Pre-Design & Development Manager

Pre-Design & Development Project Manager

Columbus, OH Full-time, On-site $140K–$170K Base Salary + Full Benefits

Our client — a growing, design-build focused construction firm — is actively seeking a Pre-Design & Development Project Manager to lead the early-phase strategy and coordination of industrial projects across the region.

This is a high-impact, strategic role that bridges the gap between business development, estimating, and preconstruction. You'll play a central role in evaluating sites, shaping project scope, and guiding early decisions that influence cost, feasibility, and constructability — well before the shovel hits the ground.

Key Responsibilities

Lead site feasibility assessments, including zoning, permitting, utilities, and general buildability

Coordinate early due diligence efforts such as drone flights, land use planning, and regulatory research

Serve as the primary liaison between sales, estimating, and design consultants during preconstruction

Lead and contribute to early-stage value engineering, design input, and conceptual scoping

Develop and manage preconstruction schedules and coordinate RFP responses

Guide internal collaboration across estimating, architecture, and engineering teams to ensure project alignment

Facilitate a seamless turnover from preconstruction to construction delivery teams

Ideal Candidate Profile

7+ years of experience in construction, preconstruction, or development — ideally within industrial, warehouse, or manufacturing environments

Proven ability to navigate early-stage project challenges including zoning, entitlements, and feasibility

Licensed Professional Engineer (P.E.) strongly preferred; Registered Architect also considered

Strong communicator who can work cross-functionally and influence internal and external stakeholders

Familiarity with design-build delivery models, early cost planning, and collaborative value engineering

Proficiency in reading drawings, creating schedules, and contributing to strategic project planning

Experience with tools like Procore or other preconstruction software is a plus

What’s Offered

Base Salary: $140,000 – $170,000, depending on experience and credentials

Full benefits including health, dental, and vision

401(k) with employer match

Company-paid life, disability, and AD&D coverage

Generous PTO

Direct visibility with leadership and long-term growth opportunities

Why This Role?

You’ll be stepping into a critical role that has long been under-supported — replacing a veteran who spent 30+ years shaping how the company evaluates and pursues projects. This is your opportunity to bring structure, strategy, and clarity to a seat that directly impacts which projects move forward — and how successfully they launch.