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Preconstruction Director Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Role We Want You For As a Preconstruction Director, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing and coordinating the preparation and management of projects within the Preconstruction Department.

The Role We Want You For As a Preconstruction Director, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing and coordinating the preparation and management of projects within the Preconstruction Department.

The Role We Want You For As a Preconstruction Director, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing and coordinating the preparation and management of projects within the Preconstruction Department.

The Role We Want You For As a Preconstruction Director, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing and coordinating the preparation and management of projects within the Preconstruction Department.

The Role We Want You For As a Preconstruction Director, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing and coordinating the preparation and management of projects within the Preconstruction Department.

The Role We Want You For As a Preconstruction Director, you will play a pivotal role in overseeing and coordinating the preparation and management of projects within the Preconstruction Department.

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Preconstruction Director information

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$91.5K

$154.2K

$201.5K

How much do preconstruction director jobs pay per year?

As of May 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for preconstruction director in the United States is $154,249.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $135,000.00 and $176,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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.

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 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 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.

More about Preconstruction Director jobs
What cities are hiring for Preconstruction Director jobs? Cities with the most Preconstruction Director job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Preconstruction jobs? The most popular types of Preconstruction jobs are:
What states have the most Preconstruction Director jobs? States with the most job openings for Preconstruction Director jobs include:
Infographic showing various Preconstruction Director job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 97% Full Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 100% Physical job distribution, with an average salary of $154,249 per year, or $74.2 per hour.
Preconstruction Director

Preconstruction Director

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc.

San Francisco, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago


McCarthy Building Companies rating

7.6

Company rating: 7.6 out of 10

Based on 25 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY

The Preconstruction Director serves as a key member of each project team.  This individual will lead McCarthy’s team efforts to provide preconstruction services to our clients. Depending on the specifics of the project, may be the primary day-to-day contact of the owner and the design team with McCarthy during the preconstruction.
 
RESPONSIBILITIES 
  • Participates in interviews and interview preparation for negotiated bids.
  • Assists the Marketing Department in preparation of responses to RFP’s and RFQ’s.
  • Provides value alternative solutions taking into consideration cost, schedule, maintenance, and life cycle cost implications. Oversees value alternate preparation from subcontractors, and internal departments.
  • Fills in design gaps for incomplete documents for the completion of estimates. Ensures estimating department has most current design information in the preparation of estimates.
  • Prepares and submits contract documents for legal and risk reviews
  • Prepares qualifications and assumptions that align with the contractual requirements of the project.
  • Assists in the prequalification process.
  • Leads internal McCarthy estimate review and bid process team meetings.
  • Acts as “Bid Captain” on pursuits, particularly those projects with a preconstruction period after award, such as a Design-Build pursuit.
  • Oversees the establishment and maintenance of budget control during the reconstruction phase of the project.
  • Presents deliverables to the owner in a complete and organized manner, per the approved guidelines of McCarthy and the requirements of the owner.
  • 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).
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Represents McCarthy to subcontractors through management of the preconstruction process.
  • Assists in 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 architects and 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.
  • Builds and maintains relationships with internal McCarthy clients.
  • Maintains knowledge of cost elements of projects by bid package and/or uniformat (i.e., cost/sf of elements)
  • Manages and maintains the buyout log for the project.
  • Prepares and manages the Exhibit One production into subcontracts.
  • Sets up the chart of accounts for the project into Oracle.
  • Implement all applicable Safety Programs and EEO/Affirmative Action Programs. 
QUALIFICATIONS 
  • Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Architecture or Engineering, and/or 10+ Years of applicable estimating, design management and/or field management experience.
  • Proven experience managing preconstruction for large scale projects with emphasis on highly complex projects.
  • In-depth knowledge of construction principles/practices required.
  • Experience dealing with subcontracts, subcontractors and/or self-perform work.
  • 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.
  • 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 Bay Area location only, the salary range for this position is: $190,000-$225,000. 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.  

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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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