Associate Director of PreConstruction

Position Summary

The Associate Director of Preconstruction leads the Preconstruction Division, overseeing estimating, proposals, design management, and business development. This role leads and manages the division staff, develops internal processes, and ensures smooth collaboration with internal teams, contractors, consultants, and developers. It is a senior mid-level management position within Marian Construction, responsible for guiding the entire preconstruction lifecycle from cost analysis to project handoff.

Minimum Qualifications 

• 10 years of related experience (Chief Estimator, Preconstruction Manager or Equivalent).
• Degree in Construction, Engineering, or related field preferred.
• Strong knowledge of all phases of building construction, including work commonly performed by various building trades.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent ability to read blueprints and specifications.
• Knowledge of OSHA and safety regulations.
• Computer skills a must, including construction management software, estimating & takeoff software, Microsoft Office Suite, PlanGrid, On-Screen takeoff, Smartsheet, Zoom, etc.. Training may be provided for deficient areas or ongoing education as directed by DOC. 
• Applicant must have a positive attitude towards change. Able to identify the need, remove the barriers and has the know how to make things happen. Values diversity of ideas, opinions, and people.

Essential Functions 

Leadership & Collaboration

• Manage and mentor the Preconstruction team, fostering a high-performing, process-driven division.
• Work closely with the Director of Construction (DOC), developers, architects, consultants, general contractors, and subcontractors.
• Collaborate across departments (Development, Architecture, Operations, Accounting, etc.) to align with company strategies and objectives.

Estimating & Bidding

• Lead the bidding and estimating process, from conceptual estimates and pro formas through final estimates and project handoff.
• Prepare and package RFPs, solicit and analyze bids, and negotiate with subcontractors and contractors.
• Conduct plan takeoffs, evaluate drawings and specifications, and provide accurate cost projections.
• Drive value engineering initiatives to optimize costs and improve project outcomes.

Design & Project Coordination

• Oversee design development, permitting, and utility coordination alongside project teams.
• Ensure accuracy and clarity in project scope, proposals, and communication with stakeholders.
• Support project teams through kick-off, hand-off, and review meetings.
• Evaluate construction sites, adjust estimating practices, and provide solutions to challenges.

Process & Continuous Improvement

• Develop and implement improvements to division procedures and workflows.
• Ensure compliance with Marian Construction SOPs and industry best practices.
• Maintain accurate project documentation (digital and hard copy).
• Leverage software tools for estimating, scheduling, reporting, and collaboration.

Client & Vendor Relations

• Build and maintain strong relationships with subcontractors, vendors, and partners.
• Foster trust with clients by providing accurate, transparent, and timely information.
• Represent Marian Construction professionally in meetings and industry events.

About Company:

Founded in 1997, The Marian Group is a full-service real estate development, construction, advisory and investment firm based in Louisville, KY. The company's offerings include extensive expertise across product lines with a concentration on affordable and market-rate multifamily development, real estate construction, residential home building, financing, management, brokerage and investment advisory. The Marian Group exists to generate an outsized return on capital for its investors and to benefit people, neighborhoods and the larger community via impactful investment projects.

Marian is a company devoted to three things: People, Neighborhoods and Community.  This means every project we touch has to impact the lives of those it serves and spark positive change for the community as a whole.  That's what sets us apart and gets us up in the morning.  We're a team of thinkers, developers, and builders that lives in the communities in which we work. Our mission is to create quality living options for our residents, and we strive to make sure every project we undertake embodies our Core Values: Purpose Driven, Innovative, Compassion & Team-Work.

At Marian, we believe that our people are our greatest asset. We are committed to creating a supportive and inclusive environment where every individual can thrive, grow, and make meaningful contributions. Our comprehensive benefit package reflects this commitment. We are proud to offer all of our Full-Time employees the below benefits:

• Health Insurance: Medical, Dental & Vision
• Company paid Life Insurance
• Company paid Short & Long Term Disability Insurance
• 401K Plan
• Paid Time Off
• 8 Paid Holidays
• In-house Gym
• Professional Development Opportunities
• Employee Assistance Program

The Marian Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to the policy of providing equal employment opportunities for training, compensation, transfer, promotion, and other aspects of employment for all qualified applicants and employees without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status.