Preconstruction Manager

Layton Construction Company•Woodbridge, NJ

1d•Onsite

About The Position

We are currently seeking a Preconstruction Manager. This role is responsible for managing efficient pre-construction costs by vetting project feasibility and selecting vendors and subcontractors. The Preconstruction Manager will create complete and detailed pre-construction estimates and project turnover packages, including scope of work, job schedules, project risks, and site-specific safety requirements. They will collaborate with engineering, sales staff, field technicians, and end users to develop estimates and project plans. Responsibilities include participating in job site preconstruction walk-throughs, obtaining bids, and selecting reliable subcontractors. The role also involves handling day-to-day duties such as printing, reviewing project drawings, job specs, and submittals; managing project status lists; and providing updates to the operations department and management. Knowledge of HVAC and building automation systems for new construction and retrofit projects is essential, as is the ability to provide critical thinking for problem-solving and resolving engineering/constructability conflicts. A clear understanding of Revenue, Gross Margin, and Operating Income is required. The position administers and coordinates the bid process for various contract types, prepares schematic budgets, and participates in business development activities. The Preconstruction Manager will assist operations teams with cost control from conceptual budgeting through project completion, create detailed take-offs, identify scope gaps, level proposals, prepare subcontractor and vendor scopes, and establish vendor master agreements. They will review equipment requirements, determine procurement feasibility, and lead, supervise, mentor, evaluate, and train department staff, including conducting annual performance reviews and salary/bonus considerations. The role also involves developing new business, promoting company values and services, and staying current on construction trends, codes, and technology. Collaboration with Operations Management and participation in strategic planning are also key aspects of this position.

Requirements

Bachelor of Science degree in Construction or Engineering.
10+ years of professional experience in the Commercial Construction Management and/or General Contracting industry in positions responsible for estimating and preconstruction services in support of negotiated and hard-bid work.
Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in the construction management process as a general contractor gained through positions in estimating, preconstruction, project management, project engineering, and field operations.
Strong conceptual estimating and budgeting experience of all CSI Divisions, as required by CM@Risk or Design-Build delivery methods.
Ability to accurately develop complete estimates that balance cost effectiveness and profitability with client satisfaction.
Diverse project sector experience encompassing corporate real estate, office buildings, data centers, health care, higher education, hospitality.
Project type experience must include new construction, core & shell, interiors, renovations, and MEP infrastructure.
Strong leadership, management, business acumen, business development, client service, training and mentoring skills.
Competent skills in utilizing estimating, project management and office productivity software applications.
Analytical Skills – Demonstrated ability to gather, relate and compare data from different sources, ensure data is reliable, complete and accurate. Fully capable in questioning incomplete data on complex construction projects.
Communications - Demonstrated ability to speak, write and listen in a manner that commands attention and respect. Demonstrated skill at listening and understanding the needs of others.
Decision Making – Ability to analyze variables and contingencies, evaluate circumstances, assess potential outcomes and develop a logical and timely solution that is consistent with the needs of the situation.
Estimating – Demonstrates strong ability to produce accurate and thorough budgets for CM@Risk GMP projects, Design-Build projects, and Lump Sum Bid projects. Expertise in developing conceptual budgets and providing value engineering options throughout the design-development lifecycle. Ability to balance cost effectiveness with client satisfaction.
Financial Analysis – Demonstrated ability to understand and analyze construction cost and financial data; ability to use financial data to make accurate change order, project schedule, general conditions and other business decisions.
Interpersonal and Negotiation Skills – Strong ability to forge solid working, trusting and partnering relationships with subcontractors, vendors and internal staff. Communicating data, position or arguments in a manner that gains acceptance or agreement to reach intended outcome. Seeks a win-win solution.
PC Skills – Demonstrated experience and competence in office productivity tools such as Word, Excel and MS Project. Demonstrated experience in estimating and other construction project management software such as MC2, iSqFt, OnCenter Take Off and Construction Information Network.
Self-Starter – Demonstrated skill at accomplishing own work without the need for close supervision. Acts based on urgency, client needs and the needs of the firm without always having to ask someone for guidance.
Time Management – Demonstrated ability and success in accomplishing tasks by established deadlines; demonstrated discipline in using time management tools and techniques to effectively multitask when needed.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of HVAC and building automation systems as applied to new construction and retrofit projects.

Responsibilities

Managing efficient pre-construction costs by vetting project feasibility and selecting vendors and subcontractors.
Create complete and detailed pre-construction estimates and project turn over packages which include project scope of work, job schedules, project risks, and site-specific safety requirements.
Work with engineering, sales staff, field technicians, and end users to develop estimates and project plans to be delivered to the customer.
Participate in job site preconstruction walk-throughs, obtaining bids and selecting reliable subcontractors to provide special construction, or other services.
Handle day-to-day duties of this role including printing, reviewing, and understanding project drawings, job specs, and submittals; managing and maintaining an ongoing list of project status for potential jobs; and providing updates and feedback to the operations department and management.
Administer and coordinate bid process for hard bids, negotiated contracts, and design build projects.
Preparation of schematic budgets for various project types.
Participate in business development activities including participation in project interviews, industry/trade events, client events, etc.
Assist operations teams with cost control beginning with conceptual budgeting through project completion.
Create a detailed take off as necessary for projects.
Identify potential scope gaps.
Level proposals.
Prepare subcontractor and vendor scopes.
Establish vendor master agreements with manufactures and distributers.
Review equipment requirements and determine feasibility of equipment procurement.
Lead, supervise, mentor, evaluate, and train the department’s staff. Conduct annual performance reviews of each direct report, as part of the company’s standard annual performance appraisal system, including salary reviews and bonus awards.
Participate in developing new business through the pursuit of project opportunities, communicate and promote the company’s values and preconstruction services with clients, subcontractors, vendors, architects and engineers.
Seek and distribute current information on trends in construction codes, practices and technology in order to ensure complete bids from subcontractors and material suppliers.
Assist and support Operations Management in each office and participate in strategic and business planning for the company.