Preconstruction Design Manager

PRECONSTRUCTION DESIGN MANAGER

Honolulu, HI (On-site) | Direct Hire

ABOUT OUR CLIENT

We are currently searching on behalf of our client, an established construction firm with a growing Honolulu office. The company delivers high-profile, technically demanding projects in Hawaii, including federal work. They are known for disciplined project execution, a strong safety and quality culture, and a leadership team that invests in the people running their projects.

THE OPPORTUNITY

This role is for a licensed engineer with deep design experience who wants to lead the preconstruction phase on projects valued at $20M and above. You will not be producing designs yourself. You will review the work of outside designers, provide technical guidance, and make sure every design package is buildable, compliant, and priced right. You will be the main link between designers, estimators, and construction operations, and you will support the estimating team with the technical input they need to price work accurately. This is a full-time position based in the Honolulu office.

WHAT YOU'LL DO

- Lead preconstruction planning. Define project scope, design intent, and preconstruction objectives in line with client requirements, and direct design milestones, cost modeling, and schedule sequencing.

- Recommend delivery methods. Evaluate Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, and CM-at-Risk approaches, and recommend the best fit based on project constraints.

- Manage project risk. Identify technical, schedule, and cost risks early, and develop mitigation strategies before they reach construction.

- Guide outside designers. Serve as the primary liaison between outside design consultants, estimating teams, and construction operations, and provide technical guidance throughout preconstruction.

- Lead design reviews. Review designs for constructability, phasing, safety, and lifecycle cost, and run coordination meetings to resolve conflicts and complete the contract documents.

- Ensure compliance. Confirm design packages meet applicable codes, standards, client requirements, and federal contracting criteria.

- Drive value engineering. Oversee value engineering and alternatives analysis to improve cost, schedule, and performance without compromising quality.

- Support the estimators. Support estimators on conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimates, and validate quantities, assumptions, and pricing strategies.

- Build the schedule. Lead preconstruction schedules, including phasing plans, long-lead procurement, and milestone tracking.

- Support proposals. Contribute technical narratives, pricing assumptions, and risk registers to proposal development.

- Manage stakeholders. Build strong relationships with clients, designers, subcontractors, and internal teams, and manage expectations throughout design and preconstruction.

- Report to leadership. Communicate design status, cost impacts, risks, and recommendations to executive leadership and clients through reports, presentations, and briefings.

- Hand off to construction. Coordinate the handoff of design intent, estimates, schedules, and risk strategies, and support early construction planning, procurement, and subcontractor engagement.

WHAT YOU BRING

- Proven design experience. At least 10 years of design experience, including preconstruction, design management, and estimating support on complex construction projects valued at $20M and above.

- Professional license. PE license is required. Licensed architects may also be considered.

- Federal experience. Strong understanding of federal construction projects, including regulatory, contracting, and compliance requirements, is required.

- Technical command. Proven ability to interpret design documents and bring construction means and methods into planning decisions.

- Software proficiency. Proficient with AutoCAD and Primavera P6, along with estimating tools and design coordination platforms.

- Communication skills. Exceptional communication, coordination, and stakeholder management skills.

- Sound judgment. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a strategic mindset and decisions grounded in data and experience.

- Ability to multitask. Able to manage multiple pursuits or projects at the same time in a fast-paced environment.

- Education. Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.

- Certification. Additional certifications such as DBIA or CCM are preferred, not required.

- Other requirements. Valid driver's license and the ability to pass a background check.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

$140,000 – $180,000 annually, depending on experience.

- Health coverage. Medical, dental, and vision insurance.

- Retirement. 401(k) with a 3% employer match after one year.

- Student loan repayment. Student loan repayment assistance.

- Stipends. Stipends for a gym membership and a Costco membership.

- Time off. Unlimited PTO policy, with time off approved in coordination with your team.