Pre-Construction Manager, Institutional - Education Sector General

Pre-construction Manager

Location: Hayward, CA

Salary: $120,000 - $180,000 plus bonus

The Pre-construction Manager will oversee planning, estimating, and budgeting phases of construction projects from concept through GMP or final bid submission. The successful candidate will be based on-site at the Hayward, CA office and will join a market-leading general contractor specializing in Educational construction projects (K-12 & K-14). This role plays a critical part in setting projects up for financial and operational success through accurate cost forecasting, value engineering, and strong collaboration with internal and external stakeholders.

Must Haves

Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent experience)

7+ years of progressive estimating and/or preconstruction experience in educational or commercial construction, including at least 3 years in a leadership role

Experience with various delivery methods including Design-Bid-Build, Design-Build, and CM at Risk

Strong knowledge of CSI divisions, building systems, and current market pricing

Proficiency in estimating software (e.g., OnScreen Takeoffs, Procore) and Microsoft Office Suite

Proven ability to prepare detailed conceptual and hard bid estimates using historical data, market trends, and subcontractor input

Excellent communication, negotiation, and presentation skills

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously under tight deadlines

Collaborative leadership style with the ability to mentor, guide, and influence cross-functional teams

Nice to Haves

Direct experience in Educational construction projects (K-12 & K-14)

Strong subcontractor network within Northern California

Familiarity with advanced project management tools and digital takeoff technologies

Experience driving departmental process improvements and resource planning

Knowledge of local jurisdictional requirements and California building codes

Responsibilities

Manage the full preconstruction process for assigned projects, from concept through contract award

Develop and present guaranteed maximum price (GMP) proposals, cost models, and budgets

Lead bid solicitations, subcontractor outreach, and scope leveling

Partner with clients, architects, engineers, and consultants to evaluate design documents and provide cost-saving solutions

Lead preconstruction meetings, ensuring alignment on budget, scope, and schedule

Identify opportunities for value engineering without compromising design intent or quality

Conduct constructability reviews to identify risks and recommend cost-effective alternatives

Provide comprehensive handoff to project teams with schedules, procurement plans, and budget baselines

Evaluate potential project risks and develop mitigation strategies

Ensure estimates comply with company policies, safety standards, and all applicable codes/regulations

Maintain accurate and organized estimate documentation for reference and auditing

Mentor and support estimating staff and junior team members, contributing to their professional development