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At NewGround, we believe the right environment can change how people work, connect, and succeed. As a leading design and delivery firm, we partner with financial institutions, healthcare providers, and corporations to turn vision into reality. Our work is powered by clear communication, true collaboration, bold innovation, service-driven thinking, and a commitment to excellence, all centered in our defining core values. In the role, Director of Preconstruction, you'll be a key contributor to that mission, helping shape projects, teams, and experiences that truly make a difference.

The Director of Pre Construction serves as the senior leader responsible for all preconstruction activities across the organization. This role oversees development of all preconstruction activities including budgeting, conceptual estimating, and construction scheduling consistent with performance expectations related to the design documents. The Director leads and mentors a team of preconstruction professionals, ensuring estimates are accurate, comprehensive, and aligned with project goals at every design phase. As a key liaison between clients, design teams, and internal stakeholders, the Director of Preconstruction drives collaboration, provides strategic insight, and ensures a seamless transition from preconstruction to project execution. This role demands a high level of leadership, technical expertise, and a deep commitment to client service and operational excellence.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

Purchasing, Cost Management & Vendor Negotiations

+ Conduct monthly pricing reviews for key commodities and negotiate the best rates from multiple vendors.

+ Oversee material pricing and vendor selection, ensuring competitive pricing while maintaining quality standards.

+ Work closely with the Vice President of Build to align purchasing decisions with company financial goals.

+ Maintain and update cost databases, ensuring accurate pricing for projects, allowances, and design alternates.

+ Develop and implement strategies for value engineering, reducing costs without compromising quality.

Pre-Construction Execution & Startup Readiness

+ Strong understanding of construction operations and logistical approach

+ Develop and manage the pre-construction schedule, ensuring all tasks are completed on time for seamless project handoff to production.

+ Lead weekly estimate schedules, ensuring each project is fully prepared for the client presentation meetings.

+ Ensure every startup package includes all necessary geotechnical reports, design documents, detailed estimates, site plans, and permits before breaking ground.

+ Drive continuous process improvements to streamline pre-construction workflows and eliminate inefficiencies.

EXPECTATIONS

+ Deliver accurate and comprehensive estimates at each design phase

+ Maintain high-quality communication with clients and internal teams

+ Lead meetings effectively and manage collaboration across departments

+ Provide strategic oversight from conceptual design through final contract

+ Ensure alignment between preconstruction deliverables and project execution needs

+ Demonstrate proactive leadership in workload management and client satisfaction

EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE PREREQUISITES

+ Engineering, Construction Management or Architectural degree, or equivalent experience. Requires 10+ years of related experience.

+ Design and construction experience managing multiple complex projects.

+ Proven leadership ability and effectively delivering project on budget and on schedule.

+ Commitment to client service including effective communication skills.

+ Working knowledge of applications and benefits of estimating software, current construction cost data, material procurement data. Software: BIM, Procore, Acumatica, etc.

+ Extensive financial management of projects - budget, contracts, cashflow & reporting

At NewGround, we believe in investing in our people. That commitment shows up in competitive compensation, comprehensive benefits, and company initiatives like our Sabbatical Program. We offer a collaborative, values-driven environment with a strong emphasis on volunteerism and community engagement, meaningful opportunities to shape the future of our industry, and supportive colleagues and leaders who are invested in your growth.

What We Offer:

+ Competitive pay and comprehensive benefits

+ Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and paid holidays

+ Retirement savings plan

+ Sabbatical program

+ Hybrid work schedule

+ Employee referral bonuses

NewGround International helps brands plan, design, and build innovative spaces that drive growth. With 100+ years of experience and an all in-house team, we deliver Strategy, Design, Build, and Interiors from start to finish. Headquartered in St. Louis with offices in Chicago and Waterloo, Ontario.