Preconstruction Director

Sunrise Senior Living•Mclean, VA

About The Position

When you join Sunrise Senior Living, you will be able to use your unique skills to empower residents to live longer, healthier, and happier lives. Not only will you build meaningful relationships with residents, their families, and team members alike, you will also gain joy in serving others and deep fulfillment in your work. Explore how you can follow your passions and shed light on meaningful ways to serve, grow, and shine together. Sunrise Senior Living was again certified as a Great Place to Work® by Activated Insights. This is the 8th time Sunrise has received this top culture and workplace designation, highlighting the special place Sunrise is to be a part of. The Director of Preconstruction is responsible for leading project cost estimating, data-driven cost analysis, and value engineering efforts during the preconstruction phase of Sunrise’s new construction projects. This role ensures cost accuracy, competitive pricing, and value-based decision-making by leveraging historical project data, construction market trends, and collaboration with internal design and project management teams. This role will require development of historical construction cost database for previous projects and all new projects.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field required.
Minimum of 8–10 years of estimating experience, preferably in senior living, multifamily, hospitality, or healthcare sectors.
Proven expertise in conceptual and detailed estimating, value engineering, and cost modeling.
Experience with construction management or design-build delivery methods.
Proficiency in estimating and project management software (e.g., Sage Estimating, WinEst, OST, Procore, or similar).
Advanced Excel and data analysis skills; experience developing cost databases preferred.
Strong understanding of permitting, bid, and preconstruction processes.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Responsibilities

Lead the preparation of detailed construction estimates from conceptual design through final construction documents.
Analyze drawings, specifications, and other documentation to prepare comprehensive cost breakdowns by trade and division.
Develop and maintain benchmark cost models using historical project data to improve accuracy and forecasting.
Lead bid leveling and analysis processes to ensure fair and complete scope coverage among contractors.
Prepare cost comparison and variance analyses for project updates, design changes, and procurement options.
Establish cost review processes and recommend cost management strategies to leadership and design teams.
Lead early-phase budget development, target cost setting, and contingency planning to ensure alignment with project goals.
Direct and lead value engineering exercises to identify cost-saving opportunities without compromising design integrity, functionality, or brand standards.
Collaborate with Design, Operations, and Development to document and quantify VE options with clear cost-benefit analysis.
Facilitate value analysis sessions, presenting recommendations and trade-offs to internal stakeholders for decision-making.
Develop standardized cost and value analysis templates to promote consistency across projects.
Build and manage a centralized cost history database of completed projects to inform future estimating and budgeting accuracy.
Establish methods for capturing and analyzing construction market trends, escalation factors, and regional pricing data.
Produce and present quarterly cost trend and benchmarking reports to senior leadership.
Evaluate historical project performance data to identify areas for process and cost improvement.
Lead coordination with Construction, Development, and Design teams to ensure timely and accurate cost input during design milestones.
Drive bid package preparation, preconstruction schedules, and pricing deliverables for new projects.
Present cost findings, value analysis results, and budget recommendations to senior leadership and project stakeholders.
Develop and maintain strong vendor, consultant, and GC relationships to ensure competitive pricing and performance reliability.
Deliver accurate, data-driven conceptual and detailed estimates within approved timelines and established accuracy thresholds.
Lead structured value engineering analyses for each major project, ensuring clear cost savings or design optimization outcomes.
Maintain project budget alignment from design through construction, proactively identifying and communicating cost risks.
Develop and sustain a reliable cost history and benchmarking database to drive continuous improvement in estimating accuracy.
Model accountability, collaboration, and transparency in all estimating and preconstruction activities, building trust across teams and partners.