Preconstruction Manager in Norfolk, Virginia at Lawson Operating Company

ABOUT LAWSON

The Lawson Companies (Lawson) is a private, vertically integrated real estate development, management, construction, and investment company headquartered in Norfolk, VA. With origins dating back to 1946, Lawson offers expertise in a wide range of real estate disciplines from ground up development and construction to the acquisition and repositioning of income-producing properties. The firm is actively expanding its portfolio of over 5,500 apartments with several exciting development and construction projects throughout Virginia.

Lawson team members are united by a vision for the future that is based on purpose and a set of shared core values. By emphasizing personal accountability and teamwork, our employees are offered a high degree of autonomy and authority. Those who thrive under these organizational conditions can directly add value in their communities.

JOB SCOPE AND PURPOSE

The Preconstruction Manager is a senior leadership role responsible for working with subcontractors and historical cost data to formulate budgets as well as provide appropriate value engineering opportunities to help make construction projects cost effective.

This is a full-time position that can be done remotely or at Lawson headquarters in Norfolk, VA.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Preconstruction Manager

1. Must have a thorough understanding of construction means and methods.
2. Develop construction cost estimates for diverse locations and construction types.
3. Must have clear and analytical approach to problem solving and strong decision-making abilities.
4. In coordination with the project team, lead pre-construction cost planning including the development of conceptual, schematic, and final construction cost estimates.
5. Ability to prepare conceptual cost model estimates from limited information.
6. Review development specific design requirements and specifications, and attend design meetings to determine scope of work and required contents of estimates.
7. Review plans and specifications, prepare quantity takeoffs, and solicit bids on assigned projects to deliver professional and accurate cost forecasts.
8. Identify scope gaps and ensure appropriate accounting for such items in overall estimating package.
9. Contact subcontractors and suppliers to provide proper pricing and coverage of scope of work reflected in plans and specifications.
10. Identify and qualify new suppliers and subcontractors while maintaining healthy existing relationships.
11. Identify cost trends to assist the development and construction team in cost reduction and process improvement efforts.
12. Strong scope writing and bid leveling skills across all trades is required.
13. Prepare cost related reports by collecting, analyzing and summarizing information and trends.
14. Understand processes involved with bidding construction projects.
15. Ability to communicate clearly orally and in writing is required.

Preconstruction Manager Requirements:

1. 5 or more years of experience estimating and cost control on multi-family construction projects; preferably with an owner/general contractor.

2. Undergraduate or graduate degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a degree in a related discipline.

3. Knowledge of VHDA Minimum Design and EarthCraft Design is a plus.

4. Demonstrated knowledge of scheduling, budgeting, subcontract coordination, and general construction processes.

5. Familiarity reading drawings and specifications.

6. Proficiency with BlueBeam, SAGE/Timberline, and On-Screen Takeoff.

7. Computer proficient, including Microsoft Office products.

8. Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.

9. Team player and reliable.

10. Interest and passion for building and the industry.

11. Detail oriented with ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

12. Ability to demonstrate the company's core values - Strive for Excellence; Confident, yet Humble; Problem Solve; Collaborate; Continually Learn and Improve; Respectful; Does the Right Thing in every aspect of their role.

13. This position requires driving a Company vehicle or a personal vehicle on behalf of the Company; therefore, the incumbent must successfully complete a motor vehicle history check, possess and maintain a current, valid driver's license in their state of residence, be determined to be position qualified and self-report convictions as per the Lawson Vehicle Policy.

The Lawson Companies offers full-time employees a competitive employment package including, but not limited to medical, dental, vision, life insurance, 401K options, PTO, competitive salary and project bonus structure.