Preconstruction Manager - Commercial / Institutional

Pavarini•Tampa, FL

About The Position

Ajax Building Company, part of STO Building Group, is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Manager to lead project planning and cost strategy from early concept through GMP. The role ensures alignment among design, budget, and constructability, and serves as a strategic partner to clients, design teams, and operations by guiding pricing, validating estimates, and supporting efficient, coordinated project outcomes. This is a client-facing position requiring leadership in meetings and the ability to influence the design process collaboratively. The position reports to the Director of Preconstruction Services and supports project teams across Florida, with some travel required. Projects may include higher education, healthcare, municipal, and mission critical work. Ajax is a commercial contractor delivering projects across the Southeast. The company describes its culture as collaborative and team-oriented, with opportunities to take on meaningful responsibility, work on diverse and challenging projects, and advance professionally.

Requirements

At least 5 years of experience in preconstruction or estimating within commercial construction.
Strong understanding of how projects are built, priced, and delivered across all phases of construction.
Experience leading or supporting preconstruction from concept through GMP development.
Ability to work effectively in a client-facing role and confidently lead meetings.
Demonstrated ability to proactively and collaboratively guide and influence the design process.
Strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills.
Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously.
Willingness to travel for project meetings and presentations as needed.

Nice To Haves

Experience with higher education and/or municipal projects.
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field; equivalent experience is also accepted.

Responsibilities

Lead preconstruction from conceptual budgeting through design development and GMP execution in partnership with Operations.
Guide pricing, validate estimates, and ensure preconstruction work aligns with project goals.
Develop and oversee conceptual budgets, cost models, and design-phase estimates; detailed quantity takeoffs are not part of this role.
Create and distribute design-phase deliverables, including cost reports, value engineering analyses, and budget updates.
Prepare and lead GMP proposal development and client presentations.
Provide constructability feedback and value engineering recommendations to advance cost-effective design.
Engage design teams to challenge assumptions and promote efficient, buildable solutions.
Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor pricing in coordination with the estimating team.
Maintain and use historical cost data for forecasting and benchmarking.
Serve as a primary point of contact for clients, architects, engineers, and consultants during preconstruction.
Lead and participate in client and design meetings, communicating cost impacts and project strategy.
Build and maintain relationships that support project execution and future business development.
Support higher education, healthcare, municipal, mission critical, and other projects.