Senior Preconstruction Manager – Mission Critical

Knutson Construction Services

. Provide leadership in estimating, procurement planning, design management, value optimization, and client engagement for Knutson’s Mission Critical market sector .

Posted 9/16/2026full-timeMinneapolis • Minnesota • United StatesSenior💰 $150,000 - $225,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in preconstruction management, including estimating, procurement planning, and risk management for Mission Critical projects. Proven ability to lead teams, develop cost estimates, and maintain project schedules while ensuring effective stakeholder engagement.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Preconstruction ManagementCost EstimationTeam LeadershipRisk ManagementMission Critical Project Experience

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

EstimatingCost ControlSchedulingValue OptimizationDesign-Build ProcessesIntegrated Project DeliveryConstruction Means and MethodsGeneral ConditionsSubcontractor SelectionBudget Control

Soft Skills

CoachingTrainingProblem SolvingCollaborationOrganizational Skills

Tools & Technologies

Estimating SoftwarePreconstruction SoftwareProject Management Tools

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in EngineeringBachelor’s Degree in Construction ManagementBachelor’s Degree in Architecture

Industry Keywords

Mission CriticalData Center ProjectsConstruction ManagementProcurement PlanningStakeholder Engagement

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide leadership in estimating, procurement planning, design management, value optimization, and client engagement for Knutson’s Mission Critical market sector
Lead estimating support staff in developing conceptual estimates, GMPs, and large Mission Critical estimating efforts
Coach and train estimators and coordinate Preconstruction team workload with the Director of Preconstruction
Keep executives informed of key issues and opportunities affecting Mission Critical project success
Develop and maintain Standard Operating Procedures with the Director of Preconstruction
Manage the preconstruction process and prepare Mission Critical projects for construction
Complete and review conceptual/program estimates from RFP responses and conceptual documents
Develop cost estimates and GMPs covering equipment, general conditions, materials, labor, and subcontractor backup
Coordinate estimates with project specifications, scopes of work, schedules, phasing, and logistics plans
Provide real-time budget and program feedback to stakeholders
Oversee presentation documentation and manage real-time budgeting throughout design
Develop or review project schedules for hard bid and negotiated projects
Manage bid takers, analyze bids, lead subcontractor selection decisions, and enter correct subcontractor bids
Manage project costs through preconstruction, contract pricing, and buy-out phases
Support operations during construction and identify opportunities to enhance projects
Complete or review General Conditions and Fee Calculators for CMR, CMA, Best Value, and Design Build projects
Review front-end specifications and scopes of work
Collaborate with Operations and Business Development to pursue and secure profitable work, including project pursuit interviews
Build stakeholder, subcontractor, and vendor relationships and support future negotiated opportunities
Assist with preconstruction content writing for RFP responses
Develop risk and project approach plans for Mission Critical pursuits with Operations and Marketing
Oversee risk management involving project costs, subcontractor selection, construction methods, and contract legal reviews
Conduct postmortem project reviews and apply lessons learned to future bids
Maintain databases tracking self-perform and historical project data
Promote and identify self-perform opportunities
Maintain estimating/preconstruction software and templates and promote technology use
Complete required safety training and promote Knutson’s Zero Incident safety culture

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering, Construction Management, Architecture or a related field and a minimum of 10+ years of preconstruction / construction experience, or Associate’s Degree in a construction related field and 15+ years of preconstruction / construction experience
Strong management skills in leading teams through the preconstruction process
Strong understanding of coaching, training, and employee development
Advanced knowledge of construction means and methods, building types, estimating, scheduling, cost control and material pricing
Thorough understanding of design-build and integrated project delivery (IPD) processes, including value-based design and budget control
Strong planning, problem solving, and troubleshooting skills in a cross functional environment
Collaborative and positive approach
Highly organized with excellent multi-tasking and prioritization skills
Ability to travel to various construction sites
Ability to physically review project sites, including use of stairways and mobilizing around existing landscapes
Ability to sit for extended periods working on a computer and reviewing plans/specifications
Ability to lift bid documents weighing up to fifty pounds as needed
Mission Critical Data Center project experience preferred

Benefits

Comp & perks

Competitive Pay
Performance Based Career Advancement
Medical, Dental and Vision
Health Savings Account with employer contribution
Flexible Spending Account
Paid Time Off
Life and Long-Term Disability Benefit with no premium cost to employee
Mentorship Program
Tuition Reimbursement
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Employee Referral Bonus Program
Flex Fridays
401k w/Company Match
Annual Discretionary Bonus Program
Successful Annual Discretionary Profit-Sharing Program
Paid Parental Leave