Preconstruction Manager Jobs in Cary, IL (NOW HIRING)

Position: Director of Preconstruction

Department: Preconstruction / Sales

Reports To: Chief Sales Officer (CSO)

Location: Batavia, IL (with flexible remote work)

Salary Range: $120,000 - $150,000 per year (DOE)

Benefits: Health and Life Insurance, Vision, Dental, PTO, 401(k)

The Director of Preconstruction is responsible for leading and developing the company’s preconstruction function while ensuring projects are positioned for successful execution before transitioning to Operations. This role oversees the daily management, workflow, and performance of a growing remote team consisting of estimators, drafters, and preconstruction coordinators. This position is heavily focused on operational leadership, accountability, organization, and execution in the near term, while evolving into a more strategic leadership role as the company continues to scale nationally. The ideal candidate is highly organized, experienced in construction estimating, and driven to help teams succeed and grow together within a remote environment.

• Lead, coach, and develop a remote team of estimators, drafters, and preconstruction coordinators
• Drive accountability, communication, and workflow management across distributed teams
• Conduct regular team meetings, 1:1s, and performance check-ins
• Foster a collaborative and growth-oriented team culture focused on continuous improvement
• Assist with hiring, onboarding, training, and development of preconstruction personnel
• Maintain a highly engaged management presence throughout the workweek within a remote environment

• Oversee day-to-day estimating and preconstruction activities across multiple projects and markets
• Ensure accurate, timely, and organized bid preparation and project handoffs
• Support workload balancing, prioritization, and resource planning within the department
• Partner with Sales and Operations leadership to align estimating, customer experience, and operational execution
• Help bridge communication and execution between Sales and Operations teams
• Review project estimates for accuracy, completeness, and profitability

• Develop and maintain estimating standards, pricing structures, and workflow best practices
• Identify opportunities to improve estimating efficiency through systems, tools, and technology
• Lead and support the implementation and optimization of estimating software and related workflows
• Maintain organized bid tracking, documentation, and reporting systems
• Improve documentation standards, communication processes, and operational consistency across the department

• Assist with preconstruction meetings, project reviews, and customer coordination as needed
• Ensure project documentation, submittals, and handoff materials are complete and organized
• Support change order review and pricing coordination when required
• Collaborate with field and operations teams to help ensure projects are buildable, profitable, and properly planned

• Maintain accurate reporting, departmental metrics, and workflow tracking
• Utilize company software and project management systems consistently
• Support departmental planning, forecasting, and process improvement initiatives
• Participate in leadership meetings, strategic planning discussions, and continuous improvement efforts

• Five years of experience in construction estimating, preconstruction, or related leadership role
• Previous experience managing teams within a remote or distributed work environment
• Strong organizational, leadership, and communication skills
• Experience overseeing multiple projects, deadlines, and priorities simultaneously
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and digital collaboration/project management tools
• Ability to actively manage workflows and team accountability throughout the work week

• Experience within fencing, specialty trades, or commercial construction industries
• Prior experience implementing or optimizing estimating software and systems
• Experience leading or scaling a growing preconstruction department
• Familiarity with construction drawings, procurement processes, and project coordination workflows

• Strong understanding of construction estimating and preconstruction processes
• Excellent organizational and project management abilities
• Ability to lead, motivate, and develop remote teams effectively
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with both internal teams and external partners
• Ability to balance operational execution with long-term process improvement
• Self-driven, adaptable, and solutions-oriented mindset
• Technically proficient with estimating platforms, spreadsheets, and digital workflow systems
• Strong attention to detail and follow-through

We are an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.