Preconstruction Project Manager, Commercial Construction

With offices in Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, and Ohio, Pepper Construction is a national general contracting and construction management firm that primarily serves the private sector. Pepper Construction provides clients the experience and resources of a national company, combined with the hands-on approach of a local company.

Position Summary

At Pepper Construction Wisconsin, preconstruction is more than estimating. It is strategic project leadership that shapes outcomes long before construction begins. We are seeking a collaborative, client-focused Preconstruction Project Manager who can guide projects from early concept through turnover with a deep understanding of cost, constructability, market conditions, building systems, and client priorities.

What You’ll Do

• Lead preconstruction efforts from conceptual design through GMP development and project turnover

• Partner with clients and design teams to establish project goals, budgets, schedules, and operational priorities

• Develop conceptual, schematic, design development, and detailed estimates from limited or evolving information

• Perform detailed quantity takeoffs manually and electronically

• Analyze drawings, specifications, and project documents to identify cost drivers, constructability concerns, and opportunities for optimization

• Lead value analysis and value engineering discussions while maintaining design intent and project goals

• Develop detailed scopes of work by trade and manage bid packaging strategies

• Conduct constructability reviews and building systems evaluations

• Analyze market conditions, labor trends, material escalation, and procurement risks

• Level, analyze, and descope trade partner proposals

• Collaborate with operations and field leadership to align planning with execution strategies

• Support business development and project pursuit activities

Leadership & Collaboration

• Build strong relationships with clients, architects, engineers, trade partners, and internal teams

• Communicate clearly and confidently with technical and non-technical stakeholders

• Lead meetings and facilitate productive conversations that drive alignment and decision-making

• Mentor and support less experienced team members

• Promote a collaborative, solutions-oriented culture grounded in Pepper’s values

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field preferred

• 5–10 years of commercial construction experience with significant preconstruction leadership responsibilities

• Experience leading preconstruction efforts on projects exceeding $10M

• Strong client-facing communication and relationship management skills

• Deep understanding of conceptual estimating, constructability, cost planning, and project phasing

• Proficiency with Destini, WinEst, or similar estimating platforms

• Experience with Revit and BIM coordination preferred

• Experience in healthcare, higher education, office, industrial, manufacturing, life sciences, hospitality, interiors, K-12, or retail preferred

Why Pepper?

• Competitive compensation and performance-based rewards

• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage

• 401(k) with company match

• Student loan repayment assistance

• Generous PTO, holidays, and floating holidays

• Professional development and career growth opportunities

• Collaborative, people-first culture

• Meaningful work building projects that positively impact communities

Pepper Construction is an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. Please note: Pepper does not sponsor work visas.