Preconstruction Project Manager I, II, & Senior - Talent Pool

Pre-Construction Project Manager (I, II & Senior)

Samet Corporation | Greensboro, NC · Raleigh, NC · Charlotte, NC · Wilmington, NC · Charleston, SC · Savannah, GA

This is an evergreen talent-pipeline posting open across all six Samet offices — not a specific, currently open position.

Great careers rarely start with perfect timing. That’s why we like to meet strong Pre-Construction Project Managers before a seat opens up. Applying here puts you on our radar across all six Samet offices—so when the right opportunity fits, whether that’s now or a few months down the road, we already know you and you already know us. No perfect timing required; we’d just love to start the conversation.

Pre-Construction Project Managers shape how clients experience Samet before a shovel hits the ground. You’ll coordinate professional design services, build accurate conceptual-through-contract cost estimates, run value engineering, and manage the design and bidding process, turning ideas and budgets into buildable, fundable projects.

From estimating and constructability to client presentations and project turnover, you own the preconstruction experience and mentor the team that delivers it. If you love the strategy and the numbers behind great buildings, this is where preconstruction careers are built at Samet.

Levels & Experience

We hire Pre-Construction Project Managers across levels and will align scope to your experience (listed by experience range):

• Pre-Con Project Manager I — Performs take-offs and conceptual-through-contract estimates, coordinates with designers, runs bidder solicitation, and supports proposals. Typically 2–4 years of related experience; estimating software (MC²/Sage) and Primavera familiarity valued.
• Pre-Con Project Manager II — Leads comprehensive preconstruction services end to end — negotiating professional service agreements, developing sophisticated budgets and schedules, leading sales presentations, and managing design coordination and risk. Typically 8–12 years of preconstruction, design coordination, or project management experience.
• Pre-Con Project Manager, Senior — Leads advanced cost estimation and value engineering, with emphasis on MEP systems, life-cycle cost analysis, and CPM scheduling, while mentoring team members. Typically 5–7 years of estimating experience; Sage Estimating and LEED accreditation preferred.

What You’ll Do

• Prepare accurate conceptual, preliminary, and contract cost estimates — including general conditions, site development, and building systems — using computer-based estimating software.
• Perform quantitative take-offs and detailed quantitative surveys, and maintain historical cost data to improve future estimates.
• Develop life-cycle cost analyses and value engineering studies, including for mechanical, plumbing, and electrical systems.
• Lead preparation of preconstruction proposals and negotiate professional service agreements with architects, engineers, and specialty consultants.
• Develop conceptual budgets and preliminary/CPM schedules, and monitor design schedules against project milestones.
• Set up and execute vendor/subcontractor bidder solicitation (goal of three bids per trade) and coordinate bid-day activities and market coverage.
• Collaborate with architects, engineers, and designers to understand design concepts and ensure constructability and code compliance.
• Review and analyze design documents for accuracy, completeness, and constructability, and complete drawing coordination reviews.
• Write detailed scopes of work and technical specifications, and reconcile client program against design scope.
• Identify risks and develop proactive mitigation strategies for cost and design integration.
• Attend and lead sales presentations to prospective clients, and document meetings and commitments for accountability.
• Use BIM technologies and project collaboration platforms to drive efficiency, and stay current on materials, systems, codes, and trends.
• Attend project turnover meetings to transition projects to construction, and mentor junior preconstruction staff.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in architecture, engineering, construction management, or a related field.
• Preconstruction, estimating, or design coordination experience appropriate to the level (see Levels & Experience above).
• Proficiency in estimating software (MC², Sage, or similar), project management tools, and BIM technologies.
• Experience developing and managing CPM schedules in Primavera or similar.
• Knowledge of construction project delivery methods (Design-Build, Design-Bid-Build, CM at Risk, IPD).
• Strong understanding of building codes, regulations, and construction processes.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 with advanced Excel and presentation skills.
• Exceptional communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex technical concepts to diverse stakeholders.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, and the ability to build and mentor teams (at the senior levels).
• LEED accreditation and energy-modeling experience (preferred at senior levels).

Additional Requirements

Physical Demands: A primarily office-based role with frequent, recurring visits to active construction sites. Regularly required to sit, walk (including on rough or uneven surfaces), use hands and fingers to handle equipment and files, reach, drive, bend, talk, see, and hear; occasionally required to stand, climb stairs or ladders, balance, kneel, crouch, or twist, and infrequently to crawl. Must regularly lift and/or move up to 20 pounds and occasionally up to 40 pounds. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment: An office environment with frequent, recurring visits to active construction sites, where noise and light levels may be higher and proper PPE is required. Temperature varies by location and season. Frequent travel is required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Computer Skills: Intermediate-to-advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office 365 (advanced Excel) and SharePoint, with estimating software (MC²/Sage), scheduling software (Primavera), and BIM/collaboration platforms. Able to collaborate via Zoom or Teams and type complex correspondence.

Math Ability: Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percentage and to draw and interpret bar graphs.

Reasoning Ability: Able to define problems, collect and analyze data, and draw valid conclusions; interpret plans, specifications, and technical requirements to resolve complex preconstruction challenges.

Certificates and Licenses: A valid driver’s license is required. LEED accreditation preferred.

Why Samet

At Samet, we build more than projects — we build people. As one of the fastest-growing construction firms in the Southeast, we give our team the tools, training, and trust to take on real responsibility early and grow into the leaders our projects need.

You’ll learn directly from some of the best builders in the business, backed by structured development through Samet University and Builders Building Builders. You’ll work on meaningful projects, supported by an award-winning safety culture and a team that genuinely looks out for one another. And you’ll do it all The Samet Way — with integrity, a commitment to quality, and a belief that how we build matters as much as what we build.

If you’re ready to grow your career with a company that’s invested in your success, we’d love to meet you.

Notice to Third-Party Recruiters and Agencies

Samet Corporation does not accept unsolicited resumes or candidate submissions and does not permit recruiters or agencies to solicit candidates to our hiring managers or employees. Resumes are only accepted under a signed agreement and a written request from the Director of Talent Strategy for a specific opening; no other Samet Corporation employee is authorized to engage an agency or bind the company. Any resume submitted otherwise becomes the property of Samet Corporation and may be pursued without obligation to pay a fee. All partnership and agreement inquiries must be directed to the Director of Talent Strategy.

Samet Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Samet participates in E-Verify.