Director of Construction

Director of Preconstruction

Industry: Financial Institutions, Retail, Corporate Interiors
Employment Type: Full-Time | Exempt
Reports To: Senior Vice President, Build
Work Environment: Hybrid

The Opportunity

This is a senior leadership role for a Director of Preconstruction within an integrated design-build organization specializing in financial institutions, retail environments, and corporate interiors. The role sits at the intersection of design and construction, owning all preconstruction strategy, estimating, budgeting, and startup readiness across the business.

This position leads preconstruction operations at a high level while remaining hands-on when needed. The Director serves as the bridge between design teams, construction leadership, and clients, ensuring projects are financially sound, operationally executable, and set up for success before construction begins.

Core Responsibilities Preconstruction Leadership & Operations

• Lead all preconstruction activities across multiple project types and markets

• Provide strategic oversight from conceptual design through final contract execution

• Ensure estimates are accurate, comprehensive, and aligned with design intent at every phase

• Step in to support complex estimates, critical projects, or client presentations as needed

• Drive a seamless transition from preconstruction into construction execution

Cost Management, Purchasing & Vendor Strategy

• Oversee budgeting, conceptual estimating, and cost planning

• Conduct regular pricing reviews for key commodities and negotiate competitive vendor pricing

• Maintain and improve cost databases, allowances, and design alternates

• Lead value engineering efforts without compromising quality or design integrity

• Partner closely with build leadership to align purchasing and financial objectives

Team Leadership & Development

• Lead and mentor a team of estimators and preconstruction professionals

• Manage workloads and staffing priorities

• Establish consistent estimating standards, processes, and best practices

• Promote collaboration between design, preconstruction, and construction teams

Preconstruction Execution & Startup Readiness

• Develop and manage preconstruction schedules to support on-time project starts

• Lead weekly estimating and coordination meetings

• Ensure startup packages are complete, including geotechnical reports, estimates, schedules, permits, and design documents

• Drive continuous improvement across preconstruction workflows

What We’re Looking For

• 10+ years of experience in construction, preconstruction, or design-build environments

• Proven experience leading preconstruction or estimating teams

• Background in financial institutions, retail, or commercial interiors strongly preferred

• Ability to operate as the bridge between design professionals and construction operations

• Strong understanding of construction logistics and field execution

• Financial expertise across budgets, contracts, cash flow, and reporting

• Experience with estimating and construction software (BIM, Procore, Acumatica, or similar)

• Strong client-facing and internal communication skills

Education:
Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or equivalent industry experience.

What’s Offered

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits

• Generous PTO and paid holidays

• Retirement savings plan

• Sabbatical program

• Hybrid work schedule

• Long-term leadership opportunity with real influence on how projects are delivered