Preconstruction Manager at Dean Builds in Lexington, KY

At Dean Builds, we don't simply construct buildings, we help our clients solve problems before construction ever begins.

From schools and churches to industrial and commercial facilities, we partner with owners across Kentucky, Ohio, Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, North Carolina, West Virginia, and Florida to deliver projects with confidence. Licensed in all 50 states, we have the flexibility to support clients wherever opportunities arise. Our success starts long before the first shovel enters the ground. It starts with exceptional planning, exceptional leadership, and exceptional people.

We're looking for a Preconstruction Manager who enjoys leading complex opportunities, influencing outcomes, and finding better ways to build.

If you're energized by solving difficult challenges, enjoy competing to win projects, and naturally step into leadership when others need direction, this may be exactly the opportunity you've been looking for.

Who Thrives Here

This role is designed for someone who naturally:

• Takes ownership rather than waiting for direction
• Enjoys solving complicated problems with practical solutions
• Thinks several steps ahead and anticipates challenges before others see them
• Is energized by competition and finding ways to win
• Builds credibility quickly with clients and design professionals
• Makes confident decisions using both analysis and experience
• Enjoys variety and can successfully manage several moving projects simultaneously
• Wants the freedom to improve systems instead of simply maintaining them
• Leads through influence, competence, and decisive action

Why You'll Love This Role

• You are at your best when you are trusted with meaningful challenges.
• Here, you'll have the freedom to make decisions, influence major projects, solve problems that matter, and continuously pursue better ways of delivering value to clients.
• Every project is different.
• Every challenge is new.
• Every win is earned.
• If you're looking for a career where your leadership, competitiveness, and strategic thinking directly impact the success of projects before they ever reach the jobsite, we'd like to meet you.

What You'll Do

You'll lead every phase of the preconstruction process, serving as the strategic leader who transforms ideas into executable projects.

Your responsibilities include:

• Leading estimating efforts from conceptual budgeting through final pricing

• Developing creative value engineering solutions that improve project outcomes

• Managing constructability reviews and identifying risks before construction begins

• Collaborating with owners, architects, engineers, and trade partners throughout design

• Building schedules and preconstruction strategies that position projects for success

• Presenting budgets, options, and recommendations to clients with confidence

• Mentoring estimators and preconstruction team members

• Supporting business development pursuits, proposals, and contract negotiations

• Managing multiple projects while maintaining exceptional client service

What Success Looks Like

Within your first year you will have:

• Built trusted relationships with owners, architects, and trade partners

• Delivered accurate budgets clients can rely upon

• Improved project planning through proactive risk identification

• Helped secure new work through outstanding preconstruction leadership

• Developed junior team members into stronger professionals

• Become one of the key strategic leaders influencing how projects are won before construction begins

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related discipline (or equivalent experience)
• Seven or more years of commercial construction experience
• Significant experience in preconstruction or project planning, estimating a plus
• Experience leading complex commercial projects
• Strong knowledge of construction methods, estimating, scheduling, value engineering, and constructability
• Experience with estimating software such as Sage, ProEst, Bluebeam, OST, Excel, or comparable platforms
• Knowledge of Design-Build, CM at Risk, or other collaborative delivery methods
• Experience presenting to clients and leading multidisciplinary teams

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• 401(k) with company match

• Paid time off

• The opportunity to shape projects that strengthen communities throughout the region

Dean Builds is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The company does not provide immigration or work visa sponsorship.