Pre-construction Manager

Location: Hayward, CA

Salary: $120,000 - $180,000 plus bonus

The Pre-construction Manager will oversee planning, estimating, and budgeting phases of construction projects from concept through GMP or final bid submission. The successful candidate will be based on-site at the Hayward, CA office and will join a market-leading general contractor specializing in Educational construction projects (K-12 & K-14). This role plays a critical part in setting projects up for financial and operational success through accurate cost forecasting, value engineering, and strong collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Must Haves

Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent experience)
7+ years of progressive estimating and/or preconstruction experience in educational or commercial construction, including at least 3 years in a leadership role
Experience with various delivery methods including Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, and CM at Risk
Strong knowledge of CSI divisions, building systems, and current market pricing
Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., OnScreen Takeoffs, Procore) and Microsoft Office Suite
Proven ability to prepare detailed conceptual and hard bid estimates using historical data, market trends, and subcontractor input
Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines
Collaborative leadership style with the ability to mentor, guide, and influence cross-functional teams

Nice to Haves

Direct experience in Educational construction projects (K-12 & K-14)
Strong subcontractor network within Northern California
Familiarity with advanced project management tools and digital takeoff technologies
Experience driving departmental process improvements and resource planning
Knowledge of local jurisdictional requirements and California building codes

Responsibilities

Manage the full preconstruction process for assigned projects, from concept through contract award
Develop and present guaranteed maximum price (GMP) proposals, cost models, and budgets
Lead bid solicitations, subcontractor outreach, and scope leveling
Partner with clients, architects, engineers, and consultants to evaluate design documents and provide cost-saving solutions
Lead preconstruction meetings, ensuring alignment on budget, scope, and schedule
Identify opportunities for value engineering without compromising design intent or quality
Conduct constructability reviews to identify risks and recommend cost-effective alternatives
Provide comprehensive handoff to project teams with schedules, procurement plans, and budget baselines
Evaluate potential project risks and develop mitigation strategies
Ensure estimates comply with company policies, safety standards, and all applicable codes/regulations
Maintain accurate and organized estimate documentation for reference and auditing
Mentor and support estimating staff and junior team members, contributing to their professional development

Pre-Construction Manager, Institutional...