What are the responsibilities and job description for the Preconstruction Manager position at Harlan Construction Co., Inc.?
About Harlan Construction
Harlan Construction is a 65-year-old industrial general contractor headquartered in the Richmond/Hopewell, Virginia area. We self-perform civil, concrete, and structural work — a capability that sets us apart in the local market and gives our preconstruction team a distinct edge in pricing and delivering value to owners. We specialize in industrial ground-up, pre-engineered metal buildings (PEMB), design-build, and heavy civil projects, and we operate on EOS (Entrepreneurial Operating System) with a culture built on accountability, ownership, and performance.
Position Overview
This is a full-time, on-site role for a Preconstruction Manager located in Richmond, VA.
The Preconstruction Manager is a key contributor on a focused four-person preconstruction team, working directly under the VP of Preconstruction. This role leads estimating and preconstruction delivery on industrial and design-build pursuits from early conceptual budgeting through GMP and contract award. The right candidate brings sharp estimating instincts, thrives on winning work, and wants to grow into client-facing responsibilities over time. This is a high-visibility role at a company where individual contribution is seen and rewarded.
Key Responsibilities
Estimating & Bid Management
- Lead quantity takeoff and cost estimating for industrial, PEMB, civil, and design-build projects using Procore Estimating and Bluebeam
- Manage the full bid process through Procore — subcontractor solicitation, scope leveling, and bid-day assembly
- Develop conceptual budgets, SD/DD estimates, and GMP packages in coordination with design partners
- Prepare and present detailed estimate summaries and clarification narratives for leadership review
Design-Build & Owner Coordination
- Support design-build pursuits in partnership with the Design-Build Manager and third-party design firms
- Participate in owner interviews, scope development meetings, and value engineering sessions
- Coordinate with Harlan’s self-perform trades (civil, concrete, structural) to integrate cost and schedule advantages into estimates
Preconstruction Delivery
- Execute structured preconstruction-to-operations handovers using Harlan’s established turnover process
- Develop preliminary project schedules using Outbuild in coordination with operations leadership
- Maintain accurate pursuit tracking and pipeline data in our CRM
- Contribute to departmental Rocks, scorecards, and IDS items as an active participant in Harlan’s EOS cadence
Business Development Support
- Attend client meetings, industry events, and owner presentations alongside the BD Director
- Build and maintain relationships with subcontractors, suppliers, and design partners
- Identify opportunities to add owner value through self-perform scope, PEMB solutions, and design-build delivery
Schedule
Monday – Friday
- 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM
Qualifications
Required:
- 5 years of estimating experience at a commercial or industrial GC
- Demonstrated proficiency with Procore Estimating and Bluebeam
- Experience estimating industrial, manufacturing, PEMB, or warehouse projects
- Strong quantity takeoff skills across multiple CSI divisions
- Ability to read and interpret civil, structural, MEPF, and architectural drawings
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Organized, self-directed, and comfortable working in a lean team environment
- Alignment with EOS principles and structured accountability culture
Preferred:
- Experience with design-build delivery (DBIA familiarity a plus)
- Familiarity with Procore
- Exposure to Outbuild or similar scheduling platforms
- Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, or related field
- Virginia market knowledge and subcontractor/supplier relationships
- LEED AP, DBIA, or other relevant professional credentials
Growth & Development
The Preconstruction Manager role is structured with a defined progression path toward senior estimating leadership and expanded client-facing responsibilities. Specific milestones and a career development plan will be established during onboarding and reviewed annually through Harlan’s EOS Vision process.
What We Offer
- Competitive base salary commensurate with experience
- Medical Insurance
- 401(k) with company match up to 5% (eligible after 1 year)
- Paid time off and company holidays
- Performance-based bonus tied to win rate and department results
- Vehicle allowance for preconstruction activities
- Company phone and laptop
- Professional development and continuing education support
- Stable, family-owned company with 65 years of regional market presence