Director, Preconstruction

POSITION OVERVIEW: A short description of the general purpose of the position
We are seeking a highly experienced and strategic Director of Preconstruction to lead and oversee all preconstruction activities across the organization. This role is responsible for setting the vision, standards, and processes for preconstruction operations, ensuring projects are consistently delivered with accurate scope definition, reliable cost modeling, optimized schedules, and minimized risk.
The Director of Preconstruction serves as a key leadership partner to executive leadership, operations, and business development teams, and acts as a trusted advisor to clients from early concept through construction readiness. This role provides oversight across multiple projects and teams while driving continuous improvement, talent development, and operational excellence.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES: the main duties and tasks the role is expected to perform
Strategic Leadership & Oversight
• Provide executive-level leadership for all preconstruction activities across multiple projects and market sectors.
• Establish and continuously refine preconstruction strategies, policies, best practices, and standards to support company growth and profitability.
• Partner with executive leadership to align preconstruction efforts with organizational goals, risk tolerance, and long-term business strategy.
• Support business development pursuits by contributing to go/no-go decisions, proposal strategies, and client presentations.
Preconstruction & Project Execution
• Oversee the full preconstruction lifecycle, from conceptual design through construction handoff, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and readiness.
• Ensure project scope, budgets, schedules, and risk profiles are clearly defined and aligned with client expectations.
• Review and approve major cost estimates, value engineering recommendations, and project schedules.
• Guide teams in identifying cost-saving opportunities while maintaining quality, safety, and constructability standards.
• Ensure effective risk identification, mitigation planning, and contractual clarity during the preconstruction phase.
• Provide executive-level oversight on contract reviews, constructability analyses, and design coordination.
Financial & Risk Management
• Ensure the accuracy, reliability, and competitiveness of all estimates and preconstruction deliverables.
• Monitor trends in labor, materials, and subcontractor markets to inform pricing strategies and risk assumptions.
• Oversee contingency planning and risk exposure related to design development, procurement, and scheduling.
• Support financial forecasting and backlog planning through preconstruction insights and reporting.
Team Leadership & Development
• Lead, mentor, and develop preconstruction leadership and staff, including managers, estimators, and coordinators.
• Build a high-performing, collaborative team culture focused on accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Establish clear performance expectations, career development pathways, and succession planning within the preconstruction organization.
• Foster cross-functional collaboration with operations, procurement, safety, and finance teams.
Client & Partner Relationships
• Serve as a senior point of contact for key clients during the preconstruction phase.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and external partners.
• Act as a strategic advisor to clients, helping them navigate cost, schedule, and design decisions.
• Ensure client satisfaction through transparency, proactive communication, and trusted leadership.
Process Improvement & Technology
• Champion the use of technology, data, and analytics to improve estimating accuracy, scheduling reliability, and workflow efficiency.
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives within preconstruction processes, tools, and reporting.
• Ensure consistent documentation, knowledge sharing, and lessons learned across projects.

QUALIFICATIONS: experience, education, and attributes that are required or preferred for the job
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (required; advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum of 10–15 years of progressive experience in construction management or preconstruction, including leadership roles.
• Demonstrated success leading preconstruction efforts for complex, large-scale construction projects.
• Deep expertise in estimating, budgeting, scheduling, value engineering, and risk management.
• Proven ability to lead teams, influence senior stakeholders,