Preconstruction Manager

Hillwood•Short Hills, NJ

17d•Onsite

About The Position

Hillwood Construction Services (HCS) is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Manager to join our team in Allentown, PA, Conshohocken, PA or Short Hills, NJ. This role is critical to the successful planning and execution of commercial and industrial construction projects, managing all phases of preconstruction from initial concept through design, estimating, and subcontractor bidding. While the primary focus is on industrial asset projects, this role will also involve work on office buildings and other asset types. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record in conceptual budgeting, design management, and preconstruction processes, combined with strong collaboration skills to ensure that every project meets HCS’ high standards for quality and client satisfaction. Additionally, as this role evolves the Manager will assist with mentoring and providing guidance to junior team members.

Requirements

Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present complex information clearly.
Strong organizational skills, with keen attention to detail and the ability to manage competing priorities.
Exceptional analytical skills, particularly in budgeting, estimating, and cost analysis.
Effective problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and resolve issues efficiently.
Proven leadership abilities, with experience managing cross-functional teams and diverse stakeholders.
Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to develop and maintain relationships with executive-level clients and internal teams.
Proficiency in construction management software, estimating tools, and Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to navigate and work on active construction sites, including climbing stairs and traversing uneven terrain.
Ability to sit or stand for prolonged periods, with occasional lifting of materials or equipment.
Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture, Engineering, or a related field.
Minimum of 10 years of experience in preconstruction, construction management, or general contracting.
Comprehensive knowledge of construction processes, project management methodologies and commercial real estate development.
Familiarity with permitting, building codes, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Responsibilities

Partner with Hillwood’s vertically integrated Development team from the initial site selection phase, providing quick snapshots of feasibility, general pricing, and potential construction solutions.
Work in lockstep with the Development and Construction teams, ensuring seamless coordination and real-time collaboration throughout every project phase.
Serve as the primary liaison with clients and prospective tenants during the concept phase to define project goals and requirements.
Collaborate with the Director of Preconstruction, Operations Manager, or Vice President to develop competitive strategies for securing projects.
Prepare and manage detailed project estimates, ensuring alignment with scope, schedule, and financial expectations.
Analyze and compare project estimates to historical data, identifying and explaining significant variances.
Perform accurate and comprehensive takeoffs to inform project estimates and bids.
Conduct value engineering exercises to optimize designs while controlling costs.
Develop project- and client-specific bid instructions, using HCS’ standardized bid forms to maximize client value.
Lead efforts to solicit bids exclusively from pre-approved subcontractors, suppliers, and trade partners, ensuring consistency and quality.
Organize and lead pre-bid and bid meetings, aligning all project stakeholders.
Evaluate bids, clarify project scopes, and provide recommendations for awards.
Qualify subcontractors and suppliers to ensure adherence to project standards.
Review project documents for accuracy, constructability, and compliance with budget, HCS standards, and client requirements.
Produce, collect, and distribute preconstruction RFIs to maintain alignment among stakeholders.
Provide regular updates to clients and internal teams on project progress, budget status, and design adjustments.
Utilize preconstruction software (ProEst, Building Connected, TradeTapp, Bluebeam) to streamline estimating, bidding, and design review processes.
Conduct post-bid meetings to finalize scopes and agreements with subcontractors.
Facilitate seamless handoffs to operations teams to ensure successful project execution.