Pre Construction Manager (Carlsbad)

PRECONSTRUCTION MANAGER

About Level 3 Construction

Level 3 Construction is a next-generation commercial contractor recognized for leveraging technology, innovation, and process excellence to deliver superior results in hotel renovations, affordable housing, student housing, senior housing, multifamily, and mixed-use projects throughout California. We value integrity, transparency, entrepreneurial thinking, continuous improvement, and cultivating strong, long-term client and subcontractor relationships. We are committed to a safe, inclusive, and growth-oriented work environment.

Position Overview

The Preconstruction Manager leads estimating, budgeting, design coordination, value engineering, procurement strategy, and risk management for assigned projects. This role is responsible for delivering accurate budgets, competitive bids, clear cost models, and well-coordinated construction documents that support a seamless transition to operations.

The Preconstruction Manager plays a critical leadership role in guiding the project from concept through contract execution, working closely with clients, architects, engineers, subcontractors, and the Level 3 project team.

Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Preconstruction Strategy

Leads the overall preconstruction process for assigned projects, including estimating, cost planning, design coordination, project phasing, and schedule development.

Establishes preconstruction deliverables, internal milestones, and client communication plans.

Provides strategic recommendations to support client decisions regarding cost, design, and schedule.

2. Design Coordination & Document Management

Works collaboratively with architects, engineers, and consultants to drive design development from concept through permit / bid-ready documents.

Reviews drawings for accuracy, completeness, constructability, code compliance, and alignment with owner requirements.

Identifies missing information, scope gaps, potential conflicts, and opportunities for improvement.

Facilitates design milestone meetings and interdisciplinary coordination.

3. Cost Planning, Budgeting & Forecasting

Prepares conceptual, schematic, DD, and CD-level budgets using historical data, benchmarking, and cost modeling.

Tracks and updates budgets as design progresses; communicates cost impacts of design changes.

Conducts detailed quantity take-offs, subcontractor solicitations, bid leveling, and complete estimate assemblies.

Analyzes general conditions, logistics requirements, temporary facilities, and staffing needs.

4. Value Engineering & Alternative Analysis

Identifies cost-saving opportunities without compromising quality or performance.

Evaluates alternative systems (structural, envelope, MEP, interior assemblies, finishes, etc.).

Provides comparative cost analysis, life-cycle considerations, and schedule impacts.

Maintains a structured VE log and leads VE review meetings with owners and design teams.

5. Schedule Development & Phasing

Develops preconstruction schedules including design milestones, permit timelines, procurement strategies, long-lead items, and phasing.

Collaborates with operations to ensure alignment between preconstruction and field execution.

6. Procurement Strategy & Subcontractor Engagement

Creates bid packages, qualification requirements, and scope sheets.

Solicits and evaluates subcontractor bids; performs detailed bid leveling.

Maintains accurate subcontractor databases and actively improves bid coverage.

Prequalifies subcontractors based on workload, safety record, financial strength, and past performance.

7. Risk Identification & Mitigation

Conducts project-specific risk analyses covering design, schedule, budget, site logistics, and market risk.

Maintains a project risk register and proactively recommends mitigation strategies.

Identifies long-lead materials and supply-chain vulnerabilities.

8. GMP Development & Contract Support

Prepares GMP proposals, including assumptions, clarifications, allowances, alternates, and exclusions.

Ensures contract values accurately represent scope, design status, and risk profile.

Supports contract negotiation with clients, design teams, and subcontractors.

9. Client Interface & Relationship Management

Serves as primary client contact during the preconstruction phase.

Provides clear, transparent reporting on cost updates, design status, risks, and decisions required.

Builds trust and long-term relationships with clients, developers, architects, and industry partners.

Represents Level 3 at industry events, presentations, and proposal interviews as needed.

10. Project Handoff to Operations

Leads a formal transition to the Project Manager, Superintendent, and Operations Team.

Provides complete turnover documentation.

Ensures operations clearly understands project scope, constraints, and critical path items.

11. Technology, Process, & Innovation

Utilizes Procore, ProEst, Bluebeam, Salesforce, and other Level 3 technology platforms.

Maintains and improves historical cost databases and estimating standards.

Supports Level 3s mission to leverage automation, analytics, and AI tools to enhance accuracy and efficiency.

Helps develop internal preconstruction workflows, templates, and best practices.

12. Mentorship & Team Development

Supervises and develops junior estimators and preconstruction staff.

Reviews estimates for accuracy, completeness, and alignment with Level 3 standards.

Leads internal training sessions and promotes continuous improvement.

Qualifications

Bachelors degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred.

5+ years of relevant estimating or preconstruction experience.

Strong understanding of construction means, methods, sequencing, and costs.

Ability to read and interpret plans, specifications, and technical documents.

Proficient with estimating and construction software (ProEst, Bluebeam, Procore preferred).

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Strong leadership, decision-making, and problem-solving abilities.

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting deadlines.

Experience with negotiated work, CMAR, design-build, and hard-bid procurement is preferred.

Why Join Level 3 Construction

Entrepreneurial, growth-focused, technology-forward environment

Opportunity to help shape the future of the preconstruction department

Diverse project types and high-impact leadership role

Commitment to employee development and long-term career growth