Preconstruction Manager - Falls Church

Job Description

Job Description

Senior Preconstruction Manager – Multifamily & Commercial

10+ Years of GC Estimating/Preconstruction Experience | Ground‑Up Construction | DMV Market

This combined Senior Preconstruction Manager role supports both multifamily and commercial ground‑up projects, requiring a seasoned builder who can lead the full preconstruction lifecycle from concept through GMP. The position demands deep technical knowledge across all major trades, strong communication and client‑facing skills, and the ability to guide owners and design teams through iterative budgeting, value engineering, and design development. Candidates should bring 10+ years of experience as an Estimator or Preconstruction Manager for a commercial general contractor.

Role Overview

The Senior Preconstruction Manager oversees early‑phase planning, budgeting, and design coordination for a diverse portfolio of multifamily and commercial projects. This leader manages internal and external teams, produces accurate and timely budgets, evaluates design options, and ensures alignment between scope, cost, and constructability. The role also includes leading a team of estimators through the bid process and supporting seamless transitions into operations.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage the full preconstruction process for multifamily and commercial ground‑up projects, from conceptual estimating through GMP development.
• Produce conceptual, schematic, and detailed estimates, including iterative budget updates as design evolves.
• Coordinate internal and external project teams, including owners, architects, engineers, estimators, operations staff, and project managers.
• Provide guidance to owners and design teams during design development to maintain alignment with budget, schedule, and constructability.
• Lead value engineering efforts to meet client budgets while preserving quality and performance.
• Oversee subcontractor outreach, bid solicitation, bid leveling, and scope reviews across all trades.
• Develop and manage preconstruction schedules, milestones, and deliverables.
• Identify project risks, cost drivers, and opportunities for optimization.
• Lead, mentor, and support a team of estimators throughout the bid and proposal process.
• Prepare and present budgets, cost models, and GMP proposals to clients and executive leadership.
• Ensure a smooth handoff from preconstruction to operations, minimizing scope gaps and clarifying assumptions.

Trade & Technical Expertise

Candidates must be able to scope and evaluate all major divisions of work, including:

• Sitework, wet utilities, paving, landscaping
• Concrete, masonry, steel, carpentry
• Siding, metal panels, caulking, doors, glass, roofing
• Light gauge metal framing, interior finishes
• Vertical transportation, fire protection, HVAC, plumbing, refrigeration, electrical

This breadth of knowledge is essential for accurate budgeting, constructability reviews, and comprehensive bid evaluations.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of estimating or preconstruction experience with a commercial general contractor.
• Strong background in ground‑up multifamily and/or commercial construction.
• Proven ability to lead preconstruction efforts on complex, large‑scale projects.
• Proficiency with estimating and takeoff software (OST, Bluebeam, Sage/Timberline, or similar).
• Strong communication, leadership, and client‑facing skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred.

Success Indicators

• Accurate, market‑aligned budgets delivered on schedule.
• Strong relationships with owners, design teams, and subcontractors.
• Effective value engineering that maintains quality while meeting budget goals.
• Clear, proactive communication that reduces design‑phase surprises.
• A well‑coordinated handoff to operations with minimal scope gaps.
• A high‑performing estimating team aligned around process, accuracy, and accountability.