Preconstruction Manager
Location: Apex, NC
Job Type: Full-Time
Position Summary
D. Clugston, Inc. is seeking an experienced and motivated Preconstruction Manager to lead the planning and development of commercial construction projects from initial concept through turnover to operations. This leadership role is responsible for managing the entire preconstruction process, ensuring projects are accurately budgeted, strategically planned, and positioned for successful execution.
The Preconstruction Manager serves as the primary liaison between owners, architects, engineers, consultants, subcontractors, and internal teams during the project's early stages. This position requires a strong understanding of commercial construction, exceptional leadership skills, and the ability to guide design decisions that align project scope, schedule, quality, and budget.
The ideal candidate is a strategic thinker who thrives in a collaborative, fast-paced design-build environment and is passionate about delivering exceptional service to clients while building successful projects.
Key Responsibilities
Preconstruction Leadership
- Lead all phases of the preconstruction process from conceptual design through construction start.
- Manage multiple projects simultaneously while maintaining budget, schedule, and quality objectives.
- Establish and maintain preconstruction schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
- Facilitate internal preconstruction meetings and coordinate communication between all project stakeholders.
- Develop and continuously improve estimating procedures, preconstruction standards, and best practices.
- Mentor and support estimators and other preconstruction staff.
Budgeting & Cost Management
- Prepare conceptual budgets, schematic estimates, design development estimates, and final construction budgets.
- Perform quantity takeoffs and detailed pricing analyses.
- Maintain historical cost data, unit pricing, and market cost trends.
- Evaluate cost escalation and market conditions that may impact project budgets.
- Prepare cost reports and budget updates throughout the design process.
- Identify cost-saving opportunities while maintaining project quality and design intent.
- Develop alternate pricing and value engineering recommendations.
Design Management & Constructability
- Collaborate with architects, engineers, consultants, and owners throughout the design process.
- Provide constructability reviews and recommendations to improve efficiency and reduce project risk.
- Review drawings and specifications for completeness, coordination, and potential conflicts.
- Identify design issues early and recommend practical solutions.
- Assist the design team in making informed decisions that align with project budgets and schedules.
Procurement & Subcontractor Management
- Develop bid packages and scopes of work for all trade partners.
- Solicit, evaluate, level, and negotiate subcontractor and supplier proposals.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with qualified subcontractors and vendors.
- Lead subcontractor selection and buyout while ensuring complete scope coverage.
- Develop procurement strategies for long-lead materials and critical equipment.
Client Relations & Business Development
- Develop and maintain strong relationships with owners, developers, architects, and consultants.
- Participate in client presentations, interviews, and proposal development.
- Present budgets, value engineering recommendations, and project updates to clients.
- Support business development efforts by providing technical expertise during project pursuit.
- Promote a collaborative, solutions-oriented approach that strengthens long-term client relationships.
Transition to Construction
- Lead the formal turnover process from Preconstruction to Operations.
- Conduct turnover meetings with Project Management, Superintendents and other key team members.
- Ensure all project budgets, estimates, scopes of work, assumptions, and procurement strategies are clearly documented and communicated.
- Coordinate final subcontractor buyout activities.
- Develop procurement schedules and identify long-lead items.
- Remain engaged during the early phases of construction to provide cost support, scope clarification, and budget assistance.
Qualifications
Required
- Minimum of 7 years of commercial construction estimating or preconstruction experience.
- Proven experience leading preconstruction efforts on commercial construction projects.
- Strong knowledge of commercial construction methods, materials, building systems, and sequencing.
- Experience developing conceptual budgets through final GMP or negotiated pricing.
- Demonstrated success in subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, negotiation, and buyout.
- Excellent financial analysis and cost management skills.
- Strong leadership, organizational, and communication abilities.
- Ability to manage multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
Preferred
- Experience working in a design-build environment.
- Proficiency with estimating software, Bluebeam, Microsoft Excel, Procore, and Sage Construction software.
- Knowledge of scheduling software such as Microsoft Project or Primavera P6.
- Experience leading owner presentations and design coordination meetings.
Benefits
- Competitive salary with performance-based incentives
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid vacation and company holidays
- Professional development and continuing education opportunities
- Career advancement within a growing commercial construction company
Why Join D. Clugston, Inc.?
At D. Clugston, Inc., we believe successful projects begin long before construction starts. As a design-build contractor, our preconstruction team plays a critical role in shaping project success through collaboration, innovation, and disciplined planning.
We promote a culture built on integrity, teamwork, accountability, and continuous improvement. Our employees have the opportunity to make meaningful contributions, build lasting client relationships, and grow professionally while delivering high-quality commercial projects.
If you're ready to lead projects from concept to construction and play a key role in our continued growth, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: $90,000.00 - $105,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) 4% Match
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Have you managed the complete preconstruction process from conceptual budgeting through project turnover?
- Which project types have you estimated? (Select all that apply)
-Clubhouses
-Amenity Centers
-Offices
-Retail
-Multifamily
-Hospitality
-Healthcare
-Industrial
- What is the largest commercial project you have estimated?
- Are you experienced with conceptual estimating before construction documents are complete?
- What estimating software have you used?
- Which project management software have you used?
- Do you have experience soliciting bids and negotiating with subcontractors?
- Have you successfully managed multiple estimates simultaneously while meeting deadlines?
Education:
Experience:
- Commercial Construction Estimating or Preconstruction: 7 years (Required)
Work Location: In person
