Preconstruction Services Manager

Wharton-Smith, Inc., a highly regarded General Contractor throughout the Southeast, is seeking qualified candidates for the position of Preconstruction Services Manager. We are currently seeking someone who is willing to work inCentral, FL.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Preconstruction Services Manager is responsible for all preconstruction activities for complex construction projects. This position applies professional engineering principles and construction expertise to evaluate project feasibility, analyze engineering documents, develop detailed cost estimates, identify project risks, and support successful project planning and execution.

The Preconstruction Services Manager serves as a technical resource during the pursuit, planning, and estimating phases of construction projects by collaborating with owners, engineers, architects, subcontractors, suppliers, and project teams. This position requires the application of advanced civil engineering knowledge, technical analysis, engineering judgment, and cost management principles to deliver accurate estimates and constructability recommendations.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Review and interpret civil engineering drawings, specifications, geotechnical reports, utility records, and contract documents.
• Analyze engineering plans and technical specifications to determine project scope, constructability, and feasibility.
• Prepare comprehensive quantity takeoffs for earthwork, underground utilities, grading, drainage, concrete structures, process piping, mechanical systems, and other construction components.
• Develop detailed construction cost estimates for labor, equipment, materials, subcontractors, and self-performed work.
• Apply engineering principles to evaluate construction methods, sequencing, temporary works, and resource requirements.
• Identify engineering risks including utility conflicts, excavation support, dewatering requirements, environmental constraints, traffic control, and temporary facilities.
• Evaluate subcontractor and supplier proposals for completeness, technical compliance, and pricing accuracy.
• Develop value engineering recommendations and alternative construction approaches to improve project efficiency and reduce costs.
• Coordinate and participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, design reviews, and constructability reviews.
• Prepare Requests for Information (RFIs), engineering clarifications, assumptions, qualifications, and bid documentation.
• Collaborate with owners, consulting engineers, architects, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal operations teams throughout the preconstruction process.
• Analyze project schedules, production rates, equipment utilization, and labor productivity to develop accurate construction budgets.
• Evaluate project risks and develop mitigation strategies related to schedule, cost, constructability, permitting, and site conditions.
• Prepare conceptual estimates, design development estimates, budget estimates, and competitive hard-bid proposals for projects ranging from approximately $4 million to over $400 million.
• Develop and maintain strong working relationships with clients, engineers, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal stakeholders.
• Participate in project pursuit strategy meetings and assist with proposal development.
• Ensure compliance with company policies, estimating procedures, quality standards, and ethical business practices.
• Perform additional duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering, Construction Engineering, or a closely related engineering discipline required.
• Professional Engineer (P.E.) licensure or eligibility for licensure preferred.
• Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in civil engineering, construction estimating, and preconstruction.
• Demonstrated experience preparing conceptual budgets, detailed cost estimates, quantity takeoffs, constructability reviews, and value engineering analyses.
• Extensive knowledge of civil engineering principles, construction estimating practices, and preconstruction processes for water and wastewater infrastructure projects.
• Ability to interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, geotechnical reports, and contract documents to develop accurate estimates and constructability assessments.
• Strong understanding of construction costs, materials, labor, equipment, and project requirements to support accurate budgeting and estimating.
• Proven ability to evaluate project risks, identify cost-saving opportunities, and develop effective value engineering solutions.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate preconstruction activities while supporting project planning and execution.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to explain technical information to clients, owners, engineers, architects, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal project teams.
• Strong presentation, negotiation, and relationship-building skills with a customer-focused approach.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with multidisciplinary teams and maintain positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrated leadership and mentoring skills with the ability to guide team members and support professional development.
• Commitment to supporting company values, organizational objectives, and customer satisfaction.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Bluebeam, PlanSwift or comparable estimating software, scheduling applications, and construction management platforms.
• Ability to work effectively in both professional office environments and active construction job sites.
• Ability to safely navigate construction sites, including uneven terrain, ladders, stairs, excavations, and confined spaces when necessary.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions and occasionally lift and move materials or equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
• Ability to operate standard office equipment and technology required for daily responsibilities.
• Availability to work a full-time, exempt schedule, typically Monday through Friday, with flexibility for additional hours to meet project deadlines, attend meetings, conduct site visits, and support proposal activities.
• Willingness to travel frequently throughout Wharton-Smith's operating regions for project site visits, pre-bid conferences, client presentations, and project coordination.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Veterans/Disability

Wharton-Smith provides equal opportunity to qualified disabled veterans, Pre-JVA special disabled veterans and individuals with disabilities to online application systems by making reasonable accommodation to ensure equal access for submitting to job openings.  (i.e., wheelchair accessibility, website accessibility, etc).

RECRUITER POLICY:

Notice to Staffing Agencies

Wharton-Smith, Inc. will not accept unsolicited resumes from any source other than directly from a candidate. Any unsolicited resumes sent to Wharton-Smith, Inc., including unsolicited resumes sent to a Wharton-Smith, Inc. mailing address, fax machine or email address, directly to Wharton-Smith, Inc. employees, or to Wharton-Smith, Inc.'s resume database will be considered Wharton-Smith, Inc. property. Wharton-Smith, Inc. will NOT pay a fee for any placement resulting from the receipt of an unsolicited resume.Wharton-Smith, Inc. will consider any candidate for whom an Agency has submitted an unsolicited resume to have been referred by the Agency free of any charges or fees. Agencies must obtain advance written approval from Wharton-Smith, Inc.'s recruiting function to submit resumes, and then only in conjunction with a valid fully executed contract for service and in response to a specific job opening.Wharton-Smith, Inc.will not pay a fee to any Agency that does not have such an agreement in place. Agency agreements will only be valid if in writing and signed by Wharton-Smith, Inc.'s Human Resources Representative or his/ her designee. No other Wharton-Smith, Inc. employee is authorized to bind Wharton-Smith, Inc. to any agreement regarding the placement of candidates by Agencies.