Senior Preconstruction Services Manager

Wharton-Smith • Tampa, FL

5d

About The Position

Wharton-Smith, Inc. is seeking a Senior Preconstruction Manager willing to work in Tampa, Florida. The role leads the preconstruction effort on assigned projects, develops accurate cost estimates, manages subcontractor relationships, prepares proposals, and ensures a seamless transition to operations. Senior-level candidates lead complex pursuits, mentor team members, and contribute strategically to preconstruction planning and execution.

Requirements

• 15–20 years of total construction experience; 20 years preferred.
• At least the most recent 10 years in preconstruction.
• The preceding 5–10 years may be in operations, depending on total experience.
• Current residency in or near Palm Beach Gardens/Southeast Florida and strong knowledge of the local construction market.
• Experience with K–12 or government construction projects.
• Proficiency in PlanSwift and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong communication, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Experience with Hard Bid, Construction Management, and Design-Build delivery methods.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field.
• 7–15+ years of estimating experience in the Southeast Florida region.
• Proven ability to lead multiple estimates and pursuits concurrently.
• Computer proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and additional industry-relevant software.

Responsibilities

• Prepare detailed estimates across all trades for Lump Sum, Construction Management, and Design-Build projects.
• Develop bid strategies that balance competitiveness with budget accuracy.
• Perform quantity take-offs using PlanSwift and similar estimating software.
• Develop estimates using unit-cost methods and Excel-based formats for conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document phases.
• Prepare budgets and proposals using drawings at SD/30%, DD/60%, and CD/90% levels.
• Provide constructability reviews and value-management recommendations.
• Present estimates and cost breakdowns to owners, architects, and project stakeholders.
• Lead solicitation, scope review, and evaluation of subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Organize and conduct pre-bid subcontractor meetings and site walkthroughs.
• Select subcontractor and vendor proposals for inclusion in final bids.
• Conduct site visits to assess construction methods and conditions and inform bid strategies.
• Supervise and mentor junior estimators assigned to projects.
• Collaborate under strict deadlines to support bid-day activities and make timely subcontractor recommendations.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, design consultants, subcontractors, owner representatives, and internal staff during preconstruction.
• Lead the Project Hand-off Meeting to transfer project knowledge from Preconstruction to Operations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior