Job Description

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

GENERAL DESCRIPTION:

The Preconstruction Services Manager is responsible for leading the preconstruction effort on assigned projects, developing accurate cost estimates, managing subcontractor relations, preparing proposals, and ensuring a seamless transition to operations. Senior-level candidates will lead more complex pursuits, mentor team members, and contribute strategically to preconstruction planning and execution.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Estimating & Preconstruction Management

• Prepare detailed estimates across all trades for Lump Sum, Construction Management, and Design-Build projects.
• Develop bid strategies that maximize competitiveness while maintaining budget accuracy.
• Perform comprehensive quantity take-offs using PlanSwift and similar estimating software.
• Use unit cost methods and Excel-based formats to develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and construction document estimates.
• Prepare budgets and proposals from all drawing levels (SD/30%, DD/60%, CD/90%).
• Provide constructability reviews and value management recommendations to support project goals.
• Present estimates and cost breakdowns to owners, architects, and project stakeholders.

Subcontractor & Vendor Coordination

• Lead solicitation, scope review, and evaluation of subcontractor and vendor proposals.
• Organize and conduct pre-bid subcontractor meetings and site walkthroughs.
• Select subcontractor/vendor proposals for incorporation into final bids.
• Conduct site visits to assess construction methods and conditions to inform competitive bid strategies.

Team Leadership & Collaboration

• Supervise and mentor junior estimators assigned to projects.
• Work collaboratively within strict deadlines to support bid-day activities and make timely subcontractor recommendations.
• Coordinate with architects, engineers, design consultants, subcontractors, owner representatives, and internal staff throughout the preconstruction phase.
• Lead the Project Hand-off Meeting to ensure comprehensive knowledge transfer from Preconstruction to Operations.

QUALIFICATIONS

• 15–20 years of total construction experience (20 preferred).
• Minimum of the most recent 10+ years in preconstruction (required).
• The prior 5–10 years may be in operations, depending on total experience.
• Current residency in or near Palm Beach Gardens/Southeast Florida with strong knowledge of the local construction market.
• Experience with K–12 or government construction projects (required).
• Proficiency in PlanSwift and Microsoft Excel.
• Strong communication, organizational, and presentation skills.
• Experience with Hard Bid, Construction Management, and Design-Build delivery methods.
• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, or related field.
• 7–15+ years of estimating experience within the Southeast Florida region.
• Proven ability to lead multiple estimates and pursuits concurrently.
• Computer proficiency in MS Outlook, Word, and additional industry-relevant software.

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.