Preconstruction Manager

Preconstruction Manager

Thirdline Construction is seeking a Preconstruction Manager to lead preconstruction and estimating to support its continued growth in the Atlanta market.

Location: Atlanta, GA (hybrid) | Reports to: President | Full-time

About Thirdline Construction

At Thirdline, we break down barriers between Owner, Architect, and Contractor to deliver work that’s smarter, faster, and stronger than expected. Through our approach, The Third Way, we bring an owner-operator mindset to every project, aligning teams from day one and solving problems early.

Thirdline is a growing commercial general contractor serving owners and developers in the mid-market commercial sector. We build office and workplace interiors, tenant improvements, major renovations and repositioning, adaptive reuse, industrial and flex space, and select ground-up projects across metro Atlanta. We’re lean, collaborative, and close to our clients.

The Opportunity

Preconstruction is central to how Thirdline grows and wins profitable work. We’re looking for a Preconstruction Manager who loves the craft of estimating, thinks like a builder, and is energized by winning work and setting projects up for success.

This is a hands-on, player-coach role. You’ll prepare and own the estimates, manage subcontractor coverage, and lead pursuits from initial review through contract award. You’ll work directly with Thirdline’s leadership, which stays closely involved in preconstruction strategy and pricing, while you lead estimating execution and bring the numbers, analysis, and recommendations that turn opportunities into profitable projects.

If you’re an accomplished Senior Estimator or Preconstruction Manager at an established general contractor seeking greater visibility into the deals, clients, and decisions, this is your seat at the table, with the opportunity to help build and formalize a growing preconstruction function.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Budgeting

• Lead and prepare conceptual and detailed estimates, including takeoffs, pricing, and budgets at every design stage, often from incomplete documents.
• Evaluate drawings and specifications for constructability, scope gaps, cost drivers, and risk, and clearly define assumptions, contingencies, clarifications, and exclusions.
• Develop value engineering alternatives and cost-saving solutions that help clients make informed decisions.
• Conduct internal estimate reviews to confirm accuracy and completeness before submission.

Bid Management & Procurement

• Build bid packages and drive outreach to Atlanta-area trade partners; level bids, analyze scope gaps and overlaps, and qualify subcontractors.
• Manage bid day and confirm compliance with all bid requirements (bonds, insurance, forms).
• Identify long-lead items and advise on procurement to protect the schedule.
• Set buyout strategies that protect profitability, and deliver a clean handoff to operations, including budget setup in Procore.

Pursuit & Client Support

• Coordinate with owners, architects, engineers, and consultants; lead preconstruction meetings and design reviews and provide scheduling input.
• Present proposals and budget recommendations with confidence, and partner with Thirdline’s leadership on pursuit strategy, pricing, and closing work.
• Track pursuits, hit rates, and outcomes to inform go/no-go decisions and strategy.

Leadership & Process

• Collaborate with PMs and Superintendents so estimates reflect real execution plans.
• Mentor and provide technical guidance to the preconstruction team.
• Build repeatable estimating processes and standards, and maintain a historical cost database informed by completed projects.
• Enable our use of AI and emerging technology to make preconstruction smarter and more efficient.

What Success Looks Like in Year One

• Accurate, complete estimates delivered on time.
• Strong, competitive subcontractor coverage on every pursuit.
• A growing hit rate on profitable work.
• Clean handoffs, with budgets and scopes operations can build to.
• Documented estimating standards, templates, and cost data in place.

Qualifications and Experience

• 7+ years in commercial construction, with substantial hands-on estimating experience at a general contractor.
• Strong conceptual and detailed estimating, scope development, bid leveling, and budgeting skills.
• Experience with commercial interiors, renovations, adaptive reuse, or repositioning; ground-up commercial experience a plus.
• Strong familiarity with Atlanta-area subcontractors and the local market.
• Project operations experience a plus; you know how work actually gets built.
• Proficiency with Bluebeam and Excel; Building Connected and Procore experience a plus.
• Experience using generative AI tools (e.g., Claude) and building AI-assisted workflows preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or a related field preferred, or equivalent experience.

The Ideal Candidate

You’re a builder at heart and an estimator by craft, someone who wants to do the work, not just oversee it.

• You own your deliverables, deadlines, and subcontractor coverage without needing constant direction.
• You hold yourself to a high standard of accuracy and follow-through.
• You bring structure and discipline, managing multiple pursuits with clear priorities.
• You communicate with confidence across owners, architects, operations teams, and trade partners.
• You’re curious about AI and new tools that make preconstruction smarter.
• You’re motivated to grow, win work, and help build a company.

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation with a performance-based bonus opportunity.
• Health, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• Retirement plan with company match.
• Paid time off, plus phone and vehicle allowances.
• Direct access to ownership and real room to grow with the company.

Why Thirdline

We build with the mindset of an owner — strategic, aligned, and committed to results. You’ll pair disciplined estimating standards with the access of a growing company, working directly with ownership and seeing your work drive growth.

You’ll help define our estimating standards, systems, and technology from an early stage, with real opportunity to recruit and develop a preconstruction team and grow into senior preconstruction leadership as Thirdline grows. Here, you’ll help shape how projects get built: with clear lines, high standards, and a process as strong as the outcome.

How to Apply

Apply through LinkedIn or send your resume to [email protected]. Confidential inquiries are welcome.

Thirdline Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.

Set the line. Raise the standard.