Purpose:The Preconstruction Manager leads assigned projects from early concept through final pricing and transition to construction, aligning scope, budget, and schedule with the owner's goals. Working with owners, design professionals, trade partners, and Rabren's project and field teams, this position prepares reliable estimates, guides preconstruction decisions, and delivers coordinated proposals in accordance with Rabren Best Practices.
Duties and Responsibilities:Best Practices & Relationships- Build and maintain client, design-team, subcontractor, and supplier relationships; communicate progress, decisions, and concerns throughout preconstruction.
- Support pursuits, presentations, marketing strategies, and Rabren/client events; help develop new and repeat business.
- Follow and improve Rabren Preconstruction Best Practices; coordinate assigned estimating support, mentor team members, and support recruiting.
Estimating and Budget Management- Prepare and lead the review of conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction estimates for negotiated and hard-bid projects.
- Develop quantities, unit pricing, and cost models using historical costs, current market pricing, and subcontractor input for labor, materials, subcontracted work, and self-performed work.
- Develop general and special conditions budgets with Operations; include builder's risk and other insurance, bonds, labor burden, taxes, and applicable fees using approved rates.
- Document assumptions, allowances, contingencies, exclusions, and escalation; reconcile estimate changes between design stages and identify budget risks.
- Assemble and present final estimates, pricing summaries, and schedules of values to the owner; obtain required internal review before submission.
Bid Solicitation & Procurement- Develop bid lists and packages; issue invitations addressing phasing, alternates, breakout pricing, scope requirements, and submission deadlines.
- Manage solicitation and hard-bid activities; coordinate trade partner qualification and follow up to obtain adequate bid coverage.
- Analyze bids for scope, exclusions, quote validity, and trade interfaces; resolve gaps and overlaps before final pricing.
Design Coordination & Value Analysis- Review drawings and specifications for completeness and constructability; track design questions and clarify scope before pricing.
- Evaluate alternatives with design and operations teams; communicate cost, schedule, quality, and owner impacts, and verify accepted changes are reflected in documents and estimates.
Schedule- Lead preconstruction coordination meetings with owners, designers, and internal teams; track deliverables and decisions affecting estimate and design deadlines.
- Coordinate the preliminary construction schedule with Project Management and Field Operations, including phasing, permitting, long-lead procurement, and site logistics.
Reports, Documentation & Project Handoff- Maintain current estimates, bid tabs, pricing records, design revisions, meeting records, and decision logs in approved systems.
- Use and improve estimating tools and processes; maintain historical cost information and incorporate project feedback into future estimates.
- Coordinate estimate handoff with Operations; review scope, budget, assumptions, exclusions, trade pricing, schedule, procurement needs, and unresolved risks.
Other Duties- This description does not cover every activity, duty, or responsibility required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
Minimum Requirements- Bachelor's degree in Building Science, Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or a related field.
- 5-10 years of preconstruction or estimating experience with a commercial general contractor.
- Knowledge of construction systems, estimating methods, conceptual budgeting, subcontractor scope analysis, and preconstruction scheduling.
- Ability to read drawings and specifications, evaluate incomplete information, and communicate pricing assumptions and project risks.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, collaboration, analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
- Attention to detail and the ability to prioritize work, meet deadlines, and organize concurrent assignments.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word and Excel and experience with preconstruction software, such as Togal AI, Bluebeam, Procore, etc., or comparable systems.
- Valid driver's license.
Rabren Success Factors and Team Expectations- Drive for Results, Strive for Improvement, Create Trust with Character and Action, Team Up, Solve Complex Problems, and Build People.
- Humble: Put the team first, welcome feedback, and share credit. Hungry: Take initiative, follow through, and pursue improvement. People Smart: Listen well, communicate respectfully, and consider how your actions affect others.
Supervisory ResponsibilityMay supervise preconstruction interns as assigned. Provide leadership and mentoring to Preconstruction and Operations team members during procurement.
Work Environment and Physical Demands- Work primarily in an office environment, with travel to offices, jobsites, and pre-bid meetings.
- Perform office activities requiring verbal communication, handling or operating objects, tools, or controls, and reaching with the hands.
- These duties may be performed with or without reasonable accommodation.
Hours and TravelFull-time position. Standard hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Occasional evening and weekend work may be required as duties demand. Travel to other Rabren offices, jobsites, and pre-bid meetings is required.
Other DutiesThis job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice.
