Preconstruction Lead - Building

Position Overview

A Preconstruction Lead oversees various classes of building estimates and provides preconstruction services for the civil, structural, and architectural systems of small to mid-sized projects or a portion of a large project.  Markets include power, industrial, and heavy commercial projects. Duties will include, but are not limited to, coordination with project leadership, leading a team of estimators, interfacing with engineering and design teams, preparing and implementing procurement strategies, formulating a division of work plan, trade partner outreach and relationship building, analyzing drawing and specifications for constructability and risk, reviewing quotes and proposals, presentation of estimates and strategies to senior leadership and clients, and other duties as required to provide preconstruction services for through various stages of design.

District Overview

Kiewit Engineering Group, Inc. is a full-service engineering consulting and design firm serving a broad range of industrial markets. With more than 1,300 engineers and design professionals across all major engineering disciplines, we support the industrial, transportation, power, water/wastewater, mining, building, and oil, gas & chemical markets.

Our operations-focused engineering approach integrates over 130 years of construction expertise to deliver safe, efficient facilities — finishing projects on schedule and ensuring that Nobody Gets Hurt.

The Industrial & Water Engineering team includes process, mechanical, electrical, controls, structural, architectural, geotechnical, and civil disciplines. We specialize in EPC and design-build delivery for industrial projects in markets including:

• Datacenters
• Mineral Processing
• Renewable Fuels
• Pulp & Paper
• Industrial Energy, Water & Utilities

Location

This position is based in Lenexa, Kansas. Opportunities for flexible work are available.

Responsabilities

• Lead the preconstruction phase, ensuring alignment with client goals, design intent, budget, and schedule.
• Collaborate with clients, architects, engineers, and consultants to define scope and deliverables.
• Review plans and specifications to establish project understanding and build strategy.
• Develop and manage preconstruction schedules and key milestones.
• Prepare budgets and estimates at all design stages. Analyze drawings to identify gaps and risks.
• Solicit, review, and level trade partner bids. Provide value engineering options and benchmark costs.
• Participate in design reviews to assess constructability, materials, and systems.
• Recommend alternative methods and sequencing.
• Coordinate with design teams to resolve discrepancies and integrate construction insights.
• Develop procurement strategy, bid packages, and division of responsibilities.
• Manage trade partner outreach, prequalification, and selection.
• Support scope development and contract negotiations.
• Identify and mitigate budget, schedule, logistics, and design risks.
• Maintain accurate cost tracking and reporting.
• Prepare and present budget updates, cost studies, and risk assessments.
• Serve as primary preconstruction contact supporting procurement strategy.
• Lead coordination meetings and maintain clear communication.
• Communicate critical issues and estimate assumptions.
• Present estimates and proposals to senior management and clients.
• Mentor estimating and project engineering staff.
• Ensure complete documentation for transition to construction.
• Support kickoff meetings, early buyout, and mobilization.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management, Engineering, Architecture, or related field; continued training in estimating and project planning preferred.
• 15+ years of senior experience in estimating, preconstruction, project management, or trade partner management, with proven results on industrial and heavy commercial projects.
• Strong background in design‑phase coordination, budgeting, and value engineering.
• Broad experience with multiple delivery models (DBB, DB, DA, EPC, CMAR, IPD).
• Deep knowledge of construction methods, building systems, materials, and market pricing.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experienced with estimating software and open to learning InEight.
• Skilled with Primavera P6, Bluebeam, and OST.
• Solid understanding of building codes, design standards, and sustainable construction.
• Able to perform detailed quantity takeoffs and cost analyses.
• Demonstrated leadership of cross‑functional teams and ability to manage multiple pursuits under tight deadlines.
• Strong communication, organization, and decision‑making skills.
• Ethical, detail‑oriented, results‑driven, and committed to mentoring and collaboration.
• Excellent client‑facing abilities, including proposals, budget presentations, negotiations, and relationship‑building with owners, architects, and trade partners.
• CPE or PMP preferred; OSHA 30‑Hour a plus. #LI-TJ1