What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Preconstruction Manager position at Lawson?
Senior Preconstruction Manager
Location: 150 West Main Street, Suite 1650, Norfolk, VA
Work Model: Hybrid (in-office ~1 day/week site visits)
Compensation: $130,000 – $160,000 base with bonus incentivized earnings
The Opportunity
Lawson is seeking a Senior Preconstruction Manager to own the full preconstruction lifecycle—from early feasibility through design development and handoff to construction.
This is a high-impact, hands-on leadership role where you will partner directly with Development and executive leadership to shape how projects are planned, priced, and executed.
You’ll step into a function that is ready for evolution—with the opportunity to improve accuracy, strengthen processes, and help build a more scalable preconstruction operation over time.
What You’ll Do
- Lead preconstruction from concept through construction handoff
- Develop and refine budgets and schedules across all design phases
- Drive subcontractor bidding, negotiations, and value engineering
- Evaluate site logistics, constructability, and project risks early
- Partner with Development, architects, engineers, and PMs to align scope and execution
- Identify gaps, challenge assumptions, and improve outcomes before construction begins
- Build relationships with subcontractors and strengthen regional coverage
- Contribute to process improvements, cost benchmarks, and scalability effort
What You Bring
- 10 years in preconstruction, estimating, or construction planning within multi-family projects
- Experience owning the full preconstruction process, not just estimating
- Background with an owner/developer or general contractor
- Strong knowledge of construction methods, cost, and scheduling
- Experience with subcontractor bidding, negotiations, and value engineering
- Ability to operate in ambiguity and build from limited early information
- A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with strong accountability
Why Lawson
- High-impact role with visibility and influence across the business
- Opportunity to build and shape a growing function
- Clear path toward broader leadership as the team expands
- Collaborative, low-ego culture focused on continuous improvement
- Meaningful work supporting affordable housing communities
Why This Role Stands Out
This is not a traditional preconstruction role. It’s an opportunity to step into a position where your expertise is relied on, your perspective is valued, and your impact will be visible across the organization.
If you’re looking for a role where you can elevate a function, influence outcomes, and grow into a larger leadership position, this is that opportunity.
Salary : $130,000 - $160,000