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Precon Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Project Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site +1

$135K - $155K/yr

Lead and manage internal and external resources to execute through development and precon handoff to project team * Lead contract negotiations with EPCs and drive contract execution process * Lead ...

Project Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site

$135K - $155K/yr

Lead and manage internal and external resources to execute through development and precon handoff to project team * Lead contract negotiations with EPCs and drive contract execution process * Lead ...

This is a team where you'll be hands-on in precon, field coordination, and project execution, with a clear path toward running your own work. What You'll Be Doing • Support delivery of DSA, K-12 ...

Project Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site +1

$135K - $155K/yr

Lead and manage internal and external resources to execute through development and precon handoff to project team * Lead contract negotiations with EPCs and drive contract execution process * Lead ...

Project Manager

Oakland, CA · On-site +1

$135K - $155K/yr

Lead and manage internal and external resources to execute through development and precon handoff to project team * Lead contract negotiations with EPCs and drive contract execution process * Lead ...

What You'll Do ✔ Manage full lifecycle of $20M-$40M hospitality, housing, or education projects ✔ Lead buyouts, precon, scheduling, safety, and field coordination ✔ Run subcontractor and owner ...

You will ensure each project is completed on time and within budget by: * shepherding the estimating process with the Precon Team, * coordinating with the design team to meet the client's needs ...

Project Manager

Irvine, CA · On-site

$96K - $140K/yr

What You'll Do • Manage full lifecycle of $20M-$40M hospitality, housing, or education projects • Lead buyouts, precon, scheduling, safety, and field coordination • Run subcontractor and owner ...

You will ensure each project is completed on time and within budget by: * shepherding the estimating process with the Precon Team, * coordinating with the design team to meet the client's needs ...

What You'll Do ✔ Manage full lifecycle of $20M-$40M hospitality, housing, or education projects ✔ Lead buyouts, precon, scheduling, safety, and field coordination ✔ Run subcontractor and owner ...

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Showing results 1-20

Precon information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Preconstruction Manager, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Preconstruction Manager, you need strong project estimation, budgeting, and construction planning skills, usually supported by a degree in construction management or a related field. Familiarity with estimating software (like Bluebeam or ProEst), project management systems, and industry certifications such as LEED or PMP is highly valuable. Excellent communication, negotiation, and problem-solving abilities help you collaborate with clients, architects, and subcontractors. These skills ensure accurate project bids, effective coordination, and successful project outcomes from the earliest phases.

What are Precon jobs?

Precon jobs, short for 'preconstruction' jobs, refer to roles involved in the planning and preparation phase of a construction project before actual building begins. Professionals in precon work on tasks like budgeting, estimating costs, value engineering, scheduling, and identifying potential risks. Their goal is to ensure that a project is feasible, cost-effective, and ready for a smooth transition into construction. Common precon job titles include Preconstruction Manager, Estimator, and Project Scheduler. These roles are crucial for minimizing delays and cost overruns in construction projects.

What is the difference between Precon vs Construction Estimator?

AspectPreconConstruction Estimator
Primary FocusPre-construction planning, budgeting, and design coordinationCost estimation for construction projects during the bidding phase
Work EnvironmentDesign meetings, project planning sessions, client consultationsSite visits, bid preparation, vendor negotiations
Required CredentialsRelevant experience, possibly certifications like CCM or PMPConstruction management or estimating certifications, experience in cost analysis

Precon professionals focus on project planning, design coordination, and budgeting before construction begins, while Construction Estimators concentrate on preparing accurate cost estimates for bids. Both roles require similar credentials and work in related environments, but their core responsibilities differ in project phase and scope.

How does a Preconstruction (Precon) professional typically collaborate with project managers and estimators during the early phases of a construction project?

