Senior Preconstruction Manager

Location: Charlotte, North Carolina

Salary: $120,000 – $160,000+ (Flexible Depending on Experience)

The Opportunity

Our client is seeking an experienced Senior Preconstruction Manager to join their Charlotte division. This is an exciting opportunity for an established preconstruction professional to play a key role in the continued growth of a well-respected general contractor, with a clear pathway towards departmental leadership.

The successful candidate will work closely with the existing preconstruction leadership team, gaining an in-depth understanding of the company’s processes, client relationships and approach to project delivery, with the potential to step into a senior leadership position as part of the division’s long-term succession planning.

Beyond managing preconstruction activities, this role offers the opportunity to influence the strategic direction of the Charlotte business, working collaboratively with senior leadership and business development to strengthen existing relationships, pursue new opportunities and support sustainable growth.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage preconstruction activities across a diverse portfolio of commercial construction projects.
• Oversee conceptual estimating, budgeting, cost planning, value engineering and constructability reviews.
• Work closely with clients, architects, engineers and subcontractors throughout the preconstruction process.
• Develop accurate and competitive estimates, ensuring alignment with project requirements and client expectations.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with local subcontractors, trade partners and clients across the Charlotte market.
• Collaborate with business development and operational leadership to identify and pursue new project opportunities.
• Provide hands-on leadership, guidance and mentorship to junior preconstruction and estimating professionals.
• Support the continued development and improvement of preconstruction processes, systems and best practices.
• Contribute to divisional strategy, project pursuits and long-term business planning.
• Take ownership of projects from initial concept through to successful handover to construction operations.

Experience & Qualifications

• 8–10+ years of experience in preconstruction, estimating or a closely related discipline within commercial general contracting.
• Proven experience operating at a senior level, with the ability and ambition to progress into departmental leadership.
• Strong technical understanding of estimating, budgeting, value engineering and the wider preconstruction process.
• Experience across sectors such as education, municipal, CM-at-Risk, general commercial and multifamily construction.
• Established knowledge of the Charlotte construction market, ideally with existing relationships among local subcontractors, clients and industry partners.
• Strong communication, presentation and client relationship management skills.
• Experience mentoring and developing junior team members.
• Proficiency with estimating and takeoff software, ideally including Timberline or similar platforms.
• Familiarity with construction management platforms such as Autodesk Build, Forma or Procore would be advantageous.
• A collaborative, commercially minded approach with the ability to balance technical delivery and relationship development.

The Ideal Candidate

We’re looking for more than a technically strong preconstruction professional.

The ideal candidate will be a hands-on, relationship-driven leader who enjoys being involved in the detail while also contributing to the bigger picture.

You’ll be comfortable working directly with clients, supporting business development efforts and mentoring the next generation of preconstruction professionals.

You’ll bring a proactive, team-first mentality, taking ownership where needed and contributing beyond the boundaries of a traditional job description.

Most importantly, you’ll value long-term relationships, collaboration and the opportunity to make a lasting impact within an established and growing construction business.

Why Join Our Client?

• Leadership Progression: A genuine opportunity to develop into a departmental leadership position through a planned succession process.
• Established Reputation: Join a respected general contractor with a strong presence in the Charlotte construction market.
• Strategic Influence: Play an active role in shaping the division’s future alongside senior leadership and business development.
• Diverse Project Portfolio: Work across education, municipal, commercial and multifamily developments.
• Collaborative Culture: Be part of a business that values relationships, teamwork and hands-on leadership.
• Long-Term Opportunity: Join an organisation focused on developing its people and building sustainable, long-term success.

Compensation

Base Salary: $120,000 – $160,000+, depending on experience.

There is flexibility for an exceptional candidate who brings the right combination of technical expertise, leadership capability and established market relationships.

The Next Step

This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Senior Preconstruction Manager, Preconstruction Director or senior-level estimating professional looking to take the next step in their career.

Whether you’re already operating in a leadership capacity or looking for a clear pathway into one, we’d welcome a confidential conversation.