Preconstruction Manager

D|Watts Construction is a premier commercial general contractor specializing in high-end corporate office spaces. Currently generating $100 million in annual revenue, we are embarking on an ambitious growth journey to expand into multiple locations and scale to $500 million in revenue. With a reputation for excellence, precision, and client satisfaction, we aim to transform our industry and set new benchmarks for quality and service.

We are seeking a highly driven and strategic Preconstruction Manager to help grow our estimating department. This role offers a unique opportunity to build and optimize systems, develop scalable processes, and be a key player in shaping the future of a dynamic and growing company.

Key Responsibilities

Preliminary Estimates

  • Performing in-house take offs and collecting subcontractor input to create preliminary estimates from conceptual plans and notes.

  • Maintaining a database of historical trade by trade unit rates and cost trends.

Firm Pricing Packages

  • Manages the bid process from start to finish. Reviews RFP and critical dates. Coordinates the marketing and project management teams support as required for a complete bid package response. 

  • Creates bid instructions and or scope of work for subcontractor pricing.

  • Site visits, RFP/RFI development and document distribution during the bidding process.

  • Ensure adequate subcontractor coverage. Receive, file and save proposals.

  • Finalize low bid scopes, pricing notes and final competitive bids for construction projects.

  • Negotiates final pricing, clarifications and contract amounts.

 Project Management Coordination

  • Organize and prepare all pre-bid documentation, ready for hand off.

  • Provide hand off folder to include all pertinent information for PM teams.

Qualifications

Required Skills and Experience:

  • A minimum of 5 years of related experience is required.

  • Strong math skills including algebra, geometry, and basic arithmetic.

  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills. The ability to walk clients through cost estimates, assumptions, and cost saving ideas.

  • Ability to create detailed estimates from conceptual plans and notes.

  • Ability to navigate specifications and plans.

  • The ability to develop a list of pre-bid RFI’s.

  • Ability to solicit, collect, final scope subcontractor proposals to create full pricing packages from a final set of pricing documents.

  • Close attention to detail

  • Entrepreneurial mindset with a passion for building and optimizing systems and teams in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Leadership Attributes:

  • High integrity and a strong sense of accountability.

  • Visionary leader who can inspire and drive teams to achieve ambitious goals.

  • Excellent communication skills, capable of engaging with internal teams and external stakeholders.

  • Adaptable and resilient, thriving in a high growth, evolving business landscape.

Why Join Us?

This is a rare opportunity to join a company at a pivotal moment in its history. As Preconstruction Manager, you’ll play a central role in shaping and growing the organization’s new estimating department.

Compensation and Benefits

  • Competitive salary commensurate with experience.

  • Performance-based bonus structure tied to company growth and profitability.

  • Comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision, and retirement plans.

  • Opportunities for professional growth and leadership development.

Join us in shaping the future of high-end corporate office construction. Be part of a growth story where your leadership and expertise will make a tangible impact.

Application

To be considered for this full-time position in Alexandria, VA, please submit your resume by email to careers@dwatts.com and specify the job title (Preconstruction Manager) in the subject line of the e-mail.

D|Watts is an equal opportunity employer and conducts all hiring and employment practices strictly in accordance with applicable employment discrimination laws and regulations. Discrimination in employment on the basis of any classification protected under federal, state, or local law is a violation of our policy and is illegal.