Pre-Construction Manager

Description

Job Summary:

The Pre-Construction Manager (PCM) at RDC is responsible for researching, identifying, and tracking construction proposal opportunities. Once a viable bid is found, the PCM prepares a brief estimate and transitions the project to the appropriate Project Manager. This role is independent, requiring minimal input from others, and involves developing relationships with external partners such as GCs, CMs, developers, and architects. The PCM spends significant time analyzing bid opportunities across RDC’s four-state territory (IN, Western KY, Southern IL, Southern MI) to ensure all Scope of Work (SOW) elements are accurately assessed. 

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Reports directly to the Director of Construction (DoC) and indirectly to the Director of Sales (DoS) while collaborating closely with Project Managers (PMs). 
• Independently and collaboratively identifies procurement opportunities with the DoC, DoS, and PMs. 
• Engages with clients, general contractors, construction managers, architects, engineers, primary vendors, and developers to identify bidding and estimating opportunities for RDC’s solutions. 
• Monitors bid invitation portals and manages the Leads/Opportunities List to ensure no missed opportunities. 
• Develops and coordinates Lunch & Learns and marketing activities to strengthen relationships and promote RDC’s services in the GC and A/E community. 
• Regularly reviews bid portals across three market areas: Indy/Central IN , Ft. Wayne/Northern IN & Southern MI, Evansville/Southern IN, Western KY & Southern IL. This includes scouring web portals like Dodge Construction Leads, Repro Graphix, and Eastern Engineering for potential projects. 
• Maintains and updates an opportunity log on a shared drive, categorizing opportunities as active (requiring further review) or inactive (to be removed). 
• Conducts initial high-level quantity takeoffs, such as evaluating pre-bid meetings, number of doors, levelers, bollards, etc., and shares findings with the team. 
• Develops detailed cost estimates when needed and assists PMs in bid preparation once trained in Salesforce. 
• Works with the DoC to determine the handoff process for bids, based on location and workload, with the DoC making final decisions. 
• Collects and stores comprehensive bid documents on a shared drive, including RFPs, RFQs, drawings, specifications, RFIs, pre-bid meeting minutes, sample contracts, and schedules. 
• Occasionally attends pre-bid meetings and is encouraged to participate even when not required. 
• Builds and maintains relationships with general contractors, construction managers, design builders, developers, and owners. 
• Represents RDC in industry organizations and associations related to estimating and bidding. 
• Capable of developing precise takeoffs and cost estimates for RDC’s full range of solutions, beyond dock equipment. 
• Reads, interprets, and analyzes project plans, specifications, and requirements to ensure accurate cost assessments. 
• Stays updated on industry trends, material costs, and labor rates to improve estimating accuracy. 
• Reviews non-standard RDC projects or smaller projects with the DoC before investing significant time in bidding. 

Requirements

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Experience in pre-construction, bidding, and estimating. 
• Strong understanding of construction drawings, specifications, contracts, and general conditions. 
• Ability to manage multiple projects, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines. 
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills. 
• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams). 
• Familiarity with estimation software and tools. 
• Knowledge of cost estimation and financial analysis. 
• Experience with Salesforce is a plus. 
• Adaptable and efficient in fast-paced environments. 
• Passionate about expanding RDC’s new construction footprint, especially in Evansville. 

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree or associate degree in construction management or a related field preferred. 
• Certification from a recognized professional organization preferred (e.g., AACE, ASPE). 
• The position requires a minimum three (3) years of pre-construction experience or five (5) years progressively responsible construction estimating & management experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience sufficient to successfully perform the essential duties of the job such as those listed above. 

Preferred Skills/Abilities (considered a “plus”) 

• Experience with Salesforce 
• Experience with loading dock equipment, warehouse equipment, high speed doors, overhead doors, and specialty doors
• Experience coordinating construction jobsite activities. 

Physical Requirements:

• Occasionally visit construction sites for pre-bid meetings, including walking the jobsite, taking photos, to assess project progress or gather information for accurate future cost estimations and lessons learned activities. 
• Must be able to traverse and inspect all areas of construction jobsites; this may include walking, climbing ladders & scaffolding, reaching, bending, crawling, or stretching. 
• Will require occasional travel within RDC’s territory. 
• Ability to sit for extended periods while working on a computer. 
• Exposure to typical & customary construction site dangers.