Preconstruction professionals play a pivotal role in collaborating with project managers and estimators to develop accurate budgets, schedules, and logistical plans before construction begins. They often participate in initial client meetings, review design documents, and coordinate value engineering efforts to optimize costs and project feasibility. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as Precon professionals act as liaisons among clients, architects, engineers, and internal teams to ensure that all parties are aligned on project objectives and constraints. This collaborative approach helps identify potential challenges early, reducing costly changes during construction.
What are the most commonly searched types of Precon jobs in California? The most popular types of Precon jobs in California are:
Infographic showing various Precon job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 94% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution.
Senior Preconstruction Manager-Commercial Construction

Senior Preconstruction Manager-Commercial Construction

Kimmel & Associates

San Francisco, CA • On-site

$130K - $180K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

About the Company

Our client is a nationally recognized, privately held commercial Top ENR general contractor. The firm delivers complex construction projects across the United States and is known for its strong culture, client-focused delivery, and commitment to operational excellence.

About the Position

The compnay is seeking a Senior Preconstruction Manager to lead and manage multiple complex projects while overseeing teams of Preconstruction Managers and shared resources. This role is responsible for delivering comprehensive preconstruction services from initial program and conceptual design through final construction documents and turnover to operations.

The Senior Preconstruction Manager serves as a trusted advisor to clients and design teams, a leader to internal preconstruction staff, and a key partner to operations leadership. This is a high-impact role requiring strong technical expertise, leadership capability, and the ability to manage multiple workstreams simultaneously.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead preconstruction efforts across multiple projects and teams with minimal oversight
  • Deliver feasibility studies, conceptual budgets, detailed estimates, value engineering, and comparative analyses
  • Manage the full preconstruction lifecycle from early design through final bid
  • Prepare and analyze pricing proposals considering market conditions, escalation, historical data, and subcontractor input
  • Collaborate closely with owners, architects, consultants, and operations teams
  • Support project transition from preconstruction to construction execution
  • Lead and mentor Preconstruction Managers, Assistant Managers, and Project Engineers
  • Participate in hiring, development, and performance management of preconstruction staff
  • Present to clients and support interviews and pursuits

Requirements

Education

  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture, or a related field preferred

Experience

  • 7+ years of commercial construction experience with a strong emphasis in preconstruction and estimating
  • Proven experience serving as the lead preconstruction manager on multiple projects
  • Demonstrated leadership experience managing and developing preconstruction teams

Project Experience

  • Projects typically $10M-$300M+
  • Strong background in data center preconstruction highly valued
  • Experience in advanced manufacturing (clean rooms, pharmaceutical manufacturing) and/or healthcare is strongly preferred
  • Ideal candidates have exposure to multiple project types and the ability to pivot between markets and sectors
  • Strong data centeronly candidates will still be considered
  • Precon estimating experience in data centers or manufacturing is a bonus
  • Precon estimating experience with Mechanical or Electrical is a bonus

Benefits

  • Base salary range: $130,000 $180,000+
    (Compensation varies by location and is based on experience, qualifications, and skills)
  • Strong Performance-based bonus program
  • Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Employer-matched 401(k)
  • Wellness reimbursement program
  • Paid holidays and paid time off
  • Additional voluntary benefits and leave programs
  • Long-term career growth with a nationally respected contractor

Kimmel & Associates logo

About Kimmel & Associates

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Kimmel & Associates, based in Asheville, NC, US, is recognized as the premier leader in the executive search and recruitment industry. The company, in operation since 1981, serves numerous industries including construction, supply chain, waste, and recycling, specialty contractors, and private equity. Utilizing their exceptional knowledge and robust industry connections, they assist clients by filling crucial executive and managerial roles that directly impact business performance and growth. The company is guided by a strong corporate philosophy centered on respect, listening, humility, and continuous improvement. Their mission is to foster enduring relationships and to help industries thrive by connecting the brightest talent with superior companies.

Industry

Recruiting and staffing services

Company size

51 - 200 Employees

Headquarters location

Asheville, NC, US

Year founded

1981

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