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Preconstruction Director Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

RSS, LLC.

Sr. Preconstruction Manager

Sacramento, CA · On-site

The Senior Preconstruction Manager will assume a leadership role in directing and overseeing the preconstruction phase of complex projects. This senior-level position demands a strategic approach to ...

company1059

Director of Preconstruction

Irvine, CA · On-site

P of Preconstruction. The Director of Preconstruction Services will be an important and strategic partner with the Directors of Project Planning and Project Executives. Requirements * Normally ...

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Preconstruction Director information

See California salary details

$89.6K

$151K

$197.3K

How much do preconstruction director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average yearly pay for preconstruction director in California is $151,046.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $132,195.00 and $172,833.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a preconstruction director do?

A Preconstruction Director oversees the planning and coordination of construction projects before actual building begins. They are responsible for budgeting, estimating costs, managing design development, and identifying potential risks early in the process. Their role involves close collaboration with clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to ensure that projects are feasible, cost-effective, and aligned with the client's goals. By managing timelines and resources during the preconstruction phase, they help set the foundation for successful project delivery.

How does a preconstruction director typically collaborate with project stakeholders during the early stages of a construction project?

A Preconstruction Director works closely with clients, architects, engineers, and subcontractors to align project goals, budgets, and timelines before construction begins. They lead meetings to review design documents, identify potential risks, and suggest value engineering solutions to optimize costs and efficiency. Frequent communication and coordination are essential to ensure all parties are on the same page and that the project is set up for success once it transitions to the construction phase.

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

To thrive as a Preconstruction Director, you need a strong background in construction management, cost estimating, and project planning, often supported by a degree in construction, engineering, or a related field. Expertise with estimating software (like Bluebeam or ProEst), scheduling tools (such as Primavera P6), and knowledge of building codes or LEED certification are typically required. Exceptional leadership, negotiation, and communication skills set outstanding professionals apart by enabling effective collaboration with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams. These skills ensure accurate project budgeting, streamlined planning, and successful project delivery from inception to execution.

What is the difference between Preconstruction Director vs Estimator?

AspectPreconstruction DirectorEstimator
CredentialsTypically requires a bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, or related field; extensive industry experienceOften requires a degree or diploma in construction, engineering, or related field; strong analytical skills
Work EnvironmentOversees preconstruction teams, manages client relationships, and coordinates project planningPrepares detailed cost estimates, analyzes project specifications, and collaborates with project teams
Industry UsageUsed in large construction firms, project management, and executive planningCommonly employed in estimating firms, contractors, and project bidding processes

The Preconstruction Director focuses on overall project planning, client coordination, and team management, while the Estimator specializes in preparing detailed cost estimates. Both roles are essential in the preconstruction phase but differ in scope and responsibilities.

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

The most popular types of Preconstruction jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Preconstruction Director jobs?

Cities in California with the most Preconstruction Director job openings:

Preconstruction Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Preconstruction Director job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $151,046 per year, or $72.6 per hour.

Preconstruction Manager

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.

McCarthy Building Companies rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 27 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Preconstruction Manager is a key role within our NorPac Preconstruction department and should have a strong understanding of estimating and design-build principles. Depending on the specifics of the project, the Preconstruction Manager may be the primary day-to-day contact of the Owner and the design team. On more complex pursuits, the Preconstruction Manager may support a Preconstruction Director.
RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Participate in interviews and interview preparation for negotiated bids, acting as “Bid Captain” on pursuits and leading estimate/bid process team meetings
  • Build and maintain relationships with owners, subcontractors, vendors, internal clients and other key stakeholders, representing McCarthy on the jobsite, in the community and at industry events
  • Track and manage project budget
  • Prepare qualifications for project that align with contractual obligations, ensuring requirements are adhered to throughout the course of project and submitting contract documents for legal review
  • Implement and oversee preconstruction and construction schedule
  • Assist in training and development of project staff, and manage risk by implementing all applicable safety and EEO/Affirmative Action programs
  • Manage and maintain all documentation/deliverables, presenting them to project owner in organized manner
  • Represent McCarthy at design and coordination meetings, providing any alternative solutions and assisting in design decisions
  • Participate in the prequalification process, in preparing responses to RFPs and RFQs, in managing the buyout log and chart of accounts

QUALIFICATIONS

  • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture or Engineering, and/or minimum of 5 years of applicable estimating, design management and/or field management experience
  • In-depth knowledge of construction principles/practices required
  • Experience with alternative delivery projects, including cost modeling, cost trending, and GMPs.
  • Experience estimating self-perform disciplines, including labor and material pricing.
  • Proven experience managing preconstruction for a wide range of relevant projects
  • Experience dealing with subcontracts, subcontractors and/or self-perform work
  • Experience leading successful team ventures, including the development of employees and maintaining relationships with external entities and subcontractor community
  • Self-starter, highly motivated 
  • Strong communication skills with the ability to build trust and influence a wide variety of audiences
  • Demonstrate behaviors consistent with McCarthy core values while maintaining a "value added" approach to preconstruction

McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status. 

For Bay Area locations only, the salary range for this position is: $127,000 - $158,800. This does not include possible bonus and other benefits which can impact total compensation. Compensation offered may vary based on work location, experience, qualifications, specialty, training, and market and business considerations, among other factors.

NOTICE TO EXTERNAL SEARCH FIRMS: McCarthy’s Talent Acquisition Team is the only authorized representative permitted to engage with external search firms, staffing agencies, or other third-party recruiting partners. McCarthy maintains an Approved Agency List for recruiting partners, which is reviewed and updated annually.
McCarthy will only consider submissions from agencies with a signed fee agreement in place for the current year. McCarthy does not accept unsolicited resumes, candidate submissions, or referrals from agencies that do not meet these requirements.
If a candidate is submitted without an active agreement, McCarthy will have no obligation to pay any fees and reserves the right to contact, engage, interview, or hire such candidate(s) without any financial or other responsibility to the submitting agency. Unsolicited resumes, including those sent directly to hiring managers or other employees, will be considered the property of McCarthy.

 

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About McCarthy Building

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

McCarthy Building, headquartered in Saint Louis, MO, US, is a leading construction company primarily offering general contracting, design-build and construction management services throughout the United States. Its prominent industry presence can be explored in detail on its official website, mccarthy.com. Founded in 1864, the company has built a robust legacy marked by significant contributions to the U.S. construction industry. McCarthy Building engages a broad range of sectors, including healthcare, education, commercial, renewable energy, and advanced technology.

Industry

Construction

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

Saint Louis, MO, US

Year founded

1864

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