Preconstruction Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Summary

We are representing a well-established and growing General Contractor seeking a senior preconstruction leader to serve as their Preconstruction Executive across a diverse portfolio of commercial, multifamily, mixed-use, and large-scale renovation projects. This is a top-level preconstruction role for a strategic, client-facing leader who brings both the technical depth to oversee complex estimating and the executive presence to drive business development, owner relationships, and company growth.

The ideal candidate has built and led preconstruction departments, mentored estimating teams, and served as the senior face of preconstruction for high-profile pursuits and client relationships. This individual understands that preconstruction is not just about numbers — it is about building trust, winning work, and setting projects up for successful delivery from the very first conversation.

Projects typically range from $10M to $50M+ and include ground-up commercial, multifamily residential, mixed-use development, and large-scale interior and exterior renovations.

Key Responsibilities

Preconstruction Leadership & Strategy

• Lead and oversee all preconstruction activities across the company's active pursuit and project portfolio
• Establish and continuously improve preconstruction processes, estimating standards, and bid management workflows
• Build, mentor, and manage a high-performing preconstruction team including Estimators and Preconstruction Managers
• Set the strategic direction for how the company pursues, prices, and wins work in its core markets
• Ensure consistency, accuracy, and competitiveness across all estimates, budgets, and proposals

Estimating & Budget Oversight

• Oversee the development of conceptual budgets, schematic estimates, design development estimates, and GMP proposals
• Review and approve all major estimates and bid packages prior to submission
• Maintain and evolve the company's historical cost database, unit pricing library, and benchmarking tools
• Drive value engineering initiatives and constructability reviews across all active pursuits
• Ensure all estimates include thorough scope coverage, risk identification, and accurate project assumptions

Client & Owner Relations

• Serve as the senior preconstruction point of contact for owners, developers, architects, and key stakeholders
• Lead high-level preconstruction meetings, GMP negotiations, and executive-level design review sessions
• Build and maintain long-term client relationships that generate repeat business and referrals
• Represent the company in RFP interviews, client presentations, and industry events
• Collaborate with ownership and business development to identify and pursue strategic project opportunities

Business Development & Market Growth

• Partner with company leadership to develop and execute the business development strategy
• Identify new client relationships, market opportunities, and project types aligned with company growth goals
• Support the preparation and delivery of RFP responses, qualification packages, and interview presentations
• Track and report on the pursuit pipeline, bid-to-award ratios, and preconstruction performance metrics
• Maintain a strong presence in the local construction and development community

Team Development & Operations

• Recruit, develop, and retain top preconstruction talent at all levels
• Establish clear performance expectations, workload management, and professional development plans for the team
• Foster a collaborative culture between preconstruction and operations to ensure seamless project handoffs
• Implement tools, software, and processes that improve efficiency and output quality across the preconstruction function

Project Experience Required

• Ground-Up Commercial Office, Retail & Mixed-Use
• Multifamily Residential — Podium, Wrap, Mid-Rise & Garden-Style
• Large-Scale Interior & Exterior Renovation Projects
• Hard Bid, Negotiated, Design-Build & GMP Delivery Methods
• Projects ranging from $10M – $50M+ in construction value
• Experience overseeing multiple simultaneous pursuits and managing a preconstruction team required

Qualifications

• 15+ years of estimating and preconstruction experience with a General Contractor
• 5+ years in a preconstruction leadership role overseeing teams and departmental operations
• Proven track record winning and delivering commercial, multifamily, or mixed-use projects in the $10M–$50M+ range
• Deep knowledge of all construction divisions, systems, delivery methods, and contract structures
• Strong subcontractor and developer network in the local market
• Proficiency with estimating platforms such as Procore Estimating, Sage Estimating, Bluebeam, or On-Screen Takeoff
• Working knowledge of Procore and Microsoft Office Suite
• Exceptional communication, negotiation, and executive presentation skills
• Demonstrated ability to lead teams, manage client relationships, and drive company growth
• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field required; Master's degree a plus

Compensation & Benefits

• Highly competitive base salary commensurate with experience
• Executive-level performance bonus tied to revenue, award volume, and company performance
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Company vehicle or vehicle allowance
• Paid holidays and PTO
• Equity or profit participation potential for the right candidate