Preconstruction Manager

Location: Indianapolis, IN (In-Office)
Reports To: Executive Leadership
Compensation: $150,000 - $190,000 base salary, commensurate with experience and qualifications, plus performance-based bonus potential

Position Summary

A well-established commercial general contractor is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Manager to lead estimating, budgeting, design-phase coordination, and project planning efforts from pursuit through construction commencement. This individual will be a key contributor in developing accurate project budgets, managing risk, supporting design teams, negotiating subcontractor scopes, and ensuring seamless project turnover to operations.

The ideal candidate will possess a strong background in commercial construction, exceptional leadership and communication skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects in various stages of preconstruction simultaneously. Experience with negotiated work, GMP development, and collaborating closely with owners, architects, engineers, and subcontractors is highly desirable.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Cost Management

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and final estimates for commercial construction projects.
• Develop and manage Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposals.
• Perform and review quantity takeoffs and estimate documentation.
• Validate estimate accuracy, completeness, and alignment with project goals.
• Maintain and enhance historical cost databases and benchmarking tools.
• Analyze labor, material, equipment, and subcontractor pricing trends.
• Support continuous improvement of estimating processes and best practices.

Commercial Risk Management

• Conduct scope gap and overlap reviews to identify project risks and cost exposures.
• Lead bid leveling and comparative analysis of subcontractor proposals.
• Develop strategic buyout and procurement plans.
• Negotiate subcontractor scopes, terms, and pricing.
• Oversee bid package development and solicitation efforts.
• Collaborate with project teams to proactively mitigate commercial and operational risks.

Design & Preconstruction Management

• Lead preconstruction activities throughout the design process.
• Identify, track, and manage value engineering opportunities.
• Ensure approved value engineering initiatives are incorporated into final contract documents.
• Facilitate coordination with owners, architects, engineers, and consultants.
• Perform constructability reviews and provide recommendations to improve efficiency, cost effectiveness, and schedule performance.
• Assist clients and design teams with budgeting, phasing, scheduling, and material selection decisions.
• Provide input on construction means, methods, sequencing, and logistics planning.

Contracts & Proposal Development

• Review owner agreements and contract requirements during the preconstruction phase.
• Evaluate exhibits, attachments, specifications, and project-specific requirements.
• Develop comprehensive proposals, budgets, clarifications, and qualifications.
• Establish project assumptions, exclusions, and schedule considerations.
• Support leadership during contract negotiations and project award processes.

Project Turnover & Operations Coordination

• Prepare comprehensive turnover packages for project management and field teams.
• Conduct detailed scope and budget reviews with Project Managers.
• Validate estimate assumptions and project budgets prior to construction start.
• Develop procurement and subcontracting strategies for project execution.
• Coordinate planning and procurement of long-lead materials and equipment.
• Ensure all preconstruction commitments, risks, and assumptions are clearly communicated to operations teams.

Qualifications

Required

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
• 7+ years of experience in commercial construction estimating, preconstruction, or project management.
• Proven experience developing conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, and GMPs.
• Strong understanding of construction contracts, procurement, cost control, and risk management.
• Experience leading constructability reviews and design-phase coordination.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Preferred

• Experience with commercial, multifamily, mixed-use, hospitality, healthcare, senior living, industrial, educational, or other vertical construction projects.
• Experience working for a general contractor or construction management firm.
• Familiarity with Design-Build, Construction Management, and negotiated project delivery methods.
• Proficiency with estimating software, quantity takeoff tools, and construction management platforms.
• Leadership experience mentoring estimators, coordinators, or preconstruction personnel.

What You'll Bring

• Strong business acumen and commercial awareness.
• A client-focused approach and commitment to delivering value.
• The ability to collaborate effectively with internal teams and external stakeholders.
• Strategic thinking balanced with attention to detail.
• A proactive mindset and passion for planning projects for successful execution.