Preconstruction Director

Balfour Beatty•Charlotte, NC

23h•Hybrid

About The Position

Balfour Beatty is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Director to lead and oversee multiple preconstruction efforts across a diverse portfolio of commercial construction projects ranging from $10 million to $400 million. This leadership role manages the full preconstruction process through all phases of design, partnering closely with clients, architects, engineers, operations teams, and business development to deliver accurate budgets, strategic planning, value engineering, and exceptional client service. The ideal candidate is a collaborative leader with extensive commercial construction experience, strong conceptual estimating skills, and the ability to guide teams while building lasting client relationships. This position is based in Charlotte and requires occasional travel throughout the Carolinas, including Charleston, Raleigh, and other regional offices and project locations as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field (or equivalent progressive industry experience).
12+ years of commercial construction experience in preconstruction, estimating, operations, or a combination thereof.
Demonstrated experience managing complex commercial projects from conceptual budgeting through GMP development.
Strong understanding of conceptual estimating, constructability reviews, value engineering, procurement, and subcontractor management.
Excellent leadership, communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities while meeting aggressive deadlines.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and construction estimating software.

Nice To Haves

Experience leading preconstruction efforts for large commercial projects valued between $10 million and $400 million.
Background working closely with operations teams through project turnover.
Experience presenting to executive leadership, clients, and design teams.
Familiarity with conceptual estimating software such as MC2 or similar estimating platforms.
Knowledge of bid management platforms, online plan rooms, and construction management software.
Experience mentoring and developing preconstruction professionals.
Willingness to travel periodically throughout the Carolinas in support of regional projects and client meetings.

Responsibilities

Lead multiple preconstruction efforts simultaneously from conceptual design through final pricing and turnover to operations.
Oversee projects ranging from $10M to $400M across all phases of design.
Direct and mentor Preconstruction Managers, Estimators, and support staff throughout the preconstruction process.
Develop conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, general conditions, and bid packages.
Identify cost-saving opportunities through constructability reviews and value engineering.
Track project budgets and proactively mitigate cost overruns while maintaining design intent.
Review project documents and establish appropriate assumptions where design information is incomplete.
Prepare client presentation materials, estimate deliverables, qualifications, clarifications, and bid assumptions.
Maintain thorough documentation and audit trails for all preconstruction activities and client communications.
Serve as the primary liaison between preconstruction and operations through project turnover and early construction.
Assist operations teams with procurement strategies, purchasing processes, and subcontractor engagement.
Analyze subcontractor bids and participate in post-bid reviews and negotiations.
Support change order pricing after GMP establishment.
Monitor local market conditions, labor trends, and material pricing to maintain accurate cost forecasting.
Assist with Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) participation planning and reporting as required.
Build trusted relationships with owners, architects, engineers, consultants, subcontractors, and suppliers.
Participate in client presentations and business development pursuits to demonstrate the value of Balfour Beatty's preconstruction process.
Collaborate with Business Development to prepare proposals and preconstruction service offerings.
Represent the company professionally in meetings with executive-level clients and project stakeholders.
Lead, coach, and develop the regional preconstruction team.
Foster a collaborative, high-performance culture focused on continuous improvement.
Conduct employee performance reviews and support career development planning.
Develop and facilitate training programs that strengthen estimating and preconstruction best practices.
Promote Balfour Beatty's values through servant leadership, accountability, and mentorship.