Preconstruction Manager

Alston Construction•Downers Grove, IL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Alston Construction Company is a nationwide general contractor with over 20 offices. For 40 years, they have been a partner, advisor, and contractor to clients, emphasizing strong builder-client relationships and common goals. Alston Construction has experience in industrial, commercial, healthcare, education, retail, and government projects. They seek passionate construction professionals who share their core values: commitment, integrity, teamwork, and respect. The company culture values seeing success in others.

Requirements

Degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field.
Minimum of 8 years of experience successfully estimating (conceptual and hard bid) construction projects for a general contractor.
An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
Design-build experience on relevant project types.
Experience in value-engineering.
Valid State-issued driver’s license and vehicle insurance which meets Alston Construction liability coverage requirements and satisfactory driving record.
OSHA 10-hour Certification.
First Aid/CPR Certification.
Ability to estimate costs associated with technical tasks and thorough knowledge of estimating techniques, cost control systems and accounts.
Thorough understanding of multiple project delivery types, including Design-Build, CM at Risk, CM not at Risk, General Contractor (hard bid and negotiated), etc.
Thorough understanding of multiple contract delivery methods, including lump sum, guaranteed maximum price (GMP), cost-plus, etc.
Strong industry contact relationships and the ability to identify and secure profitable new business.
Strong mathematical and analytical skills.
Ability to maximize profitability and successfully balance the needs and expectations of the client while maintaining the Firm’s standards and reputation and mitigating risks.
Ability to exercise initiative and to work well with discretion and sound independent judgment with minimal supervision, as well as in a team environment.
Thorough understanding of job task sequencing/critical timeline scheduling.
Ability to read and understand drawings, specifications, maps, surveys, mechanical and electrical sheets, project schedules, cost reports, and other construction documents; understanding of contract provisions which address scope of work and design criteria.
Understanding of all local, state, federal and company safety and environmental regulations, codes, and requirements related to the construction industry; ability to impart knowledge to others.
Good knowledge of all sub trades and their relationship and impact on each other.
Ability to exercise initiative and sound independent judgment, define problems, collect data, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, and make timely decisions.
Creative problem-solver; willing to try several approaches when initial solution fails.
Excellent skills in organization, time management, planning, and prioritization.
Proactive and readily adaptable to changing conditions or demands and ability to work well under pressure and with tight deadlines.
Effective communication skills (written and verbal) and presentation skills.
Professional demeanor and effective interpersonal skills; ability to successfully interface with and to maintain good working relationships with clients, co-workers, managers, subcontractors, vendors, and others.
Ability to effectively handle stress and stressful situations.
Good negotiation skills.
Proficiency in computers, Phoenix, Word, Excel and Outlook, CMiC, Estimating Takeoff Software (eg. On Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, etc.), and Cost Estimating Software (e.g. DESTINI Estimator).
Willingness and ability to travel.

Nice To Haves

Extended hours and flexible schedules, including evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

Assisting management in general business operations by managing, supervising, coordinating, and completing the preconstruction phase of projects.
Assisting with business development to ensure thorough, accurate, and competitive proposals that result in profitable project awards.
Using discretion, independent judgment, and professional skills to perform daily duties and resolve issues to minimize company risk.
Providing thorough, accurate, and competitive cost estimates through all design phases, from concept to construction and permit documents.
Identifying value-engineered alternatives related to construction methods, materials, schedule, and design.
Determining proposal specifications and scope of work by reviewing drawings and attending/managing bid and preconstruction meetings.
Analyzing and documenting cost analysis from historical projects, purchase orders, contracts, and cost reports for future estimates.
Providing design assistance and cost data regarding project feasibility to clients, design professionals, and project teams.
Preparing bid packages and providing leadership and coordination on bid solicitation and RFPs.
Developing scopes of work for sub-trades prior to and during bid solicitation.
Performing takeoffs of multiple trades to minimize cost risks.
Analyzing subcontractor proposals for cost, scope, and completeness to determine award of work.
Identifying and qualifying new subcontractors to ensure an adequate number of qualified and financially sound subcontractors and to expand bid solicitation coverage.
Negotiating prices with clients and qualified subcontractors.
Preparing preliminary project schedules during the preconstruction phase and assisting the Superintendent with the contracted schedule prior to construction.
Organizing and leading the transition of the project cost estimate to the Project Manager.
Assisting the Project Manager with pricing and negotiating owner and subcontractor change orders.
Maintaining detailed records of working documents as a backup for estimate figures, including assumptions made for conceptual designs.
Updating and maintaining subcontractor and design consultant databases.
Developing and maintaining strong working relationships with prospective and current clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors.
Developing a comprehensive understanding of the company's services to identify applicable potential new clients and projects.
Identifying new work opportunities and advising VP/GM and/or SVP/RM of potential projects with existing and new clients, and leading or participating in the pursuit of project leads.
Conducting or participating in presentations to clients.
Maintaining a detailed pipeline of clients and projects in Prophet, including status of opportunities and analysis/reasons for wins/losses.
Providing assistance and evaluations to Risk Management and the VP/GM and/or SVP/RM regarding potential contract, cost, construction feasibility, and insurance risks.
Reviewing subcontracts prior to issuance to the subcontractor for compliance with documents and estimate.
Managing the design team through the development of permit documents.
Making recommendations for ways to improve business operations (including processes, procedures, and best operating practices), looking for ways to increase client satisfaction, improve efficiency, and improve profitability.
Participating in applicable corporate meetings and forums.
Performing other duties as assigned.
Complying with all safety policies, reporting suspected safety concerns, making recommendations for enhancements to the safety program, and visibly supporting and upholding the company’s strong safety culture.
Remaining current in all company-required safety training and certifications.
Acknowledging and celebrating safe behaviors and actions of others.
Understanding and working within the accepted ethical standards of the company.
Proactively supporting and encouraging diversity on projects and teams, visibly supporting and promoting fair and equal treatment and opportunity for all.
Remaining current in all company-required training and certifications.
Staying abreast of changes in the industry, best practices, and other industry information (including changes/trends in methods of construction and materials, construction costs, skilled construction labor and material availability and/or shortages, wage rates, fringes, working rules, and construction software and technology).
Continuously finding ways to take on challenges, increase skills and capacity, and improve knowledge and performance.