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Pre Construction Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RH

Leader, Pre-Construction

Corte Madera, CA

RH is seeking a Leader of Pre-Construction to oversee Gallery development and construction projects, from conceptual budgeting through GC Contract negotiation. This role is instrumental in ensuring ...

RH

Leader, Pre-Construction

Corte Madera, CA · On-site +1

$140K - $160K/yr

RH is seeking a Leader of Pre-Construction to oversee Gallery development and construction projects, from conceptual budgeting through GC Contract negotiation. This role is instrumental in ensuring ...

Impact Housing

POSITION SUMMARY The Pre-Construction Director / Sr. Estimator is responsible for leading and executing estimating and pre-construction activities for modular and multifamily construction projects ...

USOBC / US Offsite Design Build Factory

Be Seen First

Pre-Construction Engineer/Estimator

Redding, CA · On-site

$60K - $85K/yr

USO Building Co./US-Offsite Pre-Construction Engineer/Estimator Location: Redding, CA. Primarily based in Redding with regular travel to active project sites. Relocation assisstance available.

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All JobsPre Construction JobsPre Construction Jobs in California

Pre Construction information

See California salary details

$42.9K

$85.4K

$158.9K

How much do pre construction jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for pre construction in California is $85,401.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,100.00 and $100,700.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Pre Construction vs Construction Estimator?

AspectPre ConstructionConstruction Estimator
CredentialsTypically requires a degree in construction management, civil engineering, or related fieldsOften requires similar credentials, including experience in cost estimation and relevant certifications
Work EnvironmentInvolves planning, budgeting, and project feasibility analysis before construction beginsFocuses on preparing detailed cost estimates during the construction phase
Employer & Industry UsageUsed by project managers, architects, and developers during project planningEmployed by contractors and construction firms to bid and control project costs

Both roles require knowledge of construction processes and cost management. Pre Construction professionals focus on project planning and budgeting before construction starts, while Construction Estimators prepare detailed cost estimates during the construction phase. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job role within the construction industry.

What are pre construction jobs?

Pre construction jobs involve planning and preparing for a construction project before actual building begins. Roles in this phase include estimating costs, designing plans, obtaining permits, and coordinating with clients and contractors. These jobs require skills in project management, budgeting, and knowledge of construction processes.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a pre construction manager, and why are they important?

To excel as a Pre-Construction Manager, you need expertise in project estimation, budgeting, and planning, typically supported by a degree in construction management or engineering. Familiarity with cost estimation software, scheduling tools like MS Project or Primavera, and building information modeling (BIM) systems is crucial. Strong negotiation, organizational, and communication skills help manage stakeholders and coordinate complex project requirements. These skills are vital for accurately forecasting project needs, minimizing risks, and ensuring projects are set up for successful execution.

What are some typical challenges faced by pre construction professionals when coordinating with project stakeholders?

Pre-Construction professionals often encounter challenges in aligning the expectations of clients, architects, engineers, and contractors. These challenges include managing changes in project scope, ensuring clear communication across diverse teams, and accurately forecasting costs and timelines despite evolving project details. Effective collaboration and proactive problem-solving are essential skills, as Pre-Construction teams serve as a bridge between design and execution, ensuring all stakeholders are informed and aligned before construction begins.

What careers are in the pre construction pathway?

Careers in the pre-construction pathway include roles such as estimators, project coordinators, schedulers, design professionals, and cost analysts. These positions involve planning, budgeting, and designing projects before construction begins, often requiring knowledge of construction methods, project management software, and industry standards.

Is pre construction a good career?

Pre-construction is a viable career in the construction industry, involving planning, budgeting, and project coordination before construction begins. It requires skills in project management, estimating, and communication, and often offers opportunities for advancement and stable employment. Success in this field depends on industry knowledge, certifications, and experience with design and scheduling tools.

What is pre construction?

Pre-construction refers to the planning and preparatory phase of a construction project before actual building begins. During this stage, professionals work on project design, budgeting, scheduling, permitting, site analysis, and risk assessment. The goal of pre-construction is to identify potential challenges, ensure accurate cost estimates, and create a detailed plan that guides the construction process. Effective pre-construction services help avoid delays, reduce costs, and ensure the project runs smoothly from start to finish.

What are the most commonly searched types of Pre Construction jobs in California?

The most popular types of Pre Construction jobs in California are:

What are popular job titles related to Pre Construction jobs in California?

For Pre Construction jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Pre Construction jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Pre Construction jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Pre Construction jobs?

Cities in California with the most Pre Construction job openings:

Pre Construction jobs near you
Infographic showing various Pre Construction job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% In-person, and 4% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $85,401 per year, or $41.1 per hour.

Leader, Pre-Construction

RH

Corte Madera, CA

Full-time

Re-posted 13 days ago

Restoration Hardware rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 50 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 62 rated furniture retailers

Job description

RH is seeking a Leader of Pre-Construction to oversee Gallery development and construction projects, from conceptual budgeting through GC Contract negotiation. This role is instrumental in ensuring every project reflects RH's uncompromising standards of design, quality, and precision. The ideal candidate combines technical expertise with strategic thinking, playing a critical role in determining project feasibility, constructibility, pricing strategy and cost controls across a range of projects.

YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Work with in-house and third-party development teams to establish realistic construction budgets to validate financial assumptions and identify cost-saving opportunities
  • Prepare detailed quantity take-offs and cost estimates throughout early design phases, solicit and analyze General Contractor estimates 
  • Identify and qualify general contractors (GCs) in local markets for both new construction and renovation projects.
  • Write, issue, and manage General Contractor Request for Proposals (RFP's) ensuring clarity of scope, schedule, and project expectations
  • Track, analyze, and level GC proposals and lead the GC interview process, providing clear recommendations based on cost, scope, and value
  • Lead the negotiation and execution of Letters of Intent (LOIs), GC Contracts, and final pricing agreements
  • Create and manage detailed project schedules aligned with overall development timelines
  • Review prototypical construction details and provide input to ensure constructability and compliance with design intent
  • Recommend and validate value engineering opportunities without compromising RH's aesthetic and quality standards
  • Review project leases and work letters with particular attention to landlord deliverables, contributions, and obligations
OUR REQUIREMENTS 
  • 5+ years of experience in commercial construction estimating, pre-construction, and/or project management, preferably within luxury, retail, and/or hospitality sectors; experience in ground-up, adaptive reuse, and historic renovations a plus.
  • Proven expertise in GC sourcing, RFP management, contract negotiation, and budget development and control
  • Strong understanding of construction methods, scheduling, and cost 
  • Interpret design and construction l drawings, documents, specifications, and Lease work letters
  • Excellent organizational, communication, and negotiation skills with a collaborative, solutions-oriented mindset
  • Proficient in project management and estimating software  (e.g., MS Project and MS Office Suite)
  • A commitment to quality, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, design-driven environment
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
  • Occasional travel for site visits, vendor engagement, and project oversight
  • Spends time in construction sites, retail galleries, and properties under development
  • Frequent standing, walking, and sitting for extended periods
  • Frequent use of hands and fingers to handle objects, tools, or controls
  • Frequent reaching with hands and arms; occasional climbing, kneeling, or crouching
  • Occasional lifting or moving of objects
  • Visual tasks may include close vision, distance vision, color differentiation, peripheral vision, and depth perception
  • Must be able to lift and carry up to 25 pounds occasionally
  • Comfortable wearing appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE) and adhering to all job site safety standards

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