Niche SSP - No.1 for Estimating Talent
Preconstruction Manager
Niche SSP - No.1 for Estimating Talent, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Preconstruction Manager | Washington, DC | up to $180k
About the role We are seeking a Preconstruction Manager to lead preconstruction efforts from early concept through GMP, supporting successful handoff to operations. You will coordinate estimating, constructability, schedule and logistics planning, and engagement to deliver clear, accurate, and competitive project plans for work in Washington, DC and the surrounding metro area.
What you will do
Own the preconstruction process from pursuit through award, including milestone planning, deliverable tracking, and internal alignment.
Lead quantity takeoffs and conceptual through detailed estimates (ROM, DD, CD, GMP), including scope sheet development and pricing narratives.
Develop and manage bid packaging strategies, scope leveling, subcontractor outreach, and bid tab analysis.
Run preconstruction meetings with owners, designers, internal operations, and key trade partners.
Drive constructability reviews, value engineering, and design-to-budget decisions without sacrificing schedule, quality, or safety.
Build preliminary schedules and phasing plans, including site logistics appropriate for DC constraints (access, staging, permits, neighborhood impacts).
Coordinate risk reviews and contingency planning, including escalation of scope gaps, assumptions, and clarifications.
Support procurement planning: long-lead identification, alternates, buyout strategies, and vendor evaluations.
Partner with project management and field leadership to create a clean turnover: estimate files, scopes, contracts support, schedule basis, and budget breakdowns.
Support presentations and written proposals, including interview participation as needed.
Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers in the DC market.
What you bring (required)
5+ years in estimating and/or preconstruction within a GC/CM environment, with at least 2 years leading preconstruction for ground-up and/or major renovation projects.
Proven experience managing budgets, scopes, and bid processes across multiple trades.
Strong understanding of drawings, specifications, constructability, and sequencing.
Ability to communicate clearly with owners, architects, engineers, and trade partners.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and pursuits/projects simultaneously.
Proficiency with common estimating, takeoff, and project management tools (examples: Excel, Bluebeam; experience with platforms like On-Screen Takeoff, Sage, WinEst, Procore, or similar is a plus).
Preferred experience
Experience delivering projects in Washington, DC with complex logistics, tight sites, occupied renovations, or high compliance requirements.
Familiarity with LEED/sustainability documentation, commissioning coordination, and MEP-heavy scopes.
Prior experience supporting negotiated work, design-build, CM-at-risk, or GMP development.
College degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent field experience).
Cost planning and estimating judgment at multiple design levels
Subcontractor coverage strategy and bid leveling
Constructability and value engineering leadership
Risk management and clear documentation (assumptions, exclusions, clarifications)
Collaborative leadership style with strong follow-through
Market awareness in the DC metro area
Success in the first 90 days looks like
You establish a predictable preconstruction cadence and deliverable calendar on active pursuits/projects.
Estimates are well documented and easy for operations to execute and defend.
Trade coverage improves through disciplined outreach and relationship building.
Owners and design partners see you as organized, responsive, and solutions-oriented.
Work location Washington, DC (hybrid or in-office depending on project needs). Some travel within the DC metro area should be expected.
Compensation and benefits Base salary range: $130,000 to $180,000 (based on experience)
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
PTO and paid holidays
Seniority level Mid-Senior level
Employment type Full-time
Job function Project Management
Construction
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About the role We are seeking a Preconstruction Manager to lead preconstruction efforts from early concept through GMP, supporting successful handoff to operations. You will coordinate estimating, constructability, schedule and logistics planning, and engagement to deliver clear, accurate, and competitive project plans for work in Washington, DC and the surrounding metro area.
What you will do
Own the preconstruction process from pursuit through award, including milestone planning, deliverable tracking, and internal alignment.
Lead quantity takeoffs and conceptual through detailed estimates (ROM, DD, CD, GMP), including scope sheet development and pricing narratives.
Develop and manage bid packaging strategies, scope leveling, subcontractor outreach, and bid tab analysis.
Run preconstruction meetings with owners, designers, internal operations, and key trade partners.
Drive constructability reviews, value engineering, and design-to-budget decisions without sacrificing schedule, quality, or safety.
Build preliminary schedules and phasing plans, including site logistics appropriate for DC constraints (access, staging, permits, neighborhood impacts).
Coordinate risk reviews and contingency planning, including escalation of scope gaps, assumptions, and clarifications.
Support procurement planning: long-lead identification, alternates, buyout strategies, and vendor evaluations.
Partner with project management and field leadership to create a clean turnover: estimate files, scopes, contracts support, schedule basis, and budget breakdowns.
Support presentations and written proposals, including interview participation as needed.
Maintain strong relationships with subcontractors and suppliers in the DC market.
What you bring (required)
5+ years in estimating and/or preconstruction within a GC/CM environment, with at least 2 years leading preconstruction for ground-up and/or major renovation projects.
Proven experience managing budgets, scopes, and bid processes across multiple trades.
Strong understanding of drawings, specifications, constructability, and sequencing.
Ability to communicate clearly with owners, architects, engineers, and trade partners.
Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple deadlines and pursuits/projects simultaneously.
Proficiency with common estimating, takeoff, and project management tools (examples: Excel, Bluebeam; experience with platforms like On-Screen Takeoff, Sage, WinEst, Procore, or similar is a plus).
Preferred experience
Experience delivering projects in Washington, DC with complex logistics, tight sites, occupied renovations, or high compliance requirements.
Familiarity with LEED/sustainability documentation, commissioning coordination, and MEP-heavy scopes.
Prior experience supporting negotiated work, design-build, CM-at-risk, or GMP development.
College degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent field experience).
Cost planning and estimating judgment at multiple design levels
Subcontractor coverage strategy and bid leveling
Constructability and value engineering leadership
Risk management and clear documentation (assumptions, exclusions, clarifications)
Collaborative leadership style with strong follow-through
Market awareness in the DC metro area
Success in the first 90 days looks like
You establish a predictable preconstruction cadence and deliverable calendar on active pursuits/projects.
Estimates are well documented and easy for operations to execute and defend.
Trade coverage improves through disciplined outreach and relationship building.
Owners and design partners see you as organized, responsive, and solutions-oriented.
Work location Washington, DC (hybrid or in-office depending on project needs). Some travel within the DC metro area should be expected.
Compensation and benefits Base salary range: $130,000 to $180,000 (based on experience)
Health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) with company match
PTO and paid holidays
Seniority level Mid-Senior level
Employment type Full-time
Job function Project Management
Construction
#J-18808-Ljbffr