Preconstruction Services Manager

Wharton Smith•Tampa, FL

4d•Onsite

About The Position

Wharton-Smith, Inc. is seeking a Preconstruction Services Manager to work in Tampa, Florida. The role is responsible for preconstruction activities on complex construction projects, applying civil engineering principles and construction expertise to assess feasibility, analyze project documents, prepare detailed cost estimates, identify risks, and support project planning and execution. The manager serves as a technical resource through project pursuit, planning, and estimating. The position collaborates with owners, engineers, architects, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal project teams, using advanced civil engineering knowledge, technical analysis, engineering judgment, and cost-management principles to produce accurate estimates and constructability recommendations. Projects range from approximately $4 million to more than $400 million and include water and wastewater infrastructure work. The role is based in a professional office environment and also involves active construction sites, frequent travel throughout Wharton-Smith’s operating regions, and work outdoors in varying weather conditions. The schedule is full-time and exempt, typically Monday through Friday, with flexibility for additional hours to meet project deadlines and support meetings, site visits, and proposal activities.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline.
At least seven years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering, construction estimating, and preconstruction.
Experience preparing conceptual budgets, detailed cost estimates, quantity takeoffs, constructability reviews, and value engineering analyses.
Extensive knowledge of civil engineering principles, construction estimating practices, and preconstruction processes for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents to develop estimates and constructability assessments.
Strong understanding of construction costs, materials, labor, equipment, and project requirements.
Ability to evaluate project risks, identify cost-saving opportunities, and develop value engineering solutions.
Ability to lead and coordinate preconstruction activities while supporting project planning and execution.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills, including the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, including the ability to explain technical information to varied stakeholders.
Strong presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills with a customer-focused approach.
Ability to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Leadership and mentoring skills, including the ability to guide team members and support professional development.
Commitment to company values, organizational objectives, and customer satisfaction.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, PlanSwift or comparable estimating software, scheduling applications, and construction management platforms.
Ability to work in professional office environments and active construction job sites.
Ability to safely navigate construction sites, including uneven terrain, ladders, stairs, excavations, and confined spaces when necessary.
Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and occasionally lift or move materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
Ability to operate standard office equipment and technology.
Availability for a full-time, exempt schedule, typically Monday through Friday, with flexibility for additional hours as needed.
Willingness to travel frequently throughout the company’s operating regions for site visits, pre-bid conferences, client presentations, and project coordination.

Nice To Haves

Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure or eligibility for licensure.

Responsibilities

Review and interpret civil engineering drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, utility records, and contract documents.
Analyze engineering plans and technical specifications to determine project scope, constructability, and feasibility.
Prepare quantity takeoffs for earthwork, underground utilities, grading, drainage, concrete structures, process piping, mechanical systems, and other construction components.
Develop detailed construction cost estimates for labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and self-performed work.
Apply engineering principles to evaluate construction methods, sequencing, temporary works, and resource requirements.
Identify engineering risks, including utility conflicts, excavation support, dewatering, environmental constraints, traffic control, and temporary facilities.
Evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals for completeness, technical compliance, and pricing accuracy.
Develop value engineering recommendations and alternative construction approaches to improve efficiency and reduce costs.
Coordinate and participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, design reviews, and constructability reviews.
Prepare Requests for Information, engineering clarifications, assumptions, qualifications, and bid documentation.
Collaborate with owners, consulting engineers, architects, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal operations teams throughout preconstruction.
Analyze schedules, production rates, equipment utilization, and labor productivity to develop construction budgets.
Evaluate project risks and develop mitigation strategies related to schedule, cost, constructability, permitting, and site conditions.
Prepare conceptual, design development, and budget estimates, as well as competitive hard-bid proposals for projects ranging from approximately $4 million to over $400 million.
Develop and maintain working relationships with clients, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
Participate in project pursuit strategy meetings and assist with proposal development.
Ensure compliance with company policies, estimating procedures, quality standards, and ethical business practices.
Perform additional duties as assigned.