Chief Preconstruction Manager | Industrial & Mission Critical Construction

Location: Dallas, TX

Overview

TrendHR is recruiting for a Chief Preconstruction Manager on behalf of a Top 25 ENR General Contractor with deep expertise in Industrial, Mission Critical, Advanced Manufacturing, and Commercial Construction.

This Dallas-based leadership role will play a critical part in driving preconstruction strategy, leading complex estimating efforts, and supporting major project pursuits across highly technical construction sectors including Data Centers, Manufacturing, Distribution, Semiconductor, Energy, and Industrial Infrastructure.

The ideal candidate is a strategic and operational leader who can manage large-scale pursuits, lead high-performing teams, collaborate with executive leadership and operations, and confidently guide clients through complex budgeting and preconstruction processes.

Position Overview

The Chief Preconstruction Manager will oversee complex estimating efforts, manage multiple preconstruction teams, and help shape the strategic direction of preconstruction operations across the division. This individual must be capable of operating at both a high strategic level and within the detailed execution of large, technically demanding projects.

The role requires strong leadership, operational awareness, client-facing communication skills, and deep experience within Industrial and Mission Critical construction environments.

Key Responsibilities

1. Estimating & Preconstruction Leadership

• Lead multiple large-scale estimates and preconstruction efforts simultaneously across Industrial, Mission Critical, Manufacturing, and Commercial sectors
• Oversee estimating activities for various delivery methods including Hard Bid, Negotiated GMP, CMAR, Design-Build, and Integrated Project Delivery (IPD)
• Develop conceptual and detailed estimates including benchmarking, quantity analysis, escalation forecasting, value engineering, and scope alignment
• Partner closely with operations teams to align staffing plans, schedules, procurement strategy, general conditions, logistics, and execution plans
• Lead design-to-budget processes, helping clients, architects, engineers, and trade partners navigate evolving project costs and scope refinement
• Present estimates, project strategies, and preconstruction plans during client interviews, executive meetings, and pursuit presentations
• Provide oversight of estimate accuracy, risk analysis, subcontractor coverage, and competitive positioning
• Understand and evaluate project-specific challenges including phasing, procurement constraints, labor markets, escalation risk, and schedule impacts

2. Project Pursuit Strategy & Business Development

• Drive pursuit strategy by identifying opportunities, forecasting workload, and allocating preconstruction resources for maximum return on investment
• Collaborate with division leadership to evaluate pursuit costs, market opportunities, and project risk profiles
• Support strategic growth initiatives within Mission Critical, Industrial, Manufacturing, Semiconductor, Energy, and Advanced Technology sectors
• Build and maintain strong relationships with owners, architects, engineers, subcontractors, consultants, and industry partners
• Participate in business development efforts, client meetings, industry networking events, and strategic market planning
• Research emerging trends, procurement strategies, and competitive positioning within Industrial and Mission Critical markets
• Assist in developing win strategies and differentiators for major pursuits and negotiated opportunities

3. Team Leadership, Coaching & Development

• Lead, mentor, and develop estimating and preconstruction professionals across multiple project teams
• Establish a culture of accountability, collaboration, innovation, and operational excellence
• Conduct performance evaluations, career development planning, and ongoing coaching for direct reports
• Assist in recruiting, onboarding, and retaining top preconstruction talent
• Promote collaboration and standardization across offices, divisions, and project teams
• Encourage continuous learning and implementation of industry best practices and emerging technologies
• Support succession planning and long-term team development initiatives

4. Process Optimization & Innovation

• Research and implement emerging trends, technologies, and tools to improve estimating accuracy and preconstruction efficiency
• Evaluate and refine estimating procedures, workflows, templates, reporting structures, and best practices
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives related to procurement strategy, conceptual estimating, value engineering, and cost modeling
• Leverage technology platforms and data analytics to improve predictability, productivity, and competitive positioning
• Support integration and utilization of software platforms including P6, BuildingConnected, Bluebeam, AGTEK, Sage, Destini, Assemble, and related estimating/preconstruction technologies
• Identify opportunities to streamline communication, collaboration, and operational handoff between preconstruction and field operations teams

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field preferred
• Minimum 15 years of construction industry experience with at least 5–10 years leading large, complex preconstruction efforts and estimating teams
• Strong experience within Industrial, Mission Critical, Manufacturing, Semiconductor, Data Center, Energy, or other highly technical construction sectors
• Proven track record managing large-scale conceptual estimating, budgeting, and pursuit strategy for complex projects
• Deep understanding of construction means and methods, procurement strategy, scheduling, logistics, and operational coordination
• Experience leading high-performing estimating and preconstruction teams across multiple simultaneous pursuits
• Strong client-facing communication and presentation skills with the ability to lead executive-level discussions
• Ability to build and maintain long-term relationships with clients, design partners, subcontractors, and internal stakeholders
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, and leadership skills
• High level of proficiency with estimating software, scheduling platforms, and preconstruction technology tools
• Ability to operate effectively in fast-paced, deadline-driven environments while managing competing priorities

Preferred Experience

• Experience with large-scale Data Center or Mission Critical construction projects
• Background supporting Design-Build or Integrated Project Delivery environments
• Experience working on projects involving advanced manufacturing, clean rooms, semiconductor, or highly technical facilities
• Strong understanding of market conditions, subcontractor networks, procurement challenges, and labor trends within Industrial and Mission Critical construction

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Leadership role with a nationally recognized Top 25 ENR General Contractor
• Opportunity to help lead some of the most complex and high-profile Industrial and Mission Critical projects in the country
• Exposure to large-scale, technically advanced construction programs across rapidly growing sectors
• Collaborative culture with strong operational and executive leadership support
• Long-term career growth and leadership advancement opportunities

Education – Skills – Knowledge – Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in construction, engineering, or related discipline.

• 15+ years of construction experience, including 5–10 years managing large, complex estimates and leading estimator teams.

• Proven performance at the Senior Estimator level or above, with a strong track record of project wins.

• Deep knowledge of the entire preconstruction lifecycle and multiple project delivery methods.

• Demonstrated leadership ability with a focus on mentoring, coaching, and motivating teams.

• Strong ability to build and maintain long-term relationships with clients, designers, subcontractors, and industry partners.

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills; polished presentation skills for high-stakes client interactions.

• Experience managing multiple direct reports.

• Strong conflict-resolution and decision-making abilities.

• Superior organizational skills with the ability to manage competing priorities and multiple concurrent pursuits.

• Innovative mindset and willingness to challenge legacy processes.

• Proven proficiency using construction cost estimating and preconstruction software platforms.