Preconstruction Manager

Novo Construction•Menlo Park, CA

14d•$120,000 - $180,000•Onsite

About The Position

NOVO Construction is seeking a highly skilled and proactive Preconstruction Manager to lead preconstruction efforts for commercial interior tenant improvement (TI) projects. This role is responsible for managing the estimating and planning process from concept through project handoff, ensuring alignment with client goals, budget, and schedule. The ideal candidate will have deep experience in commercial interiors, strong subcontractor relationships, and a solutions-driven approach to early project development.

Requirements

Bachelors degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field required.
Minimum of 37 years of experience in commercial construction with a strong focus on interior tenant improvement projects.
Proven track record delivering successful TI projects in high-density office, law firms, creative tech space, healthcare interiors, or lab/cleanroom environments.
Expertise in construction estimating software such as Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, Procore, or Sage Estimating.
Excellent communication, presentation, and client-facing skills.
Strong understanding of regional subcontractor market and cost trends.
Highly organized and able to manage multiple preconstruction efforts concurrently.

Nice To Haves

LEED, WELL AP, or DBIA certification a plus.
Experience with design-assist or design-build delivery methods.
Familiarity with MEP-intensive tenant improvements (labs, healthcare, data centers).

Responsibilities

Lead the preconstruction process for fast-track and complex tenant improvement projects, typically ranging from $500K to $20M+.
Collaborate closely with clients, architects, designers, brokers, and internal teams to shape project scope and strategy.
Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and detailed estimates based on design progress and market conditions.
Review and interpret design documents, ensuring constructability and cost effectiveness.
Drive value engineering discussions and offer creative, cost-saving alternatives without compromising design intent.
Develop project budgets, milestone schedules, and bid strategies aligned with tenant and landlord expectations.
Lead pre-bid and subcontractor scope meetings, ensuring accurate bid coverage and risk management.
Manage internal estimating team members and mentor junior staff.
Coordinate design-build MEP analysis and procurement in collaboration with engineers and trade partners.
Ensure seamless handoff from preconstruction to project management and field operations.