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Preconstruction Director Jobs in Kansas (NOW HIRING)

Description Business Development Director Kansas City (Leawood, Kansas) On-Site with Regional ... Cross-Functional Collaboration • Partner with regional operations and preconstruction teams to ...

Employee Type FT Exempt Business Development Director Kansas City (Leawood, Kansas) On-Site with ... Partner with regional operations and preconstruction teams to implement strategic plans that ...

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Preconstruction Director information

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 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.

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

The most popular types of Preconstruction jobs in Kansas are:

Infographic showing various Preconstruction Director job openings in Kansas as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution.

Preconstruction Director - Water & Wastewater Construction

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

Kansas City, KS • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 26 days ago


McCarthy Building Companies rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 26 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY
The Water Preconstruction Director is responsible for leading all preconstruction efforts on large, complex water and wastewater projects, from early pursuit through handoff to construction. This role drives pursuit strategy and client-facing activities; leads collaborative delivery (CMAR and Progressive Design-Build) and fixed-price design-build efforts; and oversees schedule, design development, and cost estimating from conceptual through GMP. The Water Preconstruction Director manages risk identification and mitigation, ensures budget control and alignment with contractual requirements, and provides solutions that balance cost, schedule, constructability, and life-cycle performance. They serve as the central liaison between operations, estimating, and design management; build and maintain strong relationships with owners, designers, trade partners, and vendors; and develop and mentor preconstruction staff while advancing McCarthy's position in the water/wastewater market.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Pursuit Phase
  • Networks at conferences and industry events to develop relationships with designers, owners, equipment vendors, trade partners, etc.
  • Works with team to develop pursuit strategy.
  • Participates in client meeting
  • Assists the Marketing Department in preparation of responses to RFP's and RFQ's.
  • Participates in interviews and interview preparation.
  • Can lead a Design-Bid-Build or Fixed Price Design Build pursuit.

Preconstruction Phase
  • Lead collaborative delivery projects (CMAR and Progressive Design Build) through the preconstruction phase.
  • Leads a Fixed Price Design Build Project after award.
  • Prepares or oversees preparation of preconstruction schedule with buy-in from internal departments as relates to them. Interfaces with the owners and designers to maintain schedule. Keeps internal departments informed of schedule changes as relates to their activities. This includes identifying the need for multiple GMP's to facilitate the overall project schedule.
  • Leads the development of cost estimates at all design milestones (10% to 100%).
  • Understands treatment plant process and can fills in design gaps for the completion of estimates as well as coordination between scopes.
  • Coordinates the development and review of Self-Perform Estimates for the following Self-Perform:
    • Concrete
    • Misc Metals & FRP Installation
    • Process Piping
    • Process Equipment Installation
    • Earthwork
    • Underground Piping
  • Leads the development of a GMP'
  • Manages the risk identification and mitigation process.
  • Leads internal McCarthy estimate reviews and project team coordination and status meetings.
  • Presents deliverables to the owner in a complete and organized manner, per the approved guidelines of McCarthy and the requirements of the owner.
  • Provides alternative solutions taking into consideration cost, schedule, maintenance, and life cycle cost implications.
  • Leads the development of Trade Partner and Vendor buyo
  • Assists in the prequalification process of trade partners and vendors.
  • Oversees the establishment and maintenance of budget control during the construction phase of the project.
  • Attends and represents McCarthy in all design and coordination meetings. On some projects may lead these meetings. Maintains an action log for outstanding items and assigns responsibility for such action items. Maintains scope issues log and is responsible for compiling pricing (with assistance from estimating as needed).
  • Assists Project team in design decisions and development of solutions.
  • Reviews the project construction schedule and ensures the timely preparation of the General Conditions and coordination of General Conditions with trade packages.
  • Manages and maintains consistent deliverables in the approved format.
  • Manages all aspects of risk and defines such for the executive team.
  • Ensures we are adhering to contractual requirements and strategically meeting overall goals by understanding preconstruction and construction contracts and applying knowledge to assigned project.
  • Tracks and manages construction budget between formal estimating periods and keeps owner and team abreast of current budget and impact of design decisions.
  • Acts as the team liaison between operations, estimating and design management.
  • Leads the development and training of other preconstruction staff.
  • Manages a relationship management plan with owners and key stakeholders in the markets that we cover.
  • Builds and maintains relationships with design engineers.
  • Builds and maintains solid relationships with subcontractors to obtain a competitive advantage for McCarthy.
  • Attends industry events and represents McCarthy to the industry in a professional capacity.
  • Maintains knowledge of cost elements of projects
  • Implement all applicable Safety Programs and EEO/Affirmative Action Programs.

Construction Phase
  • Works with construction teams to maintain dialogue and receive feedback for implementation in future preconstruction efforts.
  • Monitors productivity, budgets vs actual costs, and labor rates for incorporation into current and future estimates.
  • Assists team with clarifying scope of a budget, how scope was bought, and clarifying elements of the GMP as needed with the project team.
  • Assist in reconciling costs with final design documents where a GMP was provided at an early design milestone.

QUALIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, and/or minimum 10 years of applicable estimating, design management and/or field management experience.
  • Proven experience managing preconstruction for large scale projects ($100M+) with emphasis on highly complex projects.
  • In-depth knowledge of water/wastewater construction principles/practices required.
  • Experience managing and negotiating subcontracts and purchase orders.
  • Experience with developing and managing relationships with owners, design teams, trade partners and vendors.
  • Experience leading successful team ventures, including development of employees and maintaining relationships with external entities and subcontractor community.
  • Self-starter. Highly motivated to bring results and success to the projects he/she leads.
  • Focused on continuous improve
  • Ability to build trust and influence others internally and externally.
  • Demonstrates behaviors consistent with McCarthy core values.
  • Maintains a "value added" approach to preconstruction.
  • Strong communication skills with ability to communicate to varied audiences.
  • Strong presentation skills.

McCarthy is proud to be an equal opportunity employer, including disability and protected veteran status.
For California locations only, the salary range for this position is: $175,600 - $184,800. 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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