Preconstruction Manager K-12

Position: Preconstruction Manager

Location: Columbus, OH

Employment Type: Full-Time, Direct Hire

Position Overview

Our client, a leading general contracting construction company in Columbus OH, is seeking an experienced Preconstruction Manager with K-12 construction experience to oversee preconstruction activities for educational projects, including new school construction, renovations, additions, and district-wide improvements.

The Preconstruction Manager will work closely with owners, school districts, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and internal project teams to develop accurate budgets, establish project schedules, evaluate constructability, and manage the project from initial planning through the transition to construction. The ideal candidate has a strong understanding of K-12 facilities, public-sector bidding requirements, cost estimating, and the unique challenges associated with constructing and renovating occupied school buildings.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all preconstruction activities for K-12 educational projects, including new construction, renovations, additions, and modernization initiatives.

• Collaborate with school districts, owners, architects, engineers, and design teams throughout the design and planning process.

• Develop conceptual estimates, schematic design estimates, design development budgets, and detailed construction estimates.

• Prepare and manage project budgets, cost analyses, value engineering recommendations, and cost-control strategies.

• Review drawings, specifications, and design documents to identify potential cost savings, constructability issues, and project risks.

• Develop preliminary and detailed construction schedules, incorporating phasing, procurement timelines, and school calendar requirements.

• Coordinate subcontractor and supplier solicitation, bid packages, scope reviews, and bid leveling.

• Evaluate subcontractor proposals to ensure complete scopes, competitive pricing, and compliance with project requirements.

• Lead value engineering sessions and provide cost-effective alternatives without compromising quality, safety, or educational functionality.

• Assess site conditions, logistics, utility requirements, and other factors affecting project feasibility and execution.

• Navigate public-sector procurement processes, competitive bidding requirements, and applicable school district standards.

• Assist with permitting, regulatory compliance, and coordination with local authorities having jurisdiction.

• Identify long-lead materials and equipment and develop procurement strategies to minimize schedule impacts.

• Establish project phasing and logistics plans to maintain safe operations when working on occupied school campuses.

• Prepare preconstruction reports, budget updates, milestone schedules, and presentations for owners and stakeholders.

• Facilitate the transition from preconstruction to project management and field operations, ensuring budgets, schedules, scopes, and project documentation are clearly communicated.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with school districts, design partners, subcontractors, and suppliers.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.

• 5+ years of experience in preconstruction, estimating, or construction project management with a commercial general contractor.

• Demonstrated experience with K-12 construction projects, including schools, classrooms, athletic facilities, renovations, or additions.

• Strong knowledge of construction estimating, budgeting, scheduling, and cost-control practices.

• Experience reviewing architectural, structural, civil, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings and specifications.

• Familiarity with public school district procurement, competitive bidding, and public construction requirements.

• Proficiency with construction estimating and project management software.

• Strong understanding of construction means and methods, building systems, subcontractor scopes, and project sequencing.

• Excellent communication, organizational, analytical, and negotiation skills.

• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.

• Strong relationship-building skills and the ability to work effectively with owners, design professionals, subcontractors, and internal teams.