What are the responsibilities and job description for the Commercial Preconstruction Manager position at Carolina Search Group?
Commercial Preconstruction Manager
Are you ready to step into a leadership role with a well-established commercial general contractor that’s built a strong reputation delivering high-quality projects across the Mid-Atlantic?
We’re partnering with a respected, relationship-driven builder seeking a Commercial Preconstruction Manager to lead estimating efforts and play a key role in how projects are pursued, planned, and successfully delivered.
This is an opportunity to lead a team, working closely with internal teams, clients, and trade partners across a diverse portfolio of commercial and industrial projects the make an impact within the Mid-Atlantic region.
If you enjoy being involved early, collaborating with decision-makers, and helping bring projects to life from concept through execution — we’d love to connect.
What You’ll Do:
- Lead the preconstruction and estimating process from initial review through final bid submission
- Analyze drawings, specifications, and project documents to define scope and cost drivers
- Prepare detailed quantity take-offs, budgets, and competitive proposals
- Develop budgets across design-build, negotiated, and hard-bid projects
- Solicit and evaluate subcontractor and supplier pricing to ensure full scope coverage
- Participate in pre-bid meetings, site visits, and client presentations
- Support project buyout and ensure a smooth transition to operations teams after award
- Maintain and strengthen subcontractor relationships and trade partner networks
- Track market trends and pricing to continuously improve estimate accuracy
What We’re Looking For:
- Proven preconstruction and management experience with a commercial general contractor, estimating projects up to $50M–$75M in size
- Strong ability to interpret drawings and specifications and develop accurate cost projections
- Experience across design-build, negotiated, and competitive bid environments
- Ability to build strong relationships with clients, subcontractors, and internal teams
- Detail-oriented with strong communication, organization, and leadership skills
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, MS Project, and digital plan review tools
- DBIA certification is a plus
Why Consider This Opportunity?
You’ll be joining a well-established commercial builder with deep roots in the region and a long-standing reputation for delivering high-quality, detail-driven projects.
The organization emphasizes early collaboration, proactive planning, and strong communication — creating an environment where preconstruction plays a critical role in project success, not just support.
With a strong base of repeat clients and a diverse project portfolio across healthcare, education, retail, and industrial sectors, you’ll have the opportunity to work on meaningful projects while building long-term relationships and making a visible impact.
Why Virginia Beach?
Virginia Beach offers a high quality of life with the added benefit of a strong and stable regional economy.
The area is supported by a diverse mix of industries including tourism, military, and technology, and provides year-round access to outdoor recreation, a growing food scene, and a strong sense of community.
It’s a market that offers both professional opportunity and an exceptional quality of life.