Manager - Preconstruction

Brief Description

Project Manager – Preconstruction

What You'll Do

As a Project Manager – Preconstruction, you will lead the planning, commercial strategy, and project readiness activities that establish the foundation for successful project execution. From project award through Construction Operations handoff, you will direct the development of project plans, procurement strategies, budgets, and execution tools that position project teams to deliver exceptional results.

At UIG, Preconstruction is where projects are built before construction begins. Your responsibility is to plan the work so Construction Operations can work the plan. By leading collaboration across Estimating, Engineering, Procurement, Project Management, and Construction Operations, you'll help ensure every project enters construction with a clear execution strategy, disciplined planning, and the information necessary to perform safely, efficiently, and profitably.

You'll Have The Opportunity To

• Lead all preconstruction activities from project award through Construction Operations handoff, establishing the planning, commercial, and operational framework that supports successful project execution.
• Develop the overall preconstruction strategy for assigned projects, aligning project scope, client expectations, budgets, schedules, procurement activities, engineering support, and execution planning.
• Direct collaboration between Estimating, Engineering, Procurement, Project Management, and Construction Operations to ensure project decisions are coordinated and aligned throughout the preconstruction phase.
• Establish project priorities, planning milestones, deliverables, and accountability to maintain momentum and prepare projects for efficient execution.
• Lead procurement strategy for major materials, equipment, and subcontracted work by evaluating project risks, long-lead requirements, commercial considerations, and execution priorities.
• Direct the preparation, negotiation, review, and execution of purchase orders and subcontracts, ensuring commercial agreements support project objectives while protecting the company's contractual interests.
• Review owner contracts, specifications, drawings, and project requirements to identify commercial risks, execution constraints, contractual obligations, and opportunities for operational improvement.
• Lead the development of comprehensive Scope Plans that clearly define work responsibilities, construction approaches, execution expectations, and project deliverables.
• Direct the preparation of Activity Plans that translate project scope into practical execution strategies, including sequencing, resource planning, logistics, safety integration, and operational coordination.
• Drive value engineering initiatives by evaluating alternative construction methods, materials, sequencing strategies, and execution approaches that improve project performance while maintaining quality and client expectations.
• Coordinate closely with Engineering to develop constructability reviews, temporary works planning, lift plans, forming systems, shoring solutions, and other engineering work products required to support construction execution.
• Oversee project budget development, estimate reconciliation, cost coding, and project setup activities to ensure accurate financial transition into project management systems.
• Ensure project documentation, planning records, procurement status, estimating assumptions, and critical project information are complete, organized, and effectively communicated during Construction Operations handoff.
• Serve as the primary preconstruction representative for assigned projects, building productive relationships with clients, design partners, subcontractors, suppliers, and internal project teams.
• Identify project risks early and develop mitigation strategies that improve constructability, schedule performance, procurement readiness, commercial outcomes, and overall project execution.
• Promote consistency across preconstruction processes, planning methodologies, documentation standards, and work products while supporting continuous improvement throughout the organization.
• Participate in project forecasting, cost-to-complete reviews, project closeout, and lessons-learned initiatives, using project performance to strengthen future planning standards and organizational knowledge.
• Mentor Assistant Project Managers and other developing team members by providing guidance, sharing technical knowledge, and promoting professional growth within the Preconstruction organization.
  
  

Why Join UIG

At UIG, successful projects begin long before construction starts. Our Preconstruction team serves as the bridge between estimating and execution, transforming project opportunities into well-planned, commercially sound, and operationally ready construction projects.

As a Project Manager – Preconstruction, you'll influence project strategy from the earliest stages while working alongside experienced leaders across engineering, procurement, estimating, and construction operations. You'll have the opportunity to shape project outcomes, mentor developing professionals, improve organizational planning practices, and help build the operational systems that support long-term company growth.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Civil Engineering, Engineering, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressive construction industry experience.
• Demonstrated experience managing preconstruction, project management, estimating, engineering coordination, or commercial construction planning activities.
• Strong knowledge of construction contracts, procurement, project controls, estimating, budgeting, scheduling, and project financial management.
• Experience leading multidisciplinary project teams and coordinating multiple stakeholders through complex planning efforts.
• Strong commercial judgment with the ability to evaluate project risk, contractual obligations, procurement strategies, and execution approaches.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and experience working with ERP, project management, estimating, and document control systems.
• Excellent communication, negotiation, leadership, and relationship management skills.
• Proven ability to organize multiple priorities while maintaining high standards of quality, accuracy, and accountability.
• Commitment to continuous improvement, operational excellence, and collaborative leadership.
• Valid driver's license and willingness to travel as project needs require.
  
  

What Success Looks Like

Success in this role means projects enter Construction Operations fully prepared, commercially aligned, and operationally ready. You consistently deliver complete planning packages, lead informed decision-making, manage project risk proactively, and establish strong collaboration across departments. Your leadership results in smoother project transitions, stronger financial performance, improved constructability, and greater consistency in how UIG plans and delivers construction projects.

Benefits & Rewards

At UIG, we invest in professionals who drive project success from the very beginning. We offer competitive compensation, comprehensive health and wellness benefits, retirement savings opportunities, paid time off, professional development, and the opportunity to lead meaningful construction projects while advancing your career within a growing organization.