Description Position SummaryLeads the design and preconstruction process for assigned pursuits and projects from early opportunity through contract/GMP agreement and transition to operations. Integrates client goals, design development, cost planning, estimating, design and construction schedules, entitlements/permitting, long-lead procurement, constructability, risk and value strategy into a coordinated plan. Creates a positive and cohesive Owner/Architect/Contractor (O/A/C) team and serves as the central connector among the Owner, design team, trade partners, estimating resources and project delivery team, with a clear expectation of no surprises for the Owner.
Key ResponsibilitiesPreconstruction Leadership & Integration- Define the project-specific preconstruction plan, deliverables, responsibilities and decision milestones.
- Lead regular preconstruction meetings and coordinate Owner, architect/engineer, estimating, operations, scheduling, VDC, sustainability and trade-partner input.
- Maintain alignment among scope, design, budget, schedule, procurement strategy and client priorities.
- Establish team alignment, roles and responsibilities early in the design phase and actively manage team health, accountability and decision-making.
- Coordinate entitlements, permitting and existing-conditions validation where these activities affect design, cost, schedule or project viability.
- Plan and execute an effective handoff from preconstruction to the project execution team.
Cost Planning, Estimating & Commercial Strategy- Own the cost-management process from conceptual planning through detailed estimate/GMP or bid, coordinating estimating resources rather than requiring the role to personally perform every takeoff.
- Develop, test and communicate assumptions, allowances, alternates, escalation, contingencies and cost risks.
- Lead estimate reviews, scope reconciliation, bid leveling and budget updates; explain cost drivers clearly to clients and design teams.
- Support general conditions/general requirements, staffing plans, fee strategy and commercial qualifications.
- Support management of preconstruction/design-phase service budgets, consultant agreements, trade-partner agreements, projections and billings as appropriate to the assignment.
Design Management, Constructability & Value- Manage design-to-budget activities and facilitate Target Value Delivery/Design, value engineering and option analysis.
- Coordinate design reviews for constructability, completeness, coordination, code/permitting implications, logistics, sustainability and long-lead impacts.
- Track design decisions, open issues and owner requirements; ensure changes are understood in terms of cost, schedule and risk.
- Work with architects and engineers to develop buildable, coordinated and cost-effective solutions while respecting design intent and client requirements.
- Coordinate consultant and design-assist/design-build trade-partner onboarding, scopes and interfaces so design responsibilities are complete and gaps are identified early.
- Use structured decision tools such as Options Analysis/A3s and decision logs to make cost, schedule and design impacts visible before major decisions are made.
Schedule, Procurement, Logistics & Risk- Develop and maintain the preconstruction schedule and contribute to conceptual construction schedules, phasing and logistics plans.
- Develop procurement and bid-package strategy with operations and estimating, including early packages and long-lead items.
- Develop early design-assist/design-build trade-partner strategies and ensure scopes align with the Architect/Engineer of Record and construction requirements.
- Facilitate risk and opportunity workshops; maintain a clear risk register with owners, actions and commercial/schedule implications.
- Engage trade partners early to validate constructability, pricing, lead times and market capacity.
Pursuits, Clients & Business Development- Lead or contribute to RFP deliverables including budget, schedule, logistics, approach, interviews and technical content.
- Support selection and onboarding of A/E teaming partners for collaborative and design-build pursuits, including clear scopes, deliverables and design-phase responsibilities.
- Develop project-specific win strategies with Business Development and Operations.
- Serve as a primary day-to-day preconstruction contact and build trusted relationships with clients, designers and consultants.
- Represent XL clearly and credibly in presentations, working sessions and negotiations.
People, Process & Continuous Improvement- Coach and support less-experienced team members and share knowledge across estimating, design and operations disciplines.
- Use XL systems and technology effectively and contribute to improvements in preconstruction workflows.
- Apply XL best practices for budget communication, design-phase pull planning, constructability back-checks, risk workshops and pre-GMP execution planning.
- Promote collaboration, accountability, inclusive participation and constructive challenge.
- Capture lessons learned and apply them to future pursuits and projects.
Qualifications & Experience- Typically 7+ years of relevant experience in commercial construction, design, engineering, architecture, cost planning/estimating, project management, construction management or a related field; equivalent demonstrated capability will be considered.
- Relevant backgrounds may include: general-contractor estimating/preconstruction; construction project management; design management; architectural project management; engineering project management; cost consulting; or owner/developer project management with strong construction exposure.
- Experience coordinating multidisciplinary teams and making decisions across cost, design, schedule, procurement and risk.
- Working knowledge of building systems, construction means and methods, design development and project delivery. Strong estimating literacy is required; a career spent primarily as an estimator is not.
- Experience with negotiated work and collaborative delivery; design-build/design-assist experience is strongly valued.
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture or related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Professional credentials such as AIA/RA, PE, DBIA, LEED AP, WELL AP, PMP or comparable credentials are valued but not required.
Knowledge, Skills & CapabilitiesIntegrated project thinking; cost and estimating literacy; design coordination; constructability; schedule and procurement planning; risk management; client communication; facilitation; negotiation; written and presentation skills; collaboration; working knowledge of BIM/VDC and common preconstruction technology.
Success Measures- Projects maintain clear alignment among client requirements, design, cost, schedule and procurement.
- Risks and decisions are surfaced early and managed transparently.
- Preconstruction deliverables are accurate, timely and useful to both the client and execution team.
- Strong transition and continuity into construction.
- Positive client, designer, trade-partner and internal-team feedback.
The anticipated base salary range for this Preconstruction Manager position in California is $123,120 to $160,000 per year. Actual pay will depend on factors such as experience, qualifications, skills, and location. This range does not include bonus, benefits, or other forms of compensation.
