Senior Preconstruction / CM Leader

Senior Preconstruction / CM Leader

Location: Hybrid (Detroit, MI Preferred) | Remote Considered for the Right Candidate
Job Type: Full-Time | Exempt

Compensation: $130,000-$150,000 (based on experience)

Position Summary

We are seeking an experienced Senior Preconstruction / CM Lead to support and lead preconstruction efforts from early design through project turnover. This role combines estimating expertise with construction management (CM) experience, helping guide projects through budgeting, cost planning, subcontractor procurement, GMP development, and transition into operations. The ideal candidate has strong commercial construction experience, sound estimating judgment, and the ability to collaborate with project teams, clients, designers, and trade partners throughout the project lifecycle.

Key Responsibilities

Preconstruction & Estimating

• Prepare conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates using industry-standard estimating software.
• Perform quantity takeoffs across major CSI divisions and develop detailed cost models.
• Support Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) proposals, including scope leveling, general conditions pricing, and cost narratives.
• Manage subcontractor solicitation, bid leveling, and estimate documentation.
• Maintain estimating templates, historical cost databases, and benchmarking information.

Construction Management Support

• Develop conceptual budgets and cost models during early project planning.
• Participate in constructability reviews, value engineering, and design-phase cost analysis.
• Support bid package development, subcontractor procurement, and GMP presentations.
• Assist with project handoff to operations, subcontractor buyout, and cost reconciliation.
• Participate in post-project cost reviews and update historical cost data for future estimates.

Subcontractor & Client Relationships

• Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, designers, and project stakeholders.
• Evaluate subcontractor qualifications, safety performance, financial stability, and project experience.
• Support supplier diversity initiatives where applicable.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• 6+ years of commercial construction estimating or preconstruction experience.
• Experience on commercial projects valued at $10 million+, with larger project experience preferred.
• Exposure to GMP, Construction Manager at Risk (CMAR), Design-Assist, or similar project delivery methods is preferred.

Technical Skills

Experience with industry-standard tools such as:

• Bluebeam Revu
• Sage Estimating (or comparable estimating software)
• Microsoft Office 365 (advanced Excel preferred)
• BuildingConnected or similar bid management platforms

Experience with Microsoft Copilot or other AI productivity tools is a plus.

Work Environment

• Hybrid work environment with remote flexibility for the right candidate.
• Up to 25% travel to project sites, client meetings, and design team coordination meetings.
• Opportunity to lead preconstruction efforts on complex commercial projects from concept through construction.
• Occasional extended hours during major bid deadlines and proposal submissions.