Demo

Director of Preconstruction

WFN - The McDonnel Group
Metairie, LA Full Time
POSTED ON 7/6/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 9/3/2026
Job Summary

The McDonnel Group is a values-driven organization which views our talented team of professionals as our greatest asset. It is our mission to provide comprehensive construction services and deliver the highest standards to our valued clients. We can only fulfill our mission through our people, and their innovative and motivated approach to work.


Our Director of Preconstruction is responsible for managing the planning and preconstruction stages of complex construction projects. This position supports and educates Estimating and Project Management by ensuring the project is properly designed, and works closely with architects, contractors, and clients to identify solutions and improvements to existing design wherever possible.


Essential Job Functions 

  • Leads the design team through the various phases of design while controlling scope and costs
  • Assists clients with property selection and due diligence including deed restrictions, zoning, re-subdividing, environmental assessment, utility verifications and tax incentives that may apply
  • Applies basic understanding of building codes and design standards to help select and manage a full design team including Architects, Structural/Civil Engineers, Geotechnical, Mechanical, Electrical Engineers, surveyors, and Traffic studies.
  • Analyze blueprints, construction drawings and specifications to identify potential issues, and ensure the design meets the client’s expectations 
  • Analyzing project costs and working with estimating team in preparing detailed, accurate estimates including materials, labor, and equipment
  • Collaborating with architects and engineers to develop construction drawings and plans that meet client specifications
  • Generate, manage, and report on complete design schedules leading to permit and construction start
  • Interface with the construction team to clarify any ambiguities or interpretation of design concepts
  • Coordinating with subcontractors and suppliers to ensure that all necessary materials and equipment are available
  • Ensuring that all necessary permits and approvals are obtained prior to construction
  • Identifying and managing project risks, including changes to scope, schedule, or budget
  • Ensuring that all project activities are conducted in compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and standards 
  • Attend pre-proposal/pre-bid project site visits
  • Analyze requirements and provide oversight to ensure all proposals meet requirements
  • Develop and maintain subcontractor and vendor relationships  

Competencies

  • Full and thorough understanding and PASSION for architecture and design; Licensed Architects welcome!
  • Must thoroughly understand concepts and strategy of complex commercial construction from the ground-up
  • Basic understanding of building codes and design standards
  • Comprehensive understanding of all forms of contracts including prime, design, and specialty
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
  • Excellent verbal and written communication skills
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Operationally focused; detailed oriented but able to grasp big picture
  • Excellent people skills; Motivated team player
  • Must align with and adopt TMG Core Values as your own: Work Ethic, Solution Oriented, Project Excellence, Client Centric, and Professionalism

 

Education/Experience

  • Bachelor’s degree in construction management, Construction Technology, Engineering or Architecture; 
  • Proficiency with both Procore and Primavera P6; Proposify experience a plus
  • 15 years commercial construction management experience, with proven experience in Design Build and CMAR Projects
  • Specific experience scheduling and/or managing public projects is a plus
  • Proficient with Microsoft office suite 
  • Ability to successfully pass a pre-employment criminal, driving and drug screen
  • Must possess a current and valid state driver’s license and a clean driving record


Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the duties the employee is regularly required to make use of close vision to read engineering blueprints and reduced size black and white drawings, specifications, fine print, reports, schedules, estimates, spreadsheets, summaries, and other documents in either hard copy or computer monitor. Must be able to converse on the telephone and in person, use hands and fingers to write and type, prepare email messages with attached files, and use personal computers and calculators. The employee will periodically need to lift and/or carry heavy documents such as specifications and/ or equipment, weighing up to seventy-five pounds.

 

 

EEO Statement

The McDonnel Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity / Affirmative Action employer committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Individuals who require reasonable accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act to participate in the search process should notify Human Resources

Salary.com Estimation for Director of Preconstruction in Metairie, LA
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