Modular Construction Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Position Overview

The Preconstruction Director is responsible for leading and executing all preconstruction activities for multifamily and modular construction projects from early concept development through GMP, contract execution, and project turnover. This role serves as the strategic leader for estimating, budgeting, value engineering, cost management, procurement planning, and risk evaluation throughout the project lifecycle.

The ideal candidate brings a strong background in multifamily construction, advanced estimating expertise, and the ability to collaborate across development, design, manufacturing, procurement, and construction teams. This individual plays a critical role in ensuring budgets are accurate, schedules are achievable, risks are identified early, and projects are positioned for successful execution.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead all preconstruction activities from conceptual planning through GMP development, contract execution, and project handoff.
• Develop and oversee conceptual, schematic, design development, GMP, and final construction estimates.
• Analyze drawings, specifications, BIM models, logistics plans, and manufacturing requirements to establish comprehensive project budgets.
• Lead quantity takeoffs and pricing efforts for manufacturing, transportation, crane operations, site work, and field installation activities.
• Develop scopes of work and bid packages for subcontractors, vendors, and suppliers.
• Solicit, evaluate, level, and negotiate subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Review estimates, assumptions, allowances, contingencies, and project scopes to ensure accuracy and completeness.
• Lead value engineering efforts and identify opportunities to improve project cost, schedule, constructability, and efficiency.
• Evaluate project risks including labor availability, material pricing, escalation, procurement, logistics, and schedule impacts.
• Prepare cost analyses, budget updates, cash flow projections, and ongoing cost reports throughout the design process.
• Develop, maintain, and improve estimating standards, cost databases, benchmarking tools, and preconstruction processes.
• Coordinate closely with development, architecture, engineering, manufacturing, procurement, and construction teams.
• Lead owner meetings, design coordination sessions, constructability reviews, and executive project review meetings.
• Support contract negotiations, procurement strategies, subcontractor buyout activities, and transition to field operations.
• Provide mentorship and technical guidance to estimators, project managers, and other team members.
• Support business development efforts through conceptual budgeting, feasibility analysis, proposal support, and pricing strategy.

Qualifications

• Extensive experience with progressive estimating, preconstruction, or construction management experience.
• Significant experience with multifamily residential construction, including podium, Type III, and/or Type V projects.
• Proven experience developing conceptual, schematic, design development, and GMP estimates.
• Experience managing subcontractor bidding, scope development, bid leveling, procurement, and negotiations.
• Strong background in value engineering, constructability reviews, cost forecasting, and project risk assessment.
• Previous experience as a Senior Estimator, Preconstruction Manager, Preconstruction Director, Chief Estimator, or similar leadership role.
• Modular, prefabricated, or off-site construction experience is needed.
• Strong understanding of construction means, methods, sequencing, and constructability.
• Advanced quantity takeoff, cost modeling, and estimating capabilities.
• Ability to interpret architectural, structural, civil, MEP, and fabrication drawings.
• Strong knowledge of subcontractor scopes, procurement strategies, bid packaging, and contract buyout processes.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, presentation, and leadership skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a dynamic environment.

Technical Skills

• Advanced proficiency with Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Experience with Bluebeam and BuildingConnected.
• Familiarity with estimating and construction management platforms such as Procore, Sage Estimating, PlanSwift, OST, Primavera, Microsoft Project, or similar tools.
• Exposure to AutoCAD, Revit, BIM workflows, and model-based coordination preferred.
• Experience with cost benchmarking, historical cost database development, and construction scheduling preferred.

Benefits & Compensation

• Base Salary: $170,000 - $200,000, depending on experience
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• FSA and HSA options
• 401(k) Retirement Plan
• Paid Vacation
• Sick Time
• Paid Holidays
• Equity Participation Opportunity
• Opportunity to help scale a rapidly growing modular multifamily construction platform

Education

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or a related field preferred.
• Equivalent construction, estimating, and preconstruction experience will be considered.