Preconstruction Manager - Richmond/Hopewell

About Harlan Construction

Harlan Construction is a 65-year-old industrial general contractor headquartered in the Richmond/Hopewell, Virginia area. We self-perform civil, concrete, and structural work — a capability that sets us apart in the local market and gives our preconstruction team a distinct edge in pricing and delivering value to owners. We specialize in industrial ground-up, pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB), design-build, and heavy civil projects, and we operate on EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) with a culture built on accountability, ownership, and performance.

Position Overview

The Preconstruction Manager is a key contributor on a focused four-person preconstruction team, working directly under the VP of Preconstruction. This role leads estimating and preconstruction delivery on industrial and design-build pursuits from early conceptual budgeting through GMP and contract award. The right candidate brings sharp estimating instincts, thrives on winning work, and wants to grow into client-facing responsibilities over time. This is a high-visibility role at a company where individual contribution is seen and rewarded.

Key Responsibilities

Estimating & Bid Management

• Lead quantity takeoff and cost estimating for industrial, PEMB, civil, and design-build projects using Procore Estimating and Bluebeam
• Manage the full bid process through Procore — subcontractor solicitation, scope leveling, and bid-day assembly
• Develop conceptual budgets, SD/DD estimates, and GMP packages in coordination with design partners
• Prepare and present detailed estimate summaries and clarification narratives for leadership review

Design-Build & Owner Coordination

• Support design-build pursuits in partnership with the Design-Build Manager and third-party design firms
• Participate in owner interviews, scope development meetings, and value engineering sessions
• Coordinate with Harlan’s self-perform trades (civil, concrete, structural) to integrate cost and schedule advantages into estimates

Preconstruction Delivery

• Execute structured preconstruction-to-operations handovers using Harlan’s established turnover process
• Develop preliminary project schedules using Outbuild in coordination with operations leadership
• Maintain accurate pursuit tracking and pipeline data in our CRM
• Contribute to departmental Rocks, scorecards, and IDS items as an active participant in Harlan’s EOS cadence

Business Development Support

• Attend client meetings, industry events, and owner presentations alongside the BD Director
• Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and design partners
• Identify opportunities to add owner value through self-perform scope, PEMB solutions, and design-build delivery

Schedule

Monday – Friday
7:00 AM – 4:30 PM

Qualifications

Required:

• 5+ years of estimating experience at a commercial or industrial GC
• Demonstrated proficiency with Procore Estimating and Bluebeam
• Experience estimating industrial, manufacturing, PEMB, or warehouse projects
• Strong quantity takeoff skills across multiple CSI divisions
• Ability to read and interpret civil, structural, MEPF, and architectural drawings
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Organized, self-directed, and comfortable working in a lean team environment
• Alignment with EOS principles and structured accountability culture

Preferred:

• Experience with design-build delivery (DBIA familiarity a plus)
• Familiarity with Procore
• Exposure to Outbuild or similar scheduling platforms
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field
• Virginia market knowledge and subcontractor/supplier relationships
• LEED AP, DBIA, or other relevant professional credentials

Growth & Development

The Preconstruction Manager role is structured with a defined progression path toward senior estimating leadership and expanded client-facing responsibilities. Specific milestones and a career development plan will be established during onboarding and reviewed annually through Harlan’s EOS Vision process.

What We Offer

• Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Medical Insurance
• 401(k) with company match up to 5% (eligible after 1 year)
• Paid time off and company holidays
• Performance-based bonus tied to win rate and department results
• Vehicle allowance for preconstruction activities
• Company phone and laptop
• Professional development and continuing education support
• Stable, family-owned company with 65 years of regional market presence