Director of Preconstruction

Holt Brothers Construction is an award-winning, Carolina-based, full-service construction firm focused on delivering thoughtful, high-quality projects with an emphasis on client service, community engagement, and teamwork. Founded by former NFL players Terrence and Torry Holt, the company brings a competitive spirit and collaborative mindset to every job, building spaces that make a lasting impact.

POSITION TITLE: Director of Preconstruction

REPORTS TO: VP Business Unit Leader

DEPARTMENT: Preconstruction

TYPE: Full time, Exempt

JOB SUMMARY

The Director of Preconstruction is responsible for leading and managing the company’s preconstruction department while driving strategic growth across North Carolina and South Carolina. This role provides leadership for all preconstruction services including estimating strategy, budgeting, constructability review, and early-stage project planning.

The Director of Preconstruction works closely with clients, subcontractors, architects, and internal teams to define scope, prepare detailed estimates, and develop efficient schedules and works in close partnership with the Director of Operations to ensure seamless transition from preconstruction to construction execution.

This position plays a critical role in project pursuit strategy, client relationship development, and strengthening the company’s presence with owners, developers, architects, and industry partners across the region.

The ideal candidate is a strategic construction leader with strong market relationships, deep estimating expertise, and the ability to lead teams while influencing business development and operational success.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS, DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities and skills required of personnel.

Department Leadership

Lead the preconstruction department, ensuring alignment with Holt Brothers Construction’s objectives, vision, and values. Motivate and inspire the preconstruction team, including estimators, preconstruction managers, and support staff to achieve milestones and foster a culture of excellence.

Establish departmental goals, standards, and performance metrics.

Provide mentorship to team members, with the goal of maintaining a high-performing preconstruction culture.

Oversee workload planning and resource allocation across multiple projects and pursuits.

Implement and improve preconstruction systems, tools, and estimating processes.

Preconstruction Strategy & Execution

Direct all phases of preconstruction services, including conceptual estimating, budgeting, value engineering, constructability review, and bid preparation.

Lead pricing strategies to ensure competitive, accurate, and profitable proposals.

Ensure that all plans and schedules account for local laws, construction regulations, and environmental factors.

Develop and maintain cost databases and market intelligence to support accurate forecasting.

Responsible for the tracking and monitoring of the preconstruction personnel time to ensure adequate resources to support projects and track our annual preconstruction budget.

Ensure alignment between preconstruction planning and operational execution.

Market Development

Support the company’s strategic growth across North and South Carolina.

Build and maintain strong relationships with:

Developers

Owners

Architects and design teams

Engineers

Subcontractors

Industry Partners

Participate in industry organizations, networking events, and community engagement to strengthen the company’s presence.

Provide insights into leadership on market trends, project opportunities, and competitive positioning.

Operations Partnership & Field Support

Partner closely with the Director of Operations to ensure alignment between preconstruction planning and project execution.

Collaborate with operations and field teams to identify risks, constructability considerations, and cost drivers early in the project lifecycle.

Support smooth project handoffs by participating in project kickoff meetings and providing clarifications on estimates, scope, and budgets.

Maintain regular engagement with field teams and job sites to strengthen coordination between preconstruction and operations

Project Pursuit & Client Engagement

Collaborate with Business Development and Executive Leadership to evaluate project pursuit opportunities.

Serve as the primary point of contact for clients during the preconstruction phase, building and nurturing long term relationships.

Ensure that clients’ needs are met through clear communication and transparency throughout the planning stages.

Participate in go/no go decision-making for major projects

Lead preconstruction efforts for complex or high-value pursuits, present budgets, schedules, and value engineering strategies to clients and design teams

Support proposal development and client presentations during the pursuit process

GENERAL BACKGROUND AND MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

 Education

Bachelor’s degree in construction management, engineering, architecture, or a related field

Experience:

10 + years of construction industry experience, with significant focus on preconstruction and estimating

5 + years of leadership experience managing preconstruction or estimating teams.

Experience working with commercial construction projects (i.e. office, healthcare, education, hospitality, mixed use, or similar sectors preferred).

Strong familiarity with construction markets in North and South Carolina is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

Strategic leadership and team development

Advanced estimating and cost analysis expertise

Strong understanding of construction methods and sequencing

Client relationship management and business development support

Excellent communication and presentation skills

Ability to influence cross-functional teams and executive leadership

Proficiency with construction management software (e.g. On-Screen Takeoff, Procure, Bluebeam, Microsoft Project, or similar)

Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office (Outlook, Word, Excel)

Travel Requirements

This role requires regular regional travel (approximately 10 – 20%) to support project pursuits, client meetings, industry events, and job site visits across North and South Carolina.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

The Director of Preconstruction operates in a construction environment requiring a balance of office leadership, field engagement, and regional networking.

Office Environment: Daily collaboration with the preconstruction team, operations leadership, and executive staff to develop estimates, pursue new opportunities, and plan upcoming projects

Job Sites: Regular
visits to active and potential construction sites to evaluate site conditions, review project logistics, and collaborate with field leadership. Job site environments may include exposure to varying weather conditions, active construction activities, heavy equipment, and uneven terrain.

Networking & Client Engagement: Participation in client meetings, industry events, and professional networking opportunities to build relationships with developers, architects, subcontractors, and industry partners.

WORK AUTHORIZATION

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Holt Brothers Construction does not provide sponsorship for employment visas and will not consider applicants who require sponsorship now or in the future.