Pre-Construction Leadership

Samet Corporation | Greensboro, NC • Raleigh, NC • Charlotte, NC • Wilmington, NC • Charleston, SC • Savannah, GA

This is an evergreen talent-pipeline posting open across all six Samet offices - not a specific, currently open position.

Preconstruction leadership at Samet sets the strategy that wins work and the standards that deliver it. In these roles, you lead complex preconstruction from pursuit through design completion and construction handoff-directing estimating, design coordination, procurement, and client relationships to favorably shape how clients see Samet.

Youll build and develop high-performing preconstruction teams, negotiate the agreements that protect the company, and drive the innovation that keeps Samet competitive. If you want to own preconstruction at a regional or executive level, this is where you lead.

Levels & Experience

This posting covers our senior preconstruction leadership roles. Well align title and scope to your experience:

• Pre-Construction Project Executive - A senior leader overseeing multiple large-scale preconstruction efforts from pursuit through handoff - leading proposals, design reviews, value engineering, contract negotiations, and client relationships. Typically 10+ years of progressive construction experience with significant preconstruction leadership; engineering or construction-related degree and LEED preferred.
• Director of Pre-Construction Services - Leads and directs all preconstruction activities for the region - strategy, estimating standards, design coordination, departmental budget, and team development - and owns the handoff to construction. Typically 10-15 years of progressive experience with significant leadership in preconstruction, estimating, or project management.

What Youll Do

• Lead strategic project pursuits and business development to expand market presence and competitive positioning.
• Oversee multiple large-scale preconstruction projects simultaneously, ensuring delivery excellence and client satisfaction.
• Direct preparation and presentation of comprehensive proposals - conceptual estimates, schedules, and value engineering alternatives.
• Establish and standardize estimating formats, databases, and historical cost data for accurate conceptual-through-final estimates.
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with clients, architects, engineers, consultants, subcontractors, and vendors.
• Establish design coordination processes that integrate design concepts with construction feasibility across all phases.
• Manage design schedules and deliverables with civil, architectural, structural, MEP, and specialty partners.
• Lead design reviews and constructability analysis to resolve issues before construction.
• Review and negotiate owner contracts, teaming agreements, and professional service agreements to ensure favorable terms and risk mitigation.
• Coordinate standardized project turnover from preconstruction award through permits and construction mobilization.
• Manage preconstruction budgets and departmental performance metrics, including monthly estimated-versus-actual cost analysis.
• Prepare project pipeline reports, performance summaries, and budget analyses for executive leadership.
• Build, mentor, and develop the preconstruction team, fostering succession planning and a collaborative culture.

What You Bring

• Bachelors degree in architecture, engineering (mechanical, electrical, or civil), construction management, or a related field.
• 10-15+ years of progressive construction experience with significant preconstruction, estimating, or project management leadership.
• Proven track record managing large, complex projects from conception through completion.
• Extensive knowledge of construction methods, building systems, codes, regulations, and delivery methods (Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, CM at Risk, IPD).
• Strong expertise in cost estimating, quantity take-offs, and construction economics.
• Experience with design coordination, BIM, and virtual construction tools (AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks) and project management/estimating/scheduling software (Primavera, MS Project).
• Strong understanding of contract structures, risk allocation, and the legal aspects of construction.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and presentation skills, with proven negotiation ability.
• LEED AP or LEED Green Associate, or a professional engineering license (preferred/valued).
• Experience in commercial, healthcare, education, or industrial markets (preferred).

Additional Requirements

Physical Demands: A primarily office-based role with frequent, recurring visits to active construction sites. Regularly required to sit, walk (including on rough or uneven surfaces), use hands and fingers to handle equipment and files, reach, drive, bend, talk, see, and hear; occasionally required to stand, climb stairs or ladders, balance, kneel, crouch, or twist, and infrequently to crawl. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment: An office environment with frequent, recurring visits to active construction sites, where noise and light levels may be higher and proper PPE is required. Temperature varies by location and season. Frequent travel is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Computer Skills: Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 and SharePoint, estimating tools, BIM technologies (AutoCAD, Revit, Navisworks), and scheduling applications (Primavera, MS Project). Able to collaborate via Zoom or Teams and type complex correspondence.

Math Ability: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability: Superior strategic thinking and problem-solving, with the ability to assess complex preconstruction scenarios, anticipate challenges, and make sound decisions that affect competitive positioning and project success.

Certificates and Licenses: A valid drivers license is required. LEED AP or LEED Green Associate, or a professional engineering license, preferred.