About this opportunity
MKL Careers lists this Senior Director of Preconstruction opportunity in san francisco, California. Review the employer’s description below for duties, qualifications and application requirements.
Job description
Senior Director of Preconstruction – Bay Area (Tier 1 General Contractor)
Location: San Francisco Bay Area, CA Reports to: Regional President / EVP of Operations Employment Type: Full-Time
About the Role
Our client, a Tier 1 General Contractor with a well-established presence in the Bay Area, is seeking a Senior Director of Preconstruction to lead all preconstruction operations across a growing portfolio of large-scale commercial, institutional, and mixed-use projects. This is a senior leadership role with direct influence on pursuit strategy, client relationships, and the long-term growth of the region's preconstruction function.
The ideal candidate is a seasoned preconstruction leader with a strong Bay Area network, deep estimating and budgeting expertise, and a track record of winning and staffing complex, high-value pursuits.
Key Responsibilities
Lead the preconstruction department, overseeing estimating, budgeting, value engineering, and constructability reviews across all active pursuits.
Own preconstruction strategy for major pursuits, from conceptual budgeting through GMP/lump sum submission.
Build and maintain relationships with owners, developers, architects, and key subcontractor/trade partners across the Bay Area market.
Partner with business development and executive leadership on go/no-go decisions, teaming strategy, and proposal development.
Direct the preparation of conceptual estimates, detailed hard-bid estimates, and GMP proposals across multiple delivery methods (design-build, CM-at-risk, lease-leaseback, hard bid).
Lead, mentor, and grow a team of estimators, preconstruction managers, and project executives.
Establish and continuously improve preconstruction processes, tools, and best practices across the region.
Represent the company in client interviews, industry events, and community/market engagements.
Collaborate closely with operations leadership to ensure smooth turnover from preconstruction to project execution.
Track market trends, subcontractor capacity, and material/labor cost fluctuations to inform pursuit strategy.
Qualifications
12+ years of progressive experience in construction estimating and preconstruction, including significant time with a Tier 1 General Contractor .
Proven track record leading preconstruction on large, complex commercial, institutional, or mixed-use projects in the Bay Area.
Established relationships with regional owners, architects, developers, and subcontractor community.
Deep understanding of multiple delivery methods, including design-build, CM-at-risk, and public bidding/procurement processes.
Demonstrated success building, leading, and mentoring high-performing preconstruction teams.
Strong financial and analytical skills, with experience owning budget development and risk assessment for major pursuits.
Excellent communication and executive presence — comfortable leading client interviews and board-level presentations.
Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field (or equivalent experience).
Proficiency with estimating and preconstruction software (e.g., On-Screen Takeoff, Bluebeam, CostX, or similar).
What's On Offer
Senior leadership seat with direct influence on regional strategy and growth
Highly competitive base salary + executive bonus structure
Full executive benefits package (medical, dental, vision, 401(k) match, equity/LTI where applicable)
Platform to shape, scale, and staff the preconstruction function for a growing region
Vehicle allowance and relocation assistance available for qualified candidates
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Worksite address
san francisco, CA, 94199, US
Who can apply
Review the original listing for work authorization, qualifications and employer requirements.