What are the responsibilities and job description for the Preconstruction Manager/Residential Designer position at CMI Construction?
About CMI Construction & Role Overview At CMI Construction, we are a fast-growing residential remodeling firm in Northwest Arkansas. We have plenty of business coming through the door, but like many growing contractors, we are actively solving a core challenge: refining our processes, eliminating margin bleed, and actually making the money we should.
Guided by our core values (TRUST: Transformational Excellence, Radical Integrity, Unifying Partnerships, Superb Passion for the Craft, and Humble Service), we don't micromanage. We are seeking a trusted partner to help run the company—either an experienced residential remodeler looking to get off the tools or an organized designer/coordinator with strong construction literacy. You will step in as a true right-hand operator: helping make daily business decisions, editing key documents, looking up IRC codes, and owning our preconstruction pipeline to deliver bulletproof job packages to our field team.
Key Responsibilities
- Operational Partnership & Decision-Making: Act as a key partner in running the business—making sound operational decisions, editing and drafting contracts/correspondence, looking up IRC building codes, establishing SOPs, and protecting project profit margins.
- Preconstruction & Design Coordination: Guide clients through finish and material selections, document specifications cleanly, maintain prep schedules, and keep communication clear and professional.
- Software Leadership: Master JobTread as our central operating platform for job tracking, client communication, selection documentation, and preconstruction workflows.
- Construction Handoffs: Package thoroughly prepped, scope-locked projects and collaborate directly with the Director of Construction for seamless field execution.
Qualifications & Skills
- Background in residential remodeling, construction management, interior design, architectural drafting, or business operations.
- Exceptional written communication, proofreading, document editing, and decision-making skills.
- Technical comfort reading plans, researching IRC building codes, and navigating job specs.
- Tech-savvy with the ability to quickly master management software like JobTread.
- Alignment with our TRUST core values: high integrity, accountability, and a team-first mindset.
Bonus Capabilities (Knock Our Socks Off)
- Residential Designer Skills: Proficiency in selecting and color coordination.
- CAD Skills: Proficiency in 2D/3D CAD drafting or design software to produce floor plans, elevations, and project concepts.
- Estimating: Ability to build precise material takeoffs and job cost estimates to protect gross margins.
- Sales: Consultative talent to meet with prospective clients, build rapport, and close residential contracts.
Pay, Work Setup & Benefits
- Pay Range: $50,000 – $75,000 / year ($24.00 – $36.00 / hour), DOE
- Flexible Hours: Output-based schedule focused on job accomplishment rather than rigid 9-to-5 clock-punching.
- Hybrid Setup: Work from home with client interactions via Zoom or regional selection centers, and occasional NWA site visits as needed.
- Incentives: Profit-sharing bonuses tied directly to margin growth commission potential for sales/estimating contributions.
- Benefits: 401(k) matching, Paid Time Off (PTO) 6 Paid Holidays, Cell phone & technology allowance.
Pay: $50,000.00 - $75,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k) matching
- Flexible schedule
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
Salary : $50,000 - $75,000