Preconstruction Manager

Dean Builds • Lexington, KY

8d

About The Position

Dean Builds provides Construction Management, General Contracting, and Design-Build services for commercial construction projects, including schools, churches, and commercial and industrial projects. The company is licensed to work in Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Georgia, and West Virginia.

The Preconstruction Manager oversees preconstruction activities from initial concept through project handoff. The role supports successful project execution within budget and schedule by ensuring accurate estimating, constructability review, value engineering, scheduling, and risk assessment. The position leads preconstruction teams and collaborates with owners, architects, engineers, trade partners, and internal project teams. It also supports pursuit strategy, contract negotiations, and client relationship development.

The role requires a relevant bachelor's degree or equivalent professional experience and at least seven years of commercial construction experience, including significant preconstruction, estimating, or project planning experience. Experience with alternative delivery methods is required; experience in specific markets and familiarity with BIM coordination and preconstruction modeling are a plus. The Company does not provide immigration or work visa sponsorship.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent professional experience.
• At least 7 years of commercial construction experience, with significant preconstruction, estimating, or project planning experience.
• Demonstrated experience leading preconstruction efforts for projects of varying size and complexity.
• Background working with general contractors, construction managers, or design-build teams.
• Experience with alternative delivery methods, including CM at Risk, Design-Build, or IPD.
• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, materials, and sequencing.
• Expertise in conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimating; value engineering and cost modeling; budget development and cost control; and constructability and logistics analysis.
• Ability to interpret and analyze drawings, specifications, and design documents at all phases.
• Knowledge of estimating and preconstruction software such as Sage, ProEst, OST, Bluebeam, Excel, or similar.
• Knowledge of local building codes, procurement methods, and subcontractor markets.
• Experience leading preconstruction teams and collaborating with owners, architects, engineers, and internal project teams.
• Strong written and verbal communication, organizational, and time-management skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to clearly present budgets, schedules, and value options to owners and stakeholders.
• Professionalism, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
• Understanding of market conditions, pricing trends, and risk management.
• Ability to support pursuit strategy, contract negotiations, and preconstruction agreements; client-focused approach to relationship development.

Nice To Haves

• Experience in markets such as healthcare, education, industrial, or multifamily.
• Familiarity with BIM coordination and preconstruction modeling.

Responsibilities

• Oversee preconstruction activities from initial concept through project handoff.
• Ensure accurate estimating, constructability review, value engineering, scheduling, and risk assessment to support project execution within budget and schedule.
• Develop conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimates; support cost modeling, budget development, and cost control.
• Analyze constructability, logistics, drawings, specifications, and design documents throughout project phases.
• Lead preconstruction teams, including estimators and coordinators, and mentor and develop junior staff.
• Collaborate with owners, architects, engineers, internal project teams, and trade partners.
• Facilitate design-assist and early trade partner involvement.
• Present budgets, schedules, and value options to owners and stakeholders.
• Manage multiple projects and support pursuit strategy through conceptual budgets, schedules, and proposal input.
• Support contract negotiations and preconstruction agreements.
• Support client relationship development.

Benefits

• Competitive pay
• Paid time off
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager