Job DescriptionSUMMARYAt Ajax, the Preconstruction Manager leads project planning and cost strategy from early concept through GMP, ensuring alignment between design, budget, and constructability. This role serves as a strategic partner to clients, design teams, and operations-guiding pricing, validating estimates, and helping drive efficient, well-coordinated project outcomes.
This is a client-facing position requiring strong leadership in meetings and the ability to influence the design process in a collaborative, solutions-oriented manner. The role reports to the Director of Preconstruction Services and supports project teams across Greenville, Columbia, and Charleston, with some travel required.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS- Lead preconstruction efforts from conceptual budgeting through design development and GMP execution in partnership with Operations
- Serve as the strategic lead during preconstruction-guiding pricing, validating estimates, and ensuring alignment with project goals
- Develop and oversee conceptual budgets, cost models, and design-phase estimates without being responsible for detailed quantity takeoffs
- Create and distribute design phase deliverables, including cost reports, value engineering analyses, and budget updates
- Prepare and lead GMP proposal development and client presentations
- Provide constructability feedback and value engineering recommendations to advance design in a cost-effective manner
- Proactively engage with design teams to challenge assumptions and drive efficient, buildable solutions
- Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and vendor pricing in coordination with the estimating team
- Maintain and utilize historical cost data to support forecasting and benchmarking
- Serve as a primary point of contact with clients, architects, engineers, and consultants during preconstruction
- Lead and participate in client and design meetings, clearly communicating cost impacts and project strategy
- Build and maintain strong relationships to support both project execution and future business development
- Support higher education and municipal projects across the South Carolina market
QUALIFICATIONS- 5+ years of experience in preconstruction/estimating within commercial construction
- Strong understanding of how projects are built, priced, and delivered across all phases of construction
- Experience leading or supporting preconstruction efforts from concept through GMP development
- Experience with higher education and/or municipal projects preferred
- Ideal candidate will have South Carolina market experience (Greenville, Columbia, Charleston, etc.)
- Ability to operate effectively in a client-facing role and lead meetings with confidence
- Demonstrated ability to guide and influence the design process in a proactive, collaborative manner
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field preferred (or equivalent experience)
- Strong communication, presentation, and organizational skills
- Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities simultaneously
- Willingness to travel for project meetings and presentations as needed
BENEFITSThe Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance, Vision Insurance, Health Savings Account, Healthcare Flexible Spending Account, Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account, 401(k) retirement plan with employer match, Life & AD&D Insurance, Long-term Disability Insurance, Short-term Disability insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Accident Insurance, Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Home & Auto Insurance, Family Support, Pre-tax Paid Parking/Public Transportation, Paid time off, Time Away Benefits, Paid Holidays, Group Legal, Employee Stock Purchase Plan, Identity Theft Protection, Pet Insurance, Employee Assistance Program
