Preconstruction Manager - Federal

The Haskell Company•Jacksonville, FL

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Preconstruction Manager is responsible for preconstruction activities on Federal projects, from preliminary budgeting and value engineering through estimating, subcontractor bidding, and project handoff. The role leads and mentors preconstruction staff, coordinates with design and proposal teams, develops and reviews estimates and bid packages, manages subcontractor engagement, and presents deliverables to internal leaders and external customers. It also supports database and training program maintenance and may assist project management with buyout and change orders. Travel to meet subcontractors, attend bid walks, and attend conferences is expected as needed, estimated at 5–20% of the time.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in an accredited construction-related curriculum, such as Civil Engineering or Construction Management, or equivalent, plus 5 years of experience; alternatively, 8 years of relevant construction-industry experience.
Experience with RFP-based Design-Build and Design-Bid-Build vertical construction projects administered by USACE, NAVFAC, AFCEC, or similar agencies.
Understanding of UFGS (Unified Facilities Guide Specifications) and UFC (Unified Facilities Criteria).
Knowledge of the Davis-Bacon Act, Buy American requirements, and Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) provisions.
Ability to understand owner and engineer requirements and work conceptually with minimal information.
Knowledge of construction, material systems, market conditions, and trade practices.
Knowledge of estimating software and excellent computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office suite programs.
Detailed, deadline-oriented, and well-organized, with the ability to prioritize.
Strong organizational skills.
Excellent oral and written communication skills.
Ability to communicate effectively with internal clients, external clients, and subcontractors.
Ability to visit other locations and perform the physical activities described in the posting, including standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and lifting, carrying, or moving light-to-medium weights of 10–50 pounds.

Nice To Haves

At least 5 years of experience with DoD or other federal vertical construction projects.
Experience with estimating software such as Beck Destini, Accubid, Bluebeam, or InSite.

Responsibilities

Manage and mentor Preconstruction Specialists; assign projects and oversee direct reports’ job costing, expenses, and performance reviews.
Ensure understanding of and adherence to the preconstruction process flow.
Collaborate with design teams to influence cost, scope, and schedule outcomes; lead constructability reviews, value engineering, and Target Value Design.
Develop the estimate plan with the proposal leader, align the proposal team on strategy and expectations, identify resource needs, lead kickoff meetings, and assign action items.
Lead estimating teams and compile multidisciplinary work products into a complete estimate.
Ensure estimators have the information needed; communicate information gaps to the proposal leader, design team, or customer.
Manage subcontractor, internal, and owner RFI lists as required.
Review proposal milestones, track progress, ensure timely estimate completion, and communicate deadline risks to the proposal leader and Director of Preconstruction.
Ensure clarifications are clear, complete, and compiled; coordinate their inclusion in the formal proposal with marketing.
Complete or assist with owner bid forms and coordinate their inclusion in the formal proposal.
Ensure estimates comply with RFP documents and communicate necessary deviations to the proposal leader.
Lead estimate review meetings and present final deliverables to internal leadership and external customers.
Identify and manage project risks, including contingency development.
Build and maintain subcontractor relationships; develop subcontractor search and communication strategies and ensure the engagement team follows them.
Obtain at least three quotes per bid package unless otherwise agreed with the proposal leader, and meet with local subcontractors as needed.
Organize, lead, or participate in pre-bid meetings when required.
Lead development of subcontractor bid packages, including NDAs, RFPs, drawings, scopes of work, bid forms, contract attachments, schedules, and site logistics plans; coordinate with operational resources to ensure completeness.
Work with the Business Diversity Coordinator on federal or public-sector agency proposals to develop a compliant Small and/or WMBE business participation engagement plan.
Receive and analyze subcontractor quotes, lead scope review meetings, and recommend subcontractor selections.
Submit project budgets to accounting and lead handoff meetings with the operations team.
Assist Project Management with compiling scopes of work for contractual agreements and, as needed, with buyout and change orders.
Compile preconstruction lessons learned when applicable and participate in project-close lessons learned meetings; communicate budget underrun and overrun lessons to the preconstruction department.
Contribute to maintaining preferred subcontractor, bid form and bid package, cost history, and estimating databases.
Lead the use of estimating platforms, model-based takeoffs, AI-assisted workflows, and cost databases.
Train Preconstruction Specialists and other personnel as needed and help develop and maintain the training program.
Travel as needed to meet local subcontractors, attend bid walks, and attend conferences.