municipal Water/Wastewater projects and requires significant experience in collaborative delivery approaches, including Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR) and Progressive Design-Build. The manager will help develop proposals and GMP budgets, coordinate design-phase planning, manage preconstruction schedules and financial performance, and support a seamless transition into construction. The role is full-time and exempt during standard business hours, with additional hours possible based on project and business needs, and travel of up to 25%.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field; equivalent combinations of education and relevant professional experience may be considered.
12 to 20 years of experience in municipal Water/Wastewater construction or design.
Previous experience serving as a Project Manager on municipal Water/Wastewater construction projects.
Experience developing, evaluating, or supporting GMP estimates and pricing.
Strong understanding of municipal Water/Wastewater construction practices, project delivery methods, and industry standards.
Experience with CMAR, Progressive Design-Build, or other collaborative project delivery methods.
Ability to collaborate effectively with project owners, engineers, operations teams, and other stakeholders.
Ability to identify scope gaps, evaluate potential cost exposures, and develop risk mitigation strategies.
Strong knowledge of construction estimating, cost management, project controls, and budget development.
Experience using cost management systems to monitor project budgets, evaluate costs, and support financial decision-making.
Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including the ability to evaluate complex project requirements and recommend solutions.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills for working with clients, engineers, project teams, and executive leadership.
Strong organizational and time management skills, including the ability to manage competing priorities and meet deadlines.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
Commitment to continued professional development in estimating, collaborative delivery methods, and project controls.
Proficiency with standard office technology, including laptops, smartphones, photocopiers, and scanners.
Ability to perform office-related tasks requiring close vision, focus, and regular verbal communication.
Ability to occasionally lift and move office materials and supplies weighing up to 20 pounds.
Availability to work full-time, exempt hours during standard business hours, with flexibility for additional hours based on project deadlines, client needs, and business requirements.
Willingness to travel up to 25%, including travel outside the geographic region for client meetings, engineering coordination, job site visits, and corporate or regional office meetings.
Valid driver's license.

Nice To Haves

Experience with Primavera P6 is preferred.

Responsibilities

Support proposal development, Requests for Qualifications (RFQs), and Requests for Proposals (RFPs).
Participate in client interviews and presentations.
Establish and maintain relationships with municipal owners and engineers.
Lead coordination between engineering and estimating teams during the design phase.
Review drawings, geotechnical reports, specifications, and other project documents for constructability.
Identify and mitigate project risks early in the design process.
Provide structured constructability reviews and recommendations.
Solicit and coordinate subcontractor and supplier participation.
Develop and coordinate Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) budgets and bid packages.
Maintain preconstruction schedules using Primavera P6 and coordinate schedule requirements with operations teams.
Lead milestone planning and stakeholder coordination meetings.
Track preconstruction financial performance, including internal and external project costs.
Develop value engineering solutions that support project budgets and objectives.
Ensure understanding of and compliance with municipal funding requirements.
Partner with operations teams to facilitate the transition from preconstruction to construction.