Preconstruction Manager Jobs in Illinois (NOW HIRING)

About Us

Clayco is a full-service, turnkey real estate development, master planning, architecture, engineering, and construction firm that safely delivers clients across North America the highest quality solutions on time, on budget, and above and beyond expectations. With $8.1 billion in revenue for 2025, Clayco specializes in the "art and science of building," providing fast track, efficient solutions for mission critical, industrial, life sciences, power & energy, aviation, commercial, institutional, residential and sports & entertainment related building projects.

The Role We Want You For

As a Preconstruction Manager, you will lead high-level management of preconstruction efforts, working closely with the Vice President of Preconstruction and other team members. You will provide expert guidance and services across all business units, collaborating with Business Unit Leaders, Project Executives, and Senior Management to drive project success.
In this role, you will be instrumental in managing design-build project pursuits and preconstruction activities across various business units. If you’re a seasoned professional with a strategic mindset and leadership skills, we’d love to hear from you.

The Specifics of the Role

• Project Pursuit Leadership: Collaborate with Business Unit Leaders (Institutional, Industrial, Residential/Hospitality, Commercial) and Project Executives to identify and pursue new project opportunities.
• Proposal Preparation: Lead the development of specific project scopes and prepare accurate, compelling proposals.
• Estimating and Analysis: Create detailed conceptual estimates and develop scopes of work for each trade. Review scopes with subcontractors and participate in their selection process.
• Client Presentation: Prepare and present final estimates to clients and owners, effectively communicating project value and details.
• Schedule and Document Review: Review construction schedules and documents for value engineering opportunities, preparing, and pricing value engineering items.
• Mentorship and Training: Train and mentor junior estimating staff, fostering their professional growth and development.
• Data and List Management: Maintain and update master subcontractor/vendor lists by trade and develop historical data for unit pricing.
• Contract Support: Assist project managers with contract negotiations, change orders, and other project-related tasks.
• General Conditions: Develop and review general conditions in collaboration with project management.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Architecture, or a related field.
• Experience: 5-10 years of experience in estimating for commercial construction, with a proven track record in leading project pursuits across multiple market sectors, including Commercial, Industrial, Healthcare, Institutional, and Residential.
• Technical Expertise: Deep knowledge of building construction, materials, systems, market conditions, and trade practices. Familiarity with estimating and quantity takeoff software.
• Software Proficiency: Skilled in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Leadership and Mentorship: Demonstrated experience in leading Preconstruction meetings and supervising junior staff.

Some Things You Should Know

• Our clients and projects are nationwide – Travel will be required.
• No other builder can offer the collaborative design-build approach that Clayco does.
• We work on creative, complex, award-winning, high-profile jobs.
• The pace is fast!
• This position is classified as a safety-sensitive role in accordance with applicable state and federal laws. Candidates selected for this position will be subject to a

Why Clayco?

• 2025 Best Places to Work – St. Louis Business Journal, Los Angeles Business Journal, and Phoenix Business Journal.
• 2025 ENR Top 400 – Top Data Center Contractor (Top 3).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Design-Build Firms – Design-Build Contractor (Top 5).
• 2025 ENR Top 100 Green Contractors – Green Contractor (Top 3).

Benefits

• Discretionary Annual Bonus: Subject to company and individual performance.
• Comprehensive Benefits Package Including: Medical, dental and vision plans, 401k, generous PTO and paid company holidays, employee assistance program, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, disability coverage, learning & development programs and more!

Compensation

• The salary range for this position considers a wide range of factors in making compensation decisions including but not limited to: Education, qualifications, skills, training, experience, certifications, internal equity, and location. It is not typical for an individual to be hired at or near the top of the range for the role and compensation decisions are dependent on the facts and circumstances of each case. The Clayco Nationwide salary range for this position is approximately $85,000 - $100,000 +/- annually (not adjusted for location).