Preconstruction Manager – Commercial General Contractor
Location: Nashville, TN
Position Overview
An established commercial general contractor is seeking a skilled Preconstruction Manager to oversee the planning, budgeting, and estimating activities associated with a diverse portfolio of commercial construction projects.
This position provides an opportunity to take an active leadership role during the earliest stages of project development, working closely with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal construction teams to establish realistic budgets, evaluate construction methods, and develop effective project execution strategies.
The ideal candidate combines strong technical estimating capabilities with business acumen, relationship-building skills, and the ability to guide projects from initial feasibility through the transition into construction.
The company maintains a strong presence in the commercial construction market, with projects spanning commercial, hospitality, telecommunications, mission-critical/data center, and industrial sectors. Projects typically range from $25 million to $80 million in construction value.
Key Responsibilities
Preconstruction Planning & Estimating
- Manage preconstruction activities from initial project evaluation and conceptual budgeting through final pricing and turnover to construction operations.
- Develop reliable preliminary cost models and conceptual estimates using limited drawings, preliminary specifications, and early-stage design information with minimal supervision.
- Prepare comprehensive construction estimates through detailed review of plans, specifications, site conditions, material requirements, and anticipated labor costs.
- Identify potential cost exposures, scope gaps, design challenges, and construction risks, recommending practical strategies to mitigate them.
- Evaluate alternative materials, construction systems, and installation approaches to improve overall project value, constructability, and budget performance.
- Monitor design development and update project budgets to reflect evolving scope, specifications, and construction requirements.
Trade Partner & Procurement Coordination
- Organize and lead subcontractor and supplier participation throughout the preconstruction and bidding processes.
- Review subcontractor quotations, material pricing, and vendor proposals to verify scope alignment, pricing accuracy, and compliance with project specifications.
- Identify bid exclusions, overlaps, and discrepancies to support complete and competitive project pricing.
- Establish and maintain productive relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and other construction industry partners.
Project Development & Collaboration
- Partner with project owners, architects, engineers, and construction leadership to provide cost guidance, design recommendations, and constructability evaluations.
- Coordinate with project management and field operations teams to develop preliminary construction schedules, workforce requirements, site logistics, and execution plans.
- Participate in client development activities, project pursuit meetings, and selection interviews.
- Assist in preparing and presenting project proposals, budgets, and preconstruction recommendations to prospective and existing clients.
- Contribute to maintaining and expanding relationships with owners, design professionals, and construction partners.
Project Transition & Construction Support
- Coordinate the transfer of estimating assumptions, budgets, procurement strategies, and project documentation to the construction management team following contract award.
- Support project operations through subcontract review, scope clarification, and evaluation or pricing of change orders.
- Remain engaged with project teams as needed to ensure continuity between preconstruction planning and field execution.
- Maintain high standards of professional conduct, accountability, and ethical business practices.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related discipline; equivalent practical construction experience will also be considered.
- Minimum of 5 years of experience in preconstruction, construction estimating, or project management within a commercial general contracting environment, or equivalent relevant experience.
- Demonstrated ability to develop conceptual budgets and preliminary construction cost estimates from incomplete or early-stage design documents.
- Thorough knowledge of commercial construction methods, drawings, specifications, subcontractor scopes, material pricing, and estimating practices.
- Strong analytical skills with the ability to recognize project risks, identify cost implications, and recommend appropriate solutions.
- Experience coordinating subcontractor pricing, reviewing proposals, and developing comprehensive project budgets.
- Proficiency with construction estimating and document management applications, including Bluebeam, On-Screen Takeoff, and comparable estimating platforms.
- Experience with Sage/Timberline estimating software is preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact effectively with owners, design professionals, subcontractors, and internal leadership.
- Strong organizational, time management, and problem-solving abilities.
- Demonstrated commitment to client satisfaction and the development of long-term professional relationships.
Ideal Candidate Profile
Successful candidates will be proactive, detail-oriented construction professionals who understand that effective preconstruction involves much more than generating estimates.
The company values individuals who demonstrate sound judgment, take ownership of their responsibilities, and work collaboratively across estimating, project management, and field operations.
This opportunity is particularly well suited for a professional who enjoys influencing project outcomes, building lasting industry relationships, and working independently while remaining closely connected to a collaborative construction team.
Why Consider This Opportunity?
- Join an established commercial contractor with an active portfolio of projects and a strong base of repeat business.
- Participate in negotiated and relationship-driven construction opportunities.
- Contribute directly to project strategy, design development, budgeting, and execution planning.
- Work alongside experienced construction professionals in a team-oriented environment.
- Enjoy meaningful responsibility, professional autonomy, and opportunities for long-term career development.
- Gain exposure to a variety of commercial construction markets and technically challenging projects.
Equal Opportunity Employer
The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran
Compensation: $100,000 – $145,000 Annually
- Offers both annual discretionary bonuses and project bonuses.