Jobs › Clune Construction

Senior Preconstruction Manager

Clune Construction · Chicago, IL · $134,000–$151,000 a year · Full time

Posted Aug 10, 2026 · We last checked this listing on Oct 6, 2026

Apply at Clune Construction

Likely interview questions for this role

Written from this job description, not a generic list. Each one notes what the interviewer is really checking.

About your past

How do you make sure the handoff from preconstruction to the operations team goes smoothly?

What they are checking: Whether they pass along assumptions, risks and decisions so the field team does not inherit surprises.

Tell me about a time your early cost advice changed a client's design direction.

What they are checking: Whether they act as a trusted advisor who shapes projects, not just a person who prices drawings.

How do you lead a preconstruction team of estimators and coordinate outside design partners at the same time?

What they are checking: Whether they manage people and stakeholders together during a fast, high-stakes phase.

Tell me about a presentation you gave to a client that helped win a project.

What they are checking: Whether they can explain cost and strategy clearly and build confidence in the team.

What would you do

A client's budget and your estimate are fifteen percent apart. How do you close the gap?

What they are checking: Whether they offer smart value engineering and options rather than just cutting numbers to win work.

How would you improve the preconstruction process across the company, not just on one project?

What they are checking: Whether they think about systems and standards, which the posting says this role owns.

A client keeps changing the program during design. How do you keep the budget under control?

What they are checking: Whether they track changes clearly and show the client the cost of each decision as it happens.

About the work

Walk me through how you build a cost estimate when the design is only at schematic level.

What they are checking: Whether they can make sound assumptions, carry the right contingency and explain where numbers might move.

What do you check to make sure an estimate is not missing scope?

What they are checking: Whether they use checklists, past project data and team reviews to catch gaps before pricing goes out.

How do you price long-lead equipment and market volatility in early estimates?

What they are checking: Whether they handle escalation and supply risk honestly instead of hiding it in the numbers.

Practice this interview out loud.

Offer builds a real interview for this exact role at Clune Construction from your resume and this job description, asks the questions one at a time, and tells you what landed. The first one is free.

Practice this out loud

The full job description

As published by Clune Construction.

Are you ready to grow your career with a company that values excellence and invests in its people? At Clune Construction, we’re more than builders—we’re a team of driven, collaborative and talented individuals who take pride in delivering exceptional work. Excellence is at the core of everything we do, from the quality of our projects to the way we support our people. As an employee-owned company, we invest in our team, and in return, our people share in our success. This shared commitment has earned us recognition as a Best Place to Work, a US Best Managed Company and a recipient of the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics. Whether you’re a seasoned construction professional or looking to bring your expertise to a new area, we welcome you to join our team and make an impact! The Senior Preconstruction Manager plays a critical role in shaping project success by providing accurate cost evaluations, fostering collaborative client relationships, and delivering innovative solutions during the preconstruction phase. This position ensures a seamless transition from concept to execution by integrating technical expertise, leadership of both internal and external teams, and strategic communication with all stakeholders. Essential Functions: This individual will be responsible for all aspects of the preconstruction system, structure, and process including: • Lead all aspects of the project from initial estimate to subcontractor finalization. • Act as a collaborative advocate and communicator for project and customer success. • Leverage experience to guide project teams through permitting and site mobilization. • Provide innovative solutions to project challenges. • Lead the bidding and trade partner management process. • Develop and maintain strong client and business relationships. • Create detailed conceptual cost estimates and studies from schematic-level documentation. • Lead and mentor preconstruction teams effectively. Supervisory Responsibilities: • This role may have supervisory responsibilities of a Preconstruction Engineer, an Assistant Project Manager, a Project Engineer and/or an Intern. What We Offer At Clune Construction we value each of our employees and care about their wellbeing. We strive to provide best-in-class benefits packages, including: • 100% company-paid premiums for Medical, Dental & Vision for all dependents (effective day one) • Employee Stock Ownership Plan • 401k Retirement Plan with Company Match • Employee Assistance Program • Company-paid and Voluntary Life Insurance Plans • Company-paid Short Term and Long Term Disability • Flexible Spending, Dependent Care and Commuter Plans • Career Development through Mentoring Program, Learning & Development, Continuing Education • Fitness Program • Pet Insurance Core Values and Behaviors Clune Construction is proud to have Core Values and Behaviors that all of our employees represent. These Core Values are: Safety, Service, Teamwork, Respect, Excellence, Leadership and Innovation. Performance is evaluated with these Core Values in mind. Job Requirements: • Excellent listening and communication skills. • Creative, innovative, and adaptive problem-solving abilities. • Effective team collaboration with internal and external partners. • Advanced project management skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines. • Exceptional oral and written communication and interpersonal skills required. Must have the ability to relate and interact with higher-end clientele. Education and Experience: • Bachelor Degree in Construction Management, Architecture or Engineering is preferred, but strong work experience will be considered • 10+ years of construction project management experience, with 7 years of experience specifically in commercial construction • Experience in preparing detailed conceptual estimates and studies. • Familiarity with a variety of building construction types. • Knowledge of regional market trends, competition, and industry standards. • Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite, take-off software (e.g., On-Screen Takeoff), project management software (e.g., CMiC), and scheduling software (e.g., Microsoft Project). • Extensive knowledge of construction cost, scheduling, estimating, purchasing, and engineering principles. • Thorough understanding of drawings, specifications, contracts, and construction methods. Pay Range: $134,000- $151,000 The salary range listed reflects a broad scope of potential earnings for this position. Actual compensation will be based on factors such as relevant experience, skills, education, and internal equity. Please note that it is not common for candidates to be hired at the top of the range. We encourage open communication about compensation expectations during the hiring process. All candidates must provide a resume. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer and do not discriminate against applicants due to race, ethnicity, gender, veteran status, or on the basis of disability or any other federal, state or local protected class.

Apply at Clune Construction