Preconstruction Manager

Description

The Preconstruction Manager leads the day-to-day execution of preconstruction efforts on commercial and multifamily projects, from first pursuit through construction handoff. This is a client-facing role — you'll build relationships with Owners and design partners early, and help shape the budget and project plan before work is even awarded, then stay involved as the project moves from planning into execution.

A core part of the role is protecting the Owner from cost surprises by actively managing the real-time trend budget between formal estimates, so cost impacts are identified and communicated before they ever show up in a formal budget update. You'll start by owning a single project and grow into managing several at once, at different phases, with mentorship support along the way.

The role reports to the VP of Preconstruction, Director of Preconstruction, or other designated supervisor, with day-to-day direction from Pursuit Leads, and partners closely with Estimating, Operations, Marketing, and Business Development.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain relationships with Owners, design partners, and subcontractors, serving as a key point of contact throughout pursuit and planning.
• Manage day-to-day preconstruction execution from pursuit through construction handoff — tracking deliverables, action items, and committed dates across all stakeholders.
• Schedule and support design and preconstruction coordination meetings (OACs, working sessions, site walks) and help maintain integrated preconstruction schedules.
• Coordinate with Estimating to ensure accurate, on-time drawings for each budget round, and support cost studies and budget presentation materials.
• Own the real-time trend budget in Concentric between formal estimates — logging cost-impacting items immediately and establishing a preliminary budget within 24 hours, so the Owner is never surprised.
• Manage value engineering items through to disposition, securing Owner backup and reflecting savings only once accepted.
• Support Pursuit Leads on pursuit strategy, proposal content, and interview prep, coordinating deliverables across departments.
• Start with a single project and take on more as your workload allows — eventually managing multiple projects simultaneously, each at a different phase, with mentorship support along the way.
• Own project-level preconstruction data — Concentric setup, dashboard accuracy, monthly pay applications, and site documentation.
• Contribute to tools, templates, and process improvements that raise preconstruction efficiency and consistency

Skills, Knowledge and Expertise

• 3+ years of project management or preconstruction experience with a general contractor, across multiple delivery methods (CM/GC, design-build, negotiated).
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Experience across multifamily, commercial, or mixed-use construction projects.
• Solid understanding of construction documents, design development, budgeting, and constructability concepts.
• Naturally personable and client-facing, comfortable building relationships with Owners and design teams from the earliest stages of a project.
• Curious, creative problem-solver who wants to understand why a design or approach was chosen, not just execute against it.
• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and shifting deadlines as project load increases over time.
• Proficiency in Excel, Bluebeam, Procore (or equivalent), and Concentric (or equivalent cost management platform).

Benefits

• Real ownership from day one — shape client relationships and budgets before a project is even awarded, rather than only executing someone else's plan.
• A direct, early seat at the table with Owners and design partners, well before construction starts.
• 100% employee-owned (ESOP) company with a track record dating back to 1925 — your work has a direct stake in the outcome.
• Full benefits package: competitive pay, bonus program, medical/dental/vision insurance, PTO/sick leave, life insurance, 401(k) with match, and a student debt assistance program.

About W.E. O'Neil Construction

Building Great Relationships since 1925! 100% employee-owned general contractor. We build nationally, with locations in AZ, CA, CO, IL, TN, and TX.

W.E. O'Neil Construction has seen steady growth since its founding in 1925 in Chicago by the O'Neil family. Now 100% employee-owned (ESOP), we embrace people as our number one asset.

Our award-winning teams are recognized as industry leaders. Our longevity can be attributed to our excellent staff of professionals, our integrity, our commitment to customer satisfaction, and our ability to embrace technology. Our combination of the financial strength of a large national contractor and the responsiveness of a small company brings the best of both worlds to our clients.

Our experience covers virtually every commercial market sector using a broad range of project delivery methods including design-build, design assist, construction management at risk and lump sum bid